The Easter Rising of 1916 stands as one of the most significant events in modern Irish history.  For Britain, fighting for its survival on the battlefields of the First World War, it was an unexpected and unwanted diversion, to be quickly and mercilessly crushed. Yet Pearse, Connolly and the comparatively small group of rebels who took up arms, knew that they were fighting not only for control of their nation’s capital but also the future of the Irish people.

This pictorial history offers an overview of the background, course and aftermath of the Easter Rising.  Incorporating short biographies of the most important Rebel figures, it tells the story of the intense fighting that broke out in Dublin during the last week of April 1916 and the executions that followed.

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.

Haunted Ireland -  Haunting Tales from an Ancient Land

The dead are always with us. Banshees, witches, haunted castles and much more from the ‘world beyond’ form part of the everyday existence for some in Ireland in the 21st century. Tales of hauntings of many of the best known dwellings, both urban and rural, of the Irish landscape are still told on dark evenings by cosy firesides. For some, evidence of a further existence after the present one is reassuring. For others, however, paranormal experiences bring little relief and indeed may induce an occasional sleepless night but at least provide a thrill. It has yet to be satisfactorily explained why Ireland should have such a rich history of tales from beyond the grave. One possible explanation may involve the long tradition of storytelling for which the natives are renowned and the enjoyment from telling and hearing a good ghost story. Whatever one’s reason for perusing the topic, few books currently available will give a more comprehensive retelling of the best of these stories.

One might think that the number of people to have encountered a spirit from the other world would be quite low. In fact many hundreds have been recorded and as we will see in the following pages, almost fifty of the most engaging accounts are presented here. Close to half of these involve castles from all parts of the island. From Dunluce Castle in the north to Charles Fort in the south and from Gormanston in the east to the Cliffs of Moher in the west, no corner of the country is safe from a visitation or from those willing to tell of the same.

Also, if you expect hauntings to have originated in times long past, think again. I offer the example of the poltergeist activity witnessed in Glin Castle, Co Limerick as the result of a tragic incident in the 1960s. Indeed, it has been reported within the past year that an apparition was witnessed watching television at three o’clock in the morning in the home of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Mansion House!

However, this publication is not intended to frighten the reader. It is rather intended as a joyous travel companion to highlight the many and varied aspects of our rich Irish history, geography, literature and storytelling culture that awaits the open minded traveller to this ancient land of myths and legends.

So, as your travels take you to the varied parts of this land, have a look inside to see if you are close to one of the featured haunted locations but just don’t read it at night!

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.”

In this introduction to the best known film and TV series where the majority of the filming was undertaken in Ireland, we take a look behind the scenes and explore the spectacular locations used by the filmmakers. 

Which Irish road was renamed after a Star Wars character?What John Wayne did during the filming of The Quiet Man?That Ryan’s Daughter was based on Flaubert’s Madame Bovary?That a vampire story was filmed in the library used by Bram Stoker?The Dublin location used for filming The Italian Job, Michael Collins and The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones?