McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery In Ireland

While it is old news, I just completed a google search to find out when Pete McCarthy might be releasing a new book. I was stunned and saddened to hear of his passing in October following an 8 month bout with cancer. I had no idea. I loved this book. If you don't take yourself too seriously, nor are you one easily offended when someone takes the mickey out of the Irish, then you too will find yourself howling as you read Mr. McCarthy's observations. Look at the reviews. Obviously, Pete McCarthy was not for everyone. I however, thought he was the most hilarious travel writer out there. It is one of those books that I can pass along to someone and say, "If you don't think this is funny, then we have absolutely nothing in common." Next time I'm in a pub, I'll steal a quiet moment, say a small prayer, drink one for Pete McCarthy and look for something completely absurd happening around me. Rest in peace Mr. McCarthy.

Thank You Pete McCarthy for giving me the gift of enjoying reading, I up until I bought your book would only read technical or factual books,(not that the bar is one of fiction). But I hope you know what I mean, I bought it by pure chance at Heathrow airport while waiting for my grilfriend who was arriving from South Africa, I was strolling through the book shop when the cover couaght my eye, I picked it up and read the back cover, and purchased it. You know those special moments in your life when you can actually pin-point a change in your habbits, well that was one for me, I couldn't put it down, normally I might read ten or fifteen pages and that was it for the book. My friend thaught I was cracking up, but they couldn't see the caracters that could and some that I could relate too as people I knew in Ireland! I would laugh out loud on the tube, I loved it, My brother on his way back from Crotica read it while stopping over for a couple of night, he loved it, even my South African Girlfriend loved it! I am reading 'The Road To McCarthy at the moment, Another one please Pete.

As an Irishman living in the US I often encounter misty-eyed Americans who long to visit "the ould sod". Seldom, if ever, do these hapless travelers have any idea of the magnitude of the departure from their sensible and predictable life state-side that they will encounter in their idealized mental vision of the Emerald Isle.This book provides a Windex clean window through which to peer at the idiosyncratic Irish (and would-be Irish) that dwell within McCarthy's Bar.I never dreamt I would read a belly laff review of a place such as Lough Derg, that stark, brutal and monastic bastion of Irish Catholicism in the wilds of Donegal.I recommend this book to anyone who dares to remove the shamrock-green colored glasses before venturing forth to meet the larger than life, hilarious (to some) characters that will inevitably be encountered in the unpredictable terrain of economic boom Ireland.

As a native Irishwoman I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Mr McCarthy definitely understands the Irish at their best and worst. He truly captures the Ireland and Irish of today and not the American version that includes scenes from The Quite Man or chapters from Angela's Ashes. I would recommend that anyone who is of Irish descent or plans to visit Ireland read this book it will give you a good understanding of the Irish people: were an irreverant, funny and unique bunch.

I was unsure about buying this book, but for the price I thought "what the hell!"I opened it and read the first sentence on the bus...what a mistake! I roared with laughter, much to the chagrin of my fellow travellers who weren't sharing in my experience. For your information, the first sentence is: "The harp player had just fallen off the stage and cracked his head on the Italian tourist's pint." Another sentence, and this is only from the prologue, I haven't even reached the first chapter yet, is: "At one point, the harp player fell off again, only backwards."This book is an amazing insight into the Irish way of life, and those who visit Ireland, by one who desperately wants to discover his Irish roots.Pete McCarthy is an astute and accurate observer.If you found the sentences I've quoted humorous, this book will have you in stitches.I'm not one to roar out loud to a book, but this one creased me up time and time again.For the craic, if nothing else, buy it!