Ireland is a feast for the eyes and for the spirit. For more than six thousand years, this island set like a jewel at the edge of the Atlantic has been inhabited by people who appreciated its special qualities, both physical and spiritual. Here is a land where the past is more than palpable. The past is to be seen, touched, climbed, explored, experienced. Glen and mountain and valley are peopled with memories that will not die, and spirits that are not extinguished. In a world which seems constantly in flux, some aspects of Ireland are changeless. Dublin is a modern European city, yet only a few miles away, the wind blows across Tara hill as it has done since before the dawn of history, and sheep graze on the grass where once walked the magic people, the Tuatha De Danann.

Dublin, like most great cities, did not grow overnight. Founded by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, it has evolved through the Middle Ages and Georgian Era to become one of the friendliest and most fashionable capitals in Europe. This illustrated guide tells the story of Dublin and introduces some of its more important sights to the visitor - from medieval cathedrals and eighteenth century architectural masterpieces to museums, public houses and parks. Featuring the photographs of Liam Blake, one of the city’s most renowned photographers, it is equally an aid to exploring Dublin and a tribute to its culture and history.

Despite its fame around the world, Dublin is a remarkably small and intimate city. This is an important aspect of its charm, for within the compact central districts are museums, art galleries, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian terraces and great public buildings – all part of a history that goes back over a thousand years. Yet Dublin is equally renowned for its lively pubs, theatres, music venues and literary heritage. All of these contribute to the contemporary city’s uniquely vibrant atmosphere and great social and cultural scene. 

The Republic of Ireland’s 2,600 kilometre long Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest coastal route, incorporating magnificent coastal views, remote islands, quaint villages and numerous historical monuments. It follows the shores of nine western Irish counties, crossing mountain passes and wild expanses of bog to visit bays, strands and rugged headlands. With over fifty Blue Flag Beaches, seventeen “Scenic Points of Interest” of exceptional scenic interest and such activities as golf, surfing, hill walking and fishing, the Wild Atlantic Way has rapidly become one of Europe’s paramount travel destinations.

 This guide offers an overview of the entire Wild Atlantic Way from Derry in the north to Kinsale in the south. The text covers natural wonders, human settlements and historical sites, with background information on the culture and history of coastal Atlantic Ireland; it also suggest detours to nearby off-route tourist attractions. Illustrated by the renowned landscape photographer Liam Blake, this Real Ireland Guide both introduces and celebrates the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Irish Pub is a unique institution, without any real equivalent elsewhere. Some may speak of Irish Christianity or literature as being the great contribution of our wet little island to the greater world beyond these shores. The true connoisseur of Irish culture knows, however, that these are pale shadows compared to the worldwide influence of our public houses and alcoholic beverages.

“Those who don’t know Irish pubs, and the interesting people who frequent them, will always possess only a superficial knowledge of Irish life and culture. The Irish pub is not only an excellent guide to many attractive centres of celebration; it is also a helpful and civilised introduction to higher education in a convivial atmosphere. This is a necessary text for all those in search of enlightenment and laughter.”

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code DUB-52-PC

This pack of playing cards features 52 images from Dublin, the capital city of Ireland

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code iR-52-PC

This pack of playing cards features 52 images from around the island of Ireland.

Photography by Liam Blake

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code PU-52-PC

This pack of playing cards features 52 Irish Pubs from around the island of Ireland.

Photography by Liam Blake

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code WAW-52-PC

This pack of playing cards features 52 images from Ireland's west coast driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way.

52 images from Donegal to Cork.

Photography by Liam Blake

Bottle opener with images of Ireland inside IRELAND text.

High quality magnetic metal and resin bottle opener on backing card.

This magnetic bottle opener will always be to hand when stuck on your fridge door.