I will be traveling to those countries next summer and was hoping Frodorites can offer guidebook recommendations. I am interested in books that have those "Do it yourself/self- guided tour" sections.

I know about Rick Steves' books and was hoping for more recommendations.

In addition, I am interested in books that have sections focusing on Dublin/Dingle, Brussels/Bruggs, Amdsterdam.

Look into the Lonely Planet series. I have used their guidebooks for many cities in Europe. Very good descriptions, and usually have a self-guided walking tour of various neighborhoods.

Michelin Green Guides meet your specifications. Light and easy to use, excellent maps and illustrations. Steves' maps are rubbish.

I will not drive.

I will mainly use rail, feet, and bus.

I also want in depth description of the buildings/cities/towns/sites.

How about Rough Guides? Any suggestions?

Give this additional information, do you still think Lonely Planet/Michelin Green Guides are the best?

I travel mostly using public transportation. LP has the best maps, IMHO.

You may also want to see if BLUE GUIDES have any guidebooks for those regions. Blue guides focus heavily on art/culture/architecture. While LP is good for a casual tourist as it has a good bit of everything, Blue Guides have few of "other" stuff (like hotels restaurants shops transport guide etc). Also, Blue Guides aren't as up to date as they don't have a new edition every year.

In any case, when I travel, I usually get LP + Blue Guide.

I've used Michelin Green Guide once before. Lots and lots of detailed info, but I find it too dry for me and I haven't given it another chance since.

Google it and download.

How do you download?

Another vote for Michelin - they are a little dry but the depth of research is excellent.

Lavandula

I like Rough Guides. I have no experience of their books covering the places you want, but I like the format, the writing style and generally the information. They are better than LP imo. They do a guide to Amsterdam, and also an Amsterdam Directions book which s smaller and aimed at those spending just a couple of days in the city, plus of course the full Netherlands guide. They do one in that series for Brugge too, plus a bigger guide to Brussels, and a general Belgium guide..

Having said all that what about Fodor's guides?