Updated: January 28, 2023
Visiting Ireland can be more than a bit overwhelming. You are either visiting the busy capital of Dublin or enjoying the calm and quietness of the breathtaking Irish countryside. Ireland is a very diverse country and you need to prepare for different scenarios. You can expect crowds in some places while in other parts of Ireland you simply need to understand where to go and what to do. We highly recommend properly planning your visit to Ireland. The travel books and travel guides in this post are here to help you on your way. We have hand picked all of these books!
This is one of Europe’s most famous destinations and especially popular amongst Americans. It is also a city that has become known for overtourism. Over the last years, my wife and I have traveled to the destination on numerous occasions. We know how crowds can make a city busy but also know where to find the quiet places. All our research has been done using the travel books we recommend here. These books are our personal favorites and we believe they will help make your trip to Ireland an unforgettable experience. From exploring the historic landmarks of Dublin to discovering the hidden gems of the countryside, these travel guides will provide you with all the information you need to make the most out of your visit to Ireland.
- All books have been handpicked by us!
- Books with bad reviews are left out.
- This post includes affiliate marketing links on which we can earn a commission.
Lonely Planet’s Dublin is your go-to guide for exploring the city’s top sights and hidden gems. The guide includes a pull-out, passport-size ‘Just Landed’ card with important information such as Wi-Fi, ATM, and transport info to help you navigate the city from the airport to your hotel. The guide also includes color maps and images, highlights and itineraries to tailor your trip to your personal interests, insider tips to save time and money, essential information such as hours of operation, phone numbers, and websites, and honest reviews for all budgets. The guide covers popular neighborhoods and areas such as Grafton Street, Camden St, Merrion Square, Temple Bar, Kilmainham & the Liberties, North of the Liffey, Docklands, the Grand Canal, Southside, and more. For those looking for a shorter trip, check out Lonely Planet’s Pocket Dublin guide which features the best sights and experiences for a weekend trip. For those looking to explore more of the country, check out Lonely Planet’s Ireland guide for an in-depth look at the country.
Lonely Planet’s Ireland is the ultimate travel guide for exploring this beautiful country. With up-to-date information and detailed planning tools, this guidebook helps you make the most of your trip, whether you’re looking to see the iconic sights or take the road less traveled. Inside, you’ll find insider tips to save time and money, as well as detailed maps and beautiful images to inspire your journey. With coverage of Dublin, Counties Wicklow and Kildare, Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo, County Donegal, the Midlands, Belfast, Down and Armagh, Londonderry and Antrim, Fermanagh and Tyrone, this guidebook has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Ireland.
Rick Steves Ireland is the ultimate travel guide for planning a multi-week trip through the Emerald Isle. This comprehensive guidebook offers strategic advice on how to make the most of your time and money, with rankings of Rick’s must-see favorites. Discover top sights and hidden gems, from the Rock of Cashel to distilleries making whiskey with hundred-year-old recipes. Learn how to connect with local culture by hoisting a pint at the corner pub, and avoid tourist traps with Rick’s candid, humorous insight. With detailed maps, self-guided walking tours and trip-planning tools, this guidebook has everything you need to make the most of your Irish adventure.
Lonely Planet’s Experience Ireland is a must-have travel guide for anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the Irish culture and way of life. This guide offers a unique perspective on the destination, with one-of-a-kind adventures and local expert tips to help you create your own personalized trip. Inside, you’ll find information on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, and delicious local food scene, as well as practical information on money, transportation, and responsible travel. With comprehensive maps, beautiful full-color photography, and a handy seasonal trip planner, this guide is the perfect companion for your journey. What sets this book apart from a regular Lonely Planet guide is the ability to build your own trip with the trip building tools, QR codes, and expert advices, making your journey even more unique and memorable.
Fodor’s Essential Ireland is the perfect guidebook for travelers looking to explore the Emerald Isle. Written by local experts, it offers detailed information and recommendations on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and activities in Ireland, including Dublin, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Cork, and Northern Ireland. The guide includes multiple itineraries, more than 30 detailed maps, beautiful color photos, and practical tips for trip-planning. In addition, it features special sections on top festivals and events, what to eat and drink, and historical and cultural insights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Fodor’s Essential Ireland has everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
By reading up on history of our travel destinations we can better understand the behaviour of those living in the places that we visit. Every place that we visit has its own unique history. Ireland has a long and rich history. Although the city’s history is too extensive to cover in a single book, this book does a good job in summarizing centuries of history in an easy to read accessable book.
In all our overviews of travel guides, we include a travel book that is made for children. This Ireland Travel Activity Book and Journal is easy to use for children and will be really entertaining for kids making the life of parents much easier, even on longer trips. The book will help making the trip to Ireland fun, easy and entertaining for you and the kids.
The Rough Guide to Ireland is a comprehensive and entertaining travel guide that provides practical information and honest recommendations for exploring Ireland. The guide includes detailed regional coverage, with information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas. It features honest and independent reviews, written with Rough Guides’ trademark blend of humor, honesty and expertise, to help travelers make the most of their trip to Ireland. The guide also includes meticulous mapping, with practical full-color maps and clear numbered, color-coded keys, as well as full-color photography, time-saving itineraries, and a rundown of the top sights and experiences to be found in Ireland. Additionally, the guide includes information on getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more. A free eBook version of the guide is also available.