Who doesn’t want the best guide book for Ireland? If you travel like us, you’re the one on the corner with a map and book bag. Yup, we like to be tourists. It’s part of the reason we travel: to see all the best sites in a country. We’ll attempt to give you tips on the best guide books for Ireland.

Where are you going?

To get started, consider exactly what you think your itinerary will be and how you plan to discover Ireland. Opt for a book specific to Northern Ireland if you’ll only be in that area. DO NOT buy a huge book of everything if you are only going to Northern Ireland. Why? The best guidebooks to Ireland will tell you specific information. The more targeted your area, the more likely you are to get specialized tidbits on your location. Further, just in case you don’t come back in a few months, you’ll know the specialized Ireland travel book will get lots of use.

Choose a recognized name.

For the best guide books to Ireland, try Frommer’s, Lonely Planet or Fodor’s. We may be leaving off a few, like National Geographic or Eyewitness. We don’t intend to imply the other books aren’t good, as well. However, over time, well funded travel book Ireland companies have been able to perfect their information. They update almost every year. They have a history of guiding tourists and selling well. It’s what kept them in business. For the best Ireland travel guide book, start with at least one well recognized name. The second book you buy can be someone you’ve never heard of … in case you need extra toilet paper, it’ll be handy. (Kidding, kidding.)

Match up the descriptions with something you already know to be true.

When you open your guide book, the best thing to do is think of a unique tidbit you already know about a place. When you spoke to your Ireland tour operator or travel agent, maybe they gave you a few general facts. One, for example, is Dublin. The Temple Bar area of Dublin is a complex place. It’s full of history and lots of trendy spots. You can visit during the day, or go find the craic at night. If you know three things about a place, the best guide books to Ireland will mention those three things, too. Ok, at least two of them, since an Ireland tour book can’t be perfect. Any book not well formatted to cover where to go and what to see should be put back on the shelf. It’s definitely not one of the best guide books to Ireland.

Recognize that pretty pictures aren’t actually useful.


Eyewitness publishes an Ireland tour book. It’s so pretty. Lots of little pictures explain things. We don’t travel to see pictures, do we? We usually buy a guide book to be told to make a left on O’Brien Lane to find the red awning where the best Irish coffee in Ireland is served, right? So, don’t be fooled by pretty pictures. Try to shoot for good content in the book, coupled by maybe a few pictures that let you know what the attraction kinda looks like.

Above all things, we hope you go about your tours of Ireland with a sense of adventure. If you don’t choose one of the best guide books to Ireland, you are more likely to have a true adventure, so go for it. Simply, the information provided isn’t going to really guide you. Hopefully, it will look nice on a coffee table, though. Follow our tips for the best results.

Background Image

How We Travel

Learn More
  • Self Drive tour in Europe
    Self Drive

    Hit the road your way: itinerary, car, accommodations, sights, and tours. But let us do all the heavy lifting.

  • Chauffeur 1
    Chauffeur

    The freedom of your own private car, the luxury of your own personal guide. And the very best hidden secrets.

  • Train going over bridge next to waterfall
    Rail

    Convenient, comfortable, oozing with charm. With a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

  • Young people overlooking scenic area in Europe
    Private Group

    The trip of a lifetime, personalized just for your group of friends, family, or organization down to every last detail.

  • Honeymoon coupe drinking wine by ocean
    Honeymoon

    Every tour is different, perfectly matched for every couple. Crafted by a team who is as excited about your honeymoon as you are.

  • funny mural of school children in uniforms
    Scheduled Tour

    For travelers who prefer to join a small group tour, we offer scheduled tours.

Holidays & Festivals

Must-Visit Christmas Markets in 2023

Christmas markets are a fabulous way to experience a destination through a new lens, even if you’ve been there before. The magic of twinkling lights, delectable treats and infectious holiday spirit makes for an unforgettable time (and your Christmas shopping a breeze!). Team member Jane details her favorites for 2023!

Castles & Historic Houses

The Beauty & Mystery of Norway's Stave Churches

Stave churches are not ordinary churches. These mysterious, fascinating structures are built entirely of wood, including the pegs that connect them. They date back to the Middle Ages, built between 1150 and 1350. Our Northern Europe Product Manager, Linda McCormick, details the intricacies and fascinating histories of these structures.

Traveler Spotlights

Alexandra Kehoe: Discovering Her Mother's Birthplace in Italy

This summer, Alexandra Kehoe embarked on an Italian journey with her family. While they wanted this trip to be full of exciting adventures, one of their main reasons for visiting was to visit her mother’s birthplace. Pretty cool, right?

By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours