In initial planning stages for a visit to Ireland this spring, and want to get acquainted with the history of Ireland so I have some context for the sightseeing my fiancee and I will be doing.
Plus, the reading will help plan the itinerary.
Need some suggestions on a book or two to read to get an understanding of Irish history. While I’d like to get to know all of it (on a very basic level) my preference is for the “ancient” history stuff, rather than say a focus on the Irish/British issues. Am leaning towards a “castle and scenery” visit rather than a “pub and The Troubles” visit (plus, seeing as I don’t drink, I’m afraid the pub thing won’t do as much for me.)
If you want ancient you want Early Ireland: An Introduction to Irish Prehistory by Michael J O’Kelly. He was an archaeologist in the 50-60s. The book is expensive though, $60 from amazon, but very good, that’s what the first year students used when I studied there.
Great stories with a touch (or more than a touch) of history and legends? Try Morgan Llewellyn. She is great. I especially liked Lion of Ireland and Bard.
Yes, historical fiction is perfect as well. My Mom gave me Princes of Ireland some time back but I think I started it, then dropped it. Maybe I"ll try it again…
Malachy McCourt’s History of Ireland . Currently in hardcover, due out in paperback at the end of this month. I was fascinated by the historical figures who shaped Ireland’s history. Good stuff.
Somehow I don’t think this is what you’re looking for!
Something like the Oxford Book of Irish History, which is a good reference book, or a books of myths and legends like Over Nine Waves by Marie Heaney might be more to your taste.
If you plan to come up North for some castles and scenery may I make some suggestions of what to see?
The Giant’s Causeway is a must.
The Navan Fort tourist thingy is OK
There are a few castle type things, including Carrickfergus castle, Dundrum castle and Devenish Island monastery.
There are quite a few forest parks and Glens of Antrim and the Mourne Mountains are nice if you want some scenery or walking.
Before we visited Ireland, I bought the Michelin Guide and marked it with Post-It tabs of the things we thought we’d want to see. In no time, the book was bristling with Day-Glo slips of paper. I recommend the Michelin Guide as a good basic intro to the sites. they tell you where they are, show what they look like, give you maps, and a little basic history.
After that, your choice of guides depends on your interests. Pepper Mill really wanted to see megalithic stone circles, so I bought a book on prehistoric Cel;tic Ireland. If you want to tour Dublin for the authors, read James Joyce or Jonathan Swift or George Bernard Shaw, or whoever interests you. If you want to see the Vook of Kells, there are boooks on that.
To get pedantic, Irish History only began with Irish literacy. Which came with Christianity. (And St Pat was not the only missionary–or even the first one.) Which leaves a scant few centuries until various Troubles begin–Vikings, Normans, etc. So we need to begin with archaeology & legend. One excellent source is not a book, but a PBS series. In Search of Ancient Ireland reviews the most recent educated guesses on Irish beginnings, with a minimum of Celtic Mist.
The Atlantean Irish: Ireland’s Oriental & Maritime Heritage may not be for beginners, but this delightful book is a personal favorite. (Note: “Atlantean” does not refer to Atlantis!) The author is an inspired amateur, but Barry Cunliffe, Big Kahuna of European Archaeology, wrote the preface.
From my extensive armchair traveller library, I’d recommend A Field Guide to the Buildings of Ireland: Illustrating the Smaller Buildings of Town & Countryside. (This & the previous book are available through Amazon.com, but the publisher’s site is more informative.)
The Independent Walker’s Guide to Ireland: 35 Memorable Walks in Ireland’s Green Countryside is also promising. What looks interesting? Backtrack & find the applicable historical background.
One authority on more recent stuff is Modern Ireland: 1600-1972. Large, rather dry & chock full of Troubles. Read this one if you decide to get serious. But seriousness is overrated.
I’ve been to them too and they’re alright, but more in a “we’re driving past, lets stop for a bit” way.
The Rock of Cashel is probably the best castle we stopped to look around on our way down to Cork for our annual holidays (when we used to take those dreadful trips).
Other folks have covered the book recommendations better than I could, but I’m going to toss in a couple of thoughts from my two trips to Ireland.
First, my wife and I found on both trips that in the countryside, particularly on the west coast, you can hardly swing a dead cat without hitting some kind of ruin, abandoned castle, what have you. Sometimes they are out in the middle of a cow pasture and not it any guidebook. So you’re definitely going to want to spend some time out west. We avoided the touristy castles for the most part, opting to try to find the out-of-the-way places. Sometimes it was tricky to find them, but usually well worth it.
Case in point: Kell’s Priory It took us a while to find the right entrance to this place, but when we did, it was AMAZING. We probably spent and hour or so exploring around and it was completely deserted. No one else showed up and we had the whole place to ourselves (except for the sheep and rooks).
Also, I don’t drink either, but don’t pass up the pubs. Find the right place and you’ll be treated to some of the best music you’ve ever heard. (If you’re interested in a good trad session, you must go to Doolin, fairly close to the Cliffs of Moher, a major tourist attraction that you should visit despite its touristy-ness for amazing scenery). Folks are generally extremely friendly as well. I did have one Guinness while I was there, because you really have to, even if you hate beer like me.
Sorry to gush, but I loved every minute of my Ireland trips and would go back in a second if I could!
Disclaimer: I’ve only been to the Republic, so none of my comments should be taken to be about Northern Ireland, about which I know next to nothing.
What’re you saying about my wee country? :dubious:
But seriously, we’re probably not as geared towards tourism as they are across the border and what we have is like Ireland-lite. The glens, the castles, the cliffs are all there, just a bit smaller.
Come to Northern Ireland if you like beer, golf and the Troubles.
