- Comprehensive, all-inclusive guide to Ireland with all information one might want.
- Clear layout makes guide very user-friendly.
- Very good on off-the-beaten-track and budget information.
- Often geared towards "young" audience - might put off older tourists.
- Update from 2006 edition was not always successful.
- Blunders and debatable statements may cause raised eyebrows.
- Up to Date? The current guide was published in 2006 and needs a spot of updating.
- Images and Illustrations - Just 28 color pages, but the images are good (if small in part).
- Maps - Several good deatail maps throughout, Ireland map just to be used for a quick overview.
- Typeface - Several in use, all are clear (excepting light grey print), tend to be small.
- General Layout - Very clear, setting the text in two columns helps with readability in adverse conditions.
- "Completeness" - Everything that should be there is, and more.
- Binding and Paper Quality - A normal paperback, but with thin paper.
- Size and Weight - 764 pages plus covers, 5.25 by 7.75 inches, 600 grams.
- Would I Feel Comfortable Using this Book? Yes and no - the emphasis often is on the intrepid backpacker (i.e. not me).
The Lonely Planet Ireland is still well worth a look into, especially if you prefer backpacking and/or planning your own tour. Or if you are on a budget. The sometimes (delightfully) irreverent language and a penchant for exotic hints and tips might, however, be less suited to more stayed readers.
When I remarked on the 2006 guide that it "could do with a new edition", I wasn’t expecting this edition, however. For instance according to the guide the National Museum apparently still has an exhibition on 1916 ... not so, this was scrapped and replaced by bog bodies. A new, superior exhibition was created in Collins Barracks, which funnily enough also is mentioned in the Lonely Planet. While the far larger "Soldiers & Chiefs" exhibition is simply ignored.
To be blunt - there seems to be a tendency here to add to the guide without too much weeding of the information already contained in earlier editions. Which in 95% is acceptable (not in principle, but due to no change happening). In cases were ruins have been reincarnated as luxury hotels it becomes problematic.
Also worth mentioning are some interesting statements that could spark off lively debates in pubs - viz. "Ireland's comprehensive and efficient bus network" and the declaration that "excellent health care is readily available".
