Reviews (8)

A Must Have!
First of all, please note that this is a coffee table-type book. It is oversized and oddly-shaped. So if that bothers you, steer clear.
Appropriate title!
I bought this book because my dad's side of the family is Irish and I'd hoped to one day go.The book is a gorgeous addition to my photography book collection...and my desire to go to Ireland has been upgraded from 'one day hope to go' to 'can't wait to go!'.
Absolutely Beautiful
The photos in this book are gorgeous. Anyone who has been or wants to go to Ireland should look at this book. Those who have never been will want to go when they see the beauty of the land depicted in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Historical sites    3. Individual Photographer    4. Photography    5. Travel    6. Travel - World/Europe   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Europe - Italy    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Italy    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (1)

Wow!
This isn't the perfect coffee-table-travel-reference book for golf in Scotland and Ireland, but then Tiger Woods isn't the perfect golfer either.If you've golfed in Scotland and Ireland, if you're planning to play in Scotland and Ireland, or if you're only dreaming of playing in Scotland and Ireland, this is absolutely one book that you must have.It's a steal at Amazon's $37.80.You may recognize some of the text, paraphrased a bit, from Finegan's 1996 "Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens" [Scotland], and "Emerald Fairways and Foam-Flecked Seas" [Ireland], but this large format book is in no way a duplicate.What can I say?The golf course photography by Laurence Lambrecht is spectacular.Finegan's prose sparkles as ever.Any negatives?Sometimes, I think, Finegan goes a little over the top, maybe even a lot over the top.But who cares? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Golf    2. Golf - General    3. Golf courses    4. Guidebooks    5. Ireland    6. Scotland    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Reviews (5)

Brilliant Golf Landscape Photography
Emerald Gems is a terrific compilation of golf landscape photographs in a large coffee table type of format (11x12?).Many if not all of the very best courses of Ireland are reviewed.
Incredible photos.
This book has incredible beautiful photographs of ALL of the great courses in Ireland and a wonderful written talk about each course. The book is big. It will have to go on the coffee table and not in the bookcase, but it is truly beautiful. Very highly recommended.

Emerald Gems
In "Emerald Gems", Larry Lambrecht has been able to capture the feel and distinct nuances of the Irish links. The stunning photographs and accompanying stories provide the reader with an incredible sense of how golf was and is meant to be played and enjoyed. David Owen said, "The thing I like best about golf is the sense of infinite possibility..." Emerald Gems presents a real glimpse at that possibility and is a must read for those fortunate to have visited and played, and those who dream of doing so.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Golf    3. Golf courses    4. Photography    5. Pictorials    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Subjects & Themes - Regional    8. Subjects & Themes - Sports    9. Travel    10. Travel / Pictorials   

Editorial Review

Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, Read more

Reviews (147)

An essential book
This is such a good book, because of the way it is written, and also because of the incredible adventure it describes.It is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica.Shackleton had been to the Antarctic twice before.The first time he accompanied Robert Falcon Scott in 1901 in an attempt to reach the as yet unclaimed South Pole and claim it for Great Britain.They were unsuccessful and came very close to losing their lives.The significant problems that went with traveling in the Antarctic were that no one lived there (and so no one was there to help if you got into trouble), nothing lived in the interior (no plants or animals to feed on), and the climatic conditions were horrific (snow, ice, wind speeds of up to 200 miles an hour and temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit).Scott proved to be a very difficult man to travel with -arrogant, abusive and not particularly competent, which is not what you are looking for in the leader of such an expedition.The next time he journeyed south, in 1908, Shackleton, as the leader, chose his own men, and made his own mistakes, such as taking a team of ponies that were supposed to pull the sledges.The ponies were very ill-suited to such an environment and were eventually shot and eaten.This expedition was also a failure, but Shackleton had again learned a lot from the experience.By the end of 1912 the South Pole had been conquered by the Norwegian Amundson, and Shackleton's rival, Scott, had perished with all of his men only eleven miles from a supply depot that would have saved their lives.Now the only significant prize left to be achieved in the Antarctic was the traversing of the continent from one side to the other.Thus Shackleton's 1914 expedition was called the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Real adventure
It's a book that takes you to an incredible adventure. Photogrpahs make it even more exciting !

What an Adventure, and Pictures,Too.
I don't know why I keep reading these sagas of sufferring and adventure about polar expeditions,but I do.Of course, Shackleton's Anarctic expedition is one of the best of the bunch.
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Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Discovery And Exploration (General)    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Endurance (Ship)    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Special Interest - Adventure    15. Travel    16. Biography: general    17. Geographical discovery & exploration    18. Ireland    19. Journeys    20. Shackleton, Ernest Henry    21. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (3)

Beautiful and Charming
This is a Wonderful book! The pictures are very beautiful, vivid! A Photo Collection Of Great Interest
I lived in London for two years a decade ago and so had the opportunity to travel extensively through the stunning countryside of England and Scotland. I never made it to Ireland however and so purchased Irish Blessings in order to have a good look at what I missed. TOO MUCH! A Beautiful Coffee Table Book...
I guess I'm partial to Irish things, but I think this is a beautiful book. Pages are split between pictures...landscapes, buildings, homes, and text... Irish blessings (May the road rise to meet you...etc.) and Irishpoets. Not a book to read staight through, but a great display book for youand guests to thumb through during idle moments. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Ireland    5. Multicultural Nonfiction    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Pictorial works    9. Quotations, maxims, etc    10. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Europe    12. Folklore    13. Photographs: collections    14. Places & peoples: general interest    15. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money. Read more

Reviews (25)

Lonely Planet - Ireland
Outstanding!Just returned from our trip to Ireland, and found everything to be wonderful.For the areas we visited (Dublin and County Waterford), we went everywhere that was recommended, and were not disappointed.Loved the organization and presentation.

Best of the Best
Lonely Planet's "Ireland" is the most thorough travel guidebook I've found.It covers more subjects and lists more places than any other single guidebook. The descriptions are current, interesting and relevant.The maps are very useful and specific directions are given to get to the various sights listed.Also the Irish as well as the English form of place names is given - helpful when trying to interpret road signs.Various forms of transportation available in each place is also a bonus. This guidebook lists more lodging and eating options than any other. Whether you are into wind surfing or shopping, hiking or bar hopping, this book has a wealth of information for you. If you are only going to get one guidebook for your trip - this is the one to get.

Covers every little nook and cranny
My mom and I decided to spend a month driving all over Ireland.We took this book and the "Ireland (Eyewitness Travel Guides)" book.Both were very helpful.I'm drawn in more by pictures which is rather limited in this book but I promise in the 4 weeks we drove down all sorts of bad roads and lanes, never once did we come across a landmark, area or town that wasn't mentioned in this book!It was amazing.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Reference - Guides (General)    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Ireland    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive, engrossing and just plain fun-to-read guidebook than the Read more

Reviews (36)

Heavy Reading
Yes, this book is heavy - weight wise - but well worth the money.The photographs are very well done, and the mapage is not too shabby.If this is your first trip to Ireland this book will serve you well to prepare for your trip.But, don't expect to carry it with you everywhere you go unless you've had your full Irish breakfast with pork'n'beans.
Excellent Ireland travel guide
I purchased the Ireland Eyewitness Travel Guide to prepare myself for a vacation I'll be taking. It was wonderful! Organized well, color coded, beautiful pictures! I couldn't ask for a better book.

Journey of the Mind
DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are of such high quality that through them I venture thousands of miles without ever leaving home.This guide to Ireland, updated in 2003, was no exception.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Guidebooks    3. Ireland    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Reviews (5)

Best of Travelguides
My family used Frommer's Ireland 12th Ed. extensively before, during ,and after our trip to Ireland in July of 2002. The first two chapters Best of..., and Planning your Trip... were worth the purchase price alone. All of the Best of tips we followed were excellent choices. Frommer's Ireland, 12th ed.
My wife and I traveled around Ireland for two weeks this summer, and Frommer's Ireland was an amazingly helpful tool. Hurray for Frommer's!!
I planned a trip to Ireland for my Mother, 4 sisters and Myself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Ireland    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Reviews (14)

The Best Travel Advice
This was the most helpful book I've ever used while traveling.Not only does he touch on the highlighted cities, but his advice on B&B's was spot on!Little details like how to read street signs and what you are seeing out your window when you're driving was an unexpected bonus.I recommend this book for the Ireland traveler, and I plan to purchase Rick Steves England guide for my next trip.

Rick Steves' Ireland 2005
Extremely informative.Helpful for planning the trip before leaving, and very helpful while on the trip.
A Trip Without Leaving Home
Even if you're not planning a trip any time soon this book will make you feel like you've been there.And make you start planning your trip in ernest.Great information.I wouldn't want to go to Ireland without it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Ireland    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Reviews (30)

Come back to Pete's Pub, Mr. McCarthy
Loved the book. Truly a witty and lyric journey through Ireland (and an alcohol-fueled haze). It was especially nice to see my local, Pete's Pub in Boston, mentioned in the Prologue. Come visit us again sometime, Pete McCarthy. The fat barman wants his shirt back.
Hilarious and Informative
If you love wit that is both droll and fey, then you'll love this book. McCarthy has observed and then served up the Irish and many parts of Ireland very accurately. In the words of my Irish friend who gifted me with the book, "He actually got it and didn't make a caricature of it." He wanders through his various observations, settling upon many thoughts and subjects, which is a big part of the book's charm. But if you need a straight style and less complex sentence structures, then you may be one of the folks who won't provide a great review. I, however, couldn't recommend the book more.

A very dissappointing book
This book was recommended by a friend (not Irish) who thought it was hilarious. I found the book so lacking in humour and wit that I couldn't believe someone could enjoy such a read. National stereotypes are amusing but when they are not funny they come across as patronising, as did this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign   

Reviews (8)

Frommer's Italy - By Jai Kapadia
Having grown up in Italy for 15 years, I think I understand the place really well, but I still learnt a lot from this book. Great indepth coverage on restaurants, hotels and places to visit. Plus the color maps are very useful.

Should have bought it earlier
This is a great book for planning your travel.I wish I'd bought it before I'd booked my leave.The only downside I can think of is the included map.From the product description I thought it would be of all Italy but it's only a map of Rome.

Very complete travel guide!
Frommer's Italy 2006 is a very complete and easy to read travel guide. I especially enjoyed the restaurant tips (off the beaten track and very "Italian") and the maps.
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Subjects:  1. Travel - Foreign    2. Europe - Ireland    3. Italy    4. Travel & holiday guides    5. Travel / Europe / Italy    6. Europe - Italy    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel   

Editorial Review

On his only prior visit to Ireland, English songwriter-comic Tony Hawks had seen a man hitchhiking with a refrigerator. For years, he was wont to tell the tale during late-night drinking matches, and after one particularly heavy-duty night of partying, he awoke to find a bet scrawled pillowside: a friend wagered 100 pounds that Hawks wouldn't travel Ireland for a month with a refrigerator at his side.Read more

Reviews (63)

Silly, silly, silly
I loved this book from the start!I first read the book shortly after my first trip to Ireland.While my trip did not involve a kitchen appliance, we kept to same kind of 'go where the road takes us' kind of philosophy.I have given this book as a gift a number of times and every friend I've given it to has adored it.People who can laugh at themselves and make you laugh right along are a rare and wonderful breed.Wouldn't it be lovely to find and appreciate the absurd all the time?

Funny Funny Funny!
This was a great book to read as I am heading to Ireland in 3 weeks.I hope I meet as many warm and funny folks as Tony did in his travels.Light and warmhearted and a quick read.Buy it!

Share a Pint with Tony
Now that I finished reading Round Ireland with a Fridge, I miss it. I miss hanging out with Tony Hawks, the English comedian dubbed Fridge Man, and all the people of Ireland who befriended him along the way.
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Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Europe - Ireland    3. General    4. Hawks, Tony    5. Humor    6. Ireland    7. Northern Ireland    8. Travel   

Reviews (5)

The eloquence of the visual
The Light of Ireland is a portfolio of twenty-five black and white photographs made in the west of Ireland over a period of nearly thirty years.Rosenstock's stunning images, rich in detail and range of tones,are exquisitely reproduced in a handsome volume in which the binding andtypography contribute to its overall artistry.The few words ofintroduction are also carefully chosen; permitting the eloquent voice ofthe visual to command the attention of the reader.

A visual journey through the Irish Landscape.
Iam thrilled to own this fabulous book; it is a work of art.I feel such a connection to these spectacular images.The reproductions of the photographs are wonderful.The simplicity of the silvery gray book jacketenhances the volume.Ijust love having this book.The Light of Irelandis a complete treasure!

A Must for Collectors
This book is a MUST for the serious collector of photography. The 25 finely crafted images on the highest quality paper focus on Mr. Rosenstock's unique perspective of Ireland's mysterious landscape. Eachpage is a calming meditation. The people of Ireland ,among them notables,are already singing the praises of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Ireland    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography / Travel    5. Pictorial works    6. Travel    7. Travel / Europe / Ireland    8. Photography & Photographs    9. Places & peoples: general interest   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    3. New Age    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Ireland    7. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    8. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Reviews (3)

Fodor Ireland
Found it difficult to find specific information on specific locations.Would be OK if I were reading it cover to cover but to find specific info it was difficult.Index needs to be better.

Fodor's Ireland
This book is much more detailed than the See It First series.It provides much of the history of specific towns, and villages.This book also provided alot of information regarding festivals and villages that were truly off the beaten path.This book is missing the better maps.

Fodor's 2006 - Ireland
This guide has been most helpful for planning a trip to Ireland.There are recommendations on hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, pubs and many other places. The sections that deal with different areas of Ireland, and what are "must-sees" for certain places are very helpful.Another thing i found useful in this book are hints on the Irish culture, and historical background information, that i haven't seen in other things i've read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Reference - Guides (General)    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. 21st century    7. Ireland    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Reviews (19)

Read the book in the country - a hilarious account!
Having just traveled through Moldova on a cycling trip through Eastern Europe, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to read this whilst staying at the one and only hostel in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.
good preparation for a visit to Moldova
Without this book - I would surely have fallen down a manhole! As soon as I finished reading I added a head torch to my equipment list! I knew I was about to visit for 6 months and found the book fantastic preparation - whilst also being gut-wrenchingly funny. I have a massive collection of photographs of open manholes if anyone wants proof of the authenticity of this particular aspect of life in Moldova.
Laugh out loud funny
Having met a Moldovan at work and realising I knew nothing of the place, I typed in Moldova into Amazon's search engine and found this book.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. General    3. Travel    4. Travel - General   

Reviews (11)

Perfect for what I needed and wanted...
I was given the opportunity to speak at a user group meeting in Dublin this upcoming June, and I decided I didn't want to be completely ignorant about the country.While it won't be a touring vacation, I'd still like to know a bit more about where I'll be visiting.To that end, I received a review copy of Ireland for Dummies by Liz Albertson.It's a fun and easy read, and at least I won't be a *completely* stupid American tourist now.
Like Traveling With a Fun, Smart Friend
As a fairly frequent traveler to Ireland, I appreciate a lively, well-researched guide with a real "feel" (and love) for the country, and this is it! I love the style. The writing is breezy and fresh, chock-full of sharp observations and savvy tips.We're already using the guide to plan our next trip.
Do NOT visit Collintra House
On a recent trip to Ireland, I made reservations at Collintra House.When the reservations were made, I was told that there was an optional evening meal.When I arrived, that option was no longer there....the evening meal was mandatory at $35 Euros.The meal did not start until 10:15 P.M.After the meal at 12:30 A.M., the owner, Patricia, made many derogatory comments about the United States even though 11 of her 12 guests that evening were United States Citizens.The comments were to the extent that she wished harm to President Bush. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Guidebooks    3. Ireland    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

Editorial Review

The Mediterranean light hits the Greek islands in a special way. For thousands of years authors have been trying to describe it, and Yann Arthus-Bertrand's sumptuous photography brings it alive. The 102 color aerial photographs in Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful and brilliant!
This is a truly unique book. These aerial photographs are masterful artwork. The photographer has captured some of the most enchanting spots in Greece with expert use of natural light. Strolling through this book over and over again makes me see a land that is even more beautiful from the air than from the land; makes me see a beauty that previously I could only feel. The photo of the Skiathos fisherman in his boat suspended in the sea is absolutely magical! Going through this book after you return from Greece takes you back. Reading it before you visit impels you to go. Exquisite!

Beautiful bird's eye view of Greece
Whether or not you've been to Greece, a breeze through this book gives you a feeling of being there, taking you to the country's most popular and beautiful sites from a perspective unavailable to most. Although the colorsand uniqueness are difficult to portray, this comes very close. The photoof Zakynthos made me cry, and the photo of a village wedding stirred mysoul. It is a beloved addition to my collection, and an album ofunderstanding for those who have never seen it in person--simply lookthrough its pages and see Greece. Absolutely mind-bogglingly beautiful photos
I have never in my life seen such absolutely incredible photos. If you want to see Greece at its absolute best, nothing else can compare. There are a number of photos here that by themselves are worth the price of thebook. I can never recall having a book that is as captivating the 100thtime I look through it as the first time. The picture of the fisherman inhis boat seemingly floating on air is just simply the most amazing photoI've ever seen.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial photographs    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Europe - Greece    4. Greece    5. Greece - History    6. Photo Essays    7. Photography    8. Pictorial works    9. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Europe    10. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    11. Exhibition catalogues and specific collections    12. Photography & Photographs   

Reviews (1)

Another great book in the series.
Masterfully photographed, and printed on high quality paper, this book is a must have for any armchair traveller.Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. Europe - Italy    3. Ireland    4. Photography    5. Pictorial works    6. Pictorials    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Europe    8. Travel    9. Travel / Pictorials    10. Sale Books