The Mourne and Cooley Mountains are quite simply a hiker’s paradise. The highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, the Mournes hug the County Down coastline in a compact region designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cooley Peninsula – a finger of land in County Louth bounded in the north by the spectacular Carlingford Lough – is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. These exhilarating walks will take you to the highest point in Northern Ireland. Trek through the picturesque woodland trails of Castlewellan and Tollymore. Discover the highest passage tomb in Ireland. Walk along an old smuggler’s route, tranquil reservoirs and the sand-dunes of Murlough Nature Reserve. The more ambitious will relish the Mourne Wall challenge, and some summits include optional scrambles to the top of dramatic granite tors or rocky outcrops. Each graded route is illustrated with photographs and specially drawn maps. Snippets on the rich flora, fauna, geology, history, heritage and folklore of each area are included throughout. So, get your walking boots on and discover the impressive landscape that spawned the legend of the Táin Bó Cúailnge and inspired C. S. Lewis’ magical world of Narnia.
With its unspoiled coastline, dramatic ruins and picturesque villages, Ireland is the perfect destination for a leisurely road trip. It's yours to explore with Back Roads Ireland, which contains 24 amazing drives across the country, from the majestic Ring of Kerry to the extraordinary Giant's Causeway. Includes insider tips and information, this easy-to-use guide reveals Ireland at its best: spectacular sights, hidden gems and authentic local experiences. Inside Back Roads Ireland: - 25 easy-to-follow driving tours, each lasting one to five days, including the vibrant musical town of Dingle, the culinary delights of Galway bay and the wonderful wildlife at Fota Wildlife Park - Ideas for discovering the character of each area en route: great views, delightful detours along peaceful back roads, walks through historic towns and villages, wine tours and boat trips, and activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking. Plus you'll savour the best local experiences with our pick of the most authentic places to stay, eat and shop - All the Irish rules of the road, postcodes for use with satnav and detailed directions for easy navigation, information on road conditions and parking tips - Covers Cork, Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford, County Carlow, County Clare, Limerick, the Wicklow Mountains, County Kildare, Dublin, Boyne Valley, the Lakelands, Galway, Connemara, Mayo, County Slingo, Donegal, Causeway Coast, County Down, Fermanagh Lakelands and more Looking for even more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Try our DK Eyewitness Ireland.
For 2000, Fodor's has added two new Dublin Rambles: pleasant walks through fine neighborhoods exploring such topics as Georgian architecture and James Joyce's Dublin.
The best guide to Ireland, updated every year All the sights--from Georgian Dublin to the Aran Islands Palladian manor houses, Celtic crosses, and monasteries Tweeds, linen, crystal, and books--what to buy and where Traditional music, innovative theater, and hundreds of pubs A genealogical map with the 150 most common Irish names The best golf, fishing, hiking, biking, and horse racing Where to stay and eat, no matter what your budget Top-value city hotels, castle resorts, family-run country houses, and cozy B&Bs--plus how to rent a cottage The latest restaurants, fine country-house dining, new European-style cafes, and the tastiest pub grub Fresh, thorough, practical--off and on the beaten path Costs, hours, descriptions, and tips by the thousands All reviews based on visits by savvy writer-residents, including Dublin restaurant critic Vincent Jamison 34 pages of maps, 16 vacation itineraries, and more Important contacts and smart travel tips Fodor's Choice What's Where Pleasures & Pastimes New & Noteworthy Festivals Background essays, further reading, and videos to watch Complete index
