April 2023 MBR The Travel Shelf

The Travel Shelf

Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle
Jack Kavanagh
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426222160, $35.00, HC, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Always-Ireland-Insiders-Tour-Emerald/dp/1426222165

Synopsis: From the emerald green coastal cliffs to centuries-old castles, hole-in-the-wall pubs to world-renowned distilleries, this richly illustrated narrative showcases Ireland's best sights, bites, and experiences. Written by Jack Kavanagh (a renowned expert in all things Eire), "Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle" celebrates the multilayered beauty of the landscape, shines a light on the country's innovative traditions, and reveals the robust nightlife across a variety of picturesque cities.

Featuring more than 300 glorious National Geographic images, along with recommended itineraries, practical tips, and insightful histories, populate these informative and inspiring pages, "Always Ireland" is organized by region and allows you to map your way through the country's well-known places and hidden treasures alike, featuring must-do experiences, scenic destinations, and expert advice on where to stay, what to eat, and what to do. Each individual section offers in-the-know secrets and off-the-beaten path recommendations, featuring art galleries, hiking trails, national parks, fishing villages, and more. Of special note is the discovery of favorites from Irish luminaries who know their country best, as well as recipes (from soda bread to Irish stew) that will bring the tastes of Ireland into your home kitchen.

Critique: Informed and informative, exceptionally well organized and presented, "Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle" is one-of-a-kind guided trip through Ireland that is especially recommended to the attention of on-site visitors and armchair travelers alike. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99), "Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle" is a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Ireland travel guide collections.

Editorial Note: Justin "Jack" Kavanagh (http://www.jkglobaltext.com/bio) grew up in County Wicklow, the "Garden of Ireland," where youthful weekends were spent hiking on the Wicklow Way or cycling to the ancient monastic site of Glendalough. He studied English literature and philosophy at University College Dublin before leaving his homeland to work in London, Tokyo, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C. He began his career in journalism at the Irish Press in Dublin and has gone on to write widely on travel, culture, current affairs, and sports for National Geographic Traveler, The Globalist, The Independent, and In Dublin magazine. He is currently the leader of National Geographic Expeditions' Ireland: Tales and Treasures of the Emerald Isle tour.

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