The National Geographic Traveler guidebooks are in tune with the growing trend toward experiential travel. Each book provides inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice for a more authentic, enriching experience of the destination. These books serve a readership of active, discerning travelers, and supply information, historical context, and cultural interpretation not available online.

History and culture based tourism is experiencing an unprecedented boom and Ireland is a destination that is rich in both. Tower after tower, the Irish Anglo-Norman castles stud the island. They are the calling card of the country's ancient culture and turning the pages of this guide, readers will discover them, one by one, in the company of Christopher Somerville, one of the U.K.'s most famous travel narrators. The guide covers all of the regions of Ireland including the cosmopolitan capital city of Dublin, the charming hills of Wicklow and the limestone plateau in Burren. It covers Northern Ireland as well, beginning with the lively city of Belfast and continuing on to Ulster, Derry and a number of other significant historical destinations. Every page offers useful advice about how to get around and about the best way to visit each location. Images in the guide include 170 photographs, more than 20 maps and the three-dimensional drawings that illustrate the intricate architectural structures of Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol, which was once a prison but is now a museum. With suggestions from local experts, visitors can dive into Irish culture through first-hand experiences such as learning traditional Irish dancing in Galway, taking Irish language lessons in Ennis or helping volunteers to restore Ireland's raised bogs.

On every page, you'll find in-depth information on Ireland's rich history and culture, along with helpful hints on how to get around and how best to visit each site. Illustrated with 170 beautiful color photographs and two dozen maps, the guide also showcases several three-dimensional drawings that detail the intricate architectural features of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin and the myriad plants found in the Burren heath. Insider tips from National Geographic and local experts point out favorite or little known sites and events, and dozens of sidebars highlight experiences that allow the visitor to truly get inside the local culture, such as learning traditional dance in Galway, taking Irish language classes in Ennis, or volunteering to help restore the country's native boglands.This newly revised and updated guide, covers every region in Ireland, including Dublin, the cosmopolitan capital city; County Kildare; the enchanting Wicklow Hills; the limestone terraces of eerie Burren; Yeats Country surrounding Sligo Town, offering insight into one of Ireland's great poets; and Northern Ireland, beginning with vibrant Belfast and moving on to Ulster, Derry, and other historic spots of note. Aimed at active travelers who want authentic, enriching, cultural experiences and expert advice from a trustworthy source, National Geographic Travelers provide ways for people to experience a place rather than just visit, and give the true feel of each destination not easily found online.

The allure of Great Britain's natural beauty, famously refined culture, and storied history has long attracted visitors. The guide explores all regions, including the countries of Scotland and Wales, covering every corner of this diverse and beguiling land. From venerable Special features give comprehensive information on diverse topics such as the relaxing parks of London, Wedgewood and the potteries, Thomas Hardy's Dorset, and golfing in Scotland.

Ireland

by Christopher Somerville

Published 1 April 2000
Author Christopher Somerville is the perfect guide to this picturesque country. He begins with Dublin, Ireland's cosmopolitan capital city, where reminders of the country's stirring history and rich culture adorn nearly every street corner. From there, it's down along Ireland's eastern coast, with highlights including County Kildare, capital of Irish horse racing; the enchanting Wicklow Hills; and Waterford and its famous crystal. Farther west await charming Cork, a foodie's paradise; and the fabled Ring of Kerry, along with plenty of evocative mountain moorlands and barren, windswept isles. The limestone terraces of eerie Burren, north along the coast, provide a stark contrast, while Yeats Country, surrounding Sligo Town, offers insight into just one of Ireland's great poets. Inland, a land of cattle farms and drumlins, you touch on some of Ireland's most ancient history at several abbeys, as well as prehistory at its many bogs. The latter part of the guide is devoted to Northern Ireland, beginning with vibrant Belfast and moving on to Ulster, Derry, and other historic spots of note.
On every page, the guide provides in-depth information on Ireland's rich history and culture, along with helpful hints on how to get around and how best to visit each site. Richly illustrated with 300 beautiful photographs, the guide also showcases several three-dimensional drawings that detail the intricate architectural features of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin and the myriad plants found in the Burren heath. Author Somerville is a veteran walker, and he brings you the best of the Irish walks in several walking tours, including one along the Dingle Way and another up Mount Errigel. Several self-guided drives include an unusually beautiful spin along the coast from Dublin to Wexford; and another in the Sperrin Hills of Northern Ireland. A detailed Travelwise, containing invaluable travel tips and hotel and restaurant suggestions, rounds out the guide.

Great Britain

by Christopher Somerville

Published 1 March 1999
Take a tour of Great Britain guided by National Geographic -- for generations synonymous with the thrill of discovery and exploration. Featured sites include both famous and lesser known places, selected to help you experience the country in a fresh and exciting way.

* In-depth site descriptions and background information
* Insightful features on history, culture, and contemporary life
* More than 280 vivid color photographs
* 32 detailed, full-color maps
* Mapped walking and driving tours
* Specially commissioned artwork and floor plans
* Clear, easy-to-use design
* Complete visitor information plus hotels, restaurants, activities, and shopping