Frommer's Ireland

This book is excellent, packed with information. However, I had the feeling that it did not have the personal touch that Rick Steeves' book had, even though it had much more information. I think Frommer used to visit all the places himself, and updated his information based on his own experiences; but now, I think he is old, and relies on a team of researchers. So, there is much information, not so much personal experience touch anymore that I saw in Frommer books I bought on Italy many years ago. I would buy both books, and read the Rick Steeves book BEFORE going to Ireland, and use the Frommer book as a reference for additional information for places of interest. See my review on Rick Steeves book.

I used Frommer's and Fodor's both for my recent Ireland trip. I think Frommer's had better detail about sights, for example: more accurate times when the sites were open. I usually check the book out of the library and if I really like it then I buy it. I probably used Frommer's more on my vacation.

We purchased several guides for Ireland and this one seems to be the best one for planning a trip and learning more about the country. Frommer's did a good job on this one.

Best guide to Ireland I've used so far. I found it was more honest and less PR sounding than many guides, which can sound like they're written by a tourist board. Quality of writing excellent, information exhaustive and comprehensive. Does a good job of listing a range of what's available for differnt budgets too, in terms of hotels and so forth, which I found particularly useful given how expensive visiting Ireland (and Europe in general) has become!