Breathtaking rolling hills and seaside cliffs, a lively city scene and countless historic landmarks are just some of the many reasons why Ireland is a destination people want to visit at least once in their lifetime. However, they may not have much knowledge of the Emerald Isle, past knowing what is often depicted of Irish culture in popular media, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
For instance, you might associate the Irish with luck and the color green, but did you know that Ireland is also referred to as the land of storytellers, due to their deep respect for folklore and mythology that began with an ancient oral literary tradition that has been preserved to this day?
With these 11 books ranging from useful travel guides to informative historical accounts to recommendations on the best pubs to drop by for some good craic with new-found friends, you’ll find that Ireland’s history and culture are as vast and enthralling as its natural landscapes are stunning. Start reading, so you can begin exploring—whether from the comfort of your couch or the seat of an airplane on your way to Ireland.
Ireland: Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland
If you’re starting to eagerly plan for your first trip to Ireland but are worried that once there you’ll feel like a novice tourist who might stick out like a sore thumb, you should pick up this trusty travel companion.
Written by experienced traveler Christy Nicholas, her adoration and knowledge of this country are prevalent in the way she offers historical background on breathtaking landmarks and recommends locations off the beaten path that allow you to skip the huge crowds and enjoy a more relaxing trip. Whether it’s useful budgeting tips to make your travel dreams achievable or helping you decide which sights you won’t want to miss, this book will be an extremely helpful addition to your suitcase.
McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery In Ireland
The late author and comedian Peter McCarthy gifts fellow travel lovers with a book about his adventures exploring his mother’s homeland of Ireland from Cork to Donegal, all the while upholding his sacred travel rule: “Never pass a bar that has your name on it.”
As McCarthy meets countless interesting people along the way, he offers readers plenty of laughs and provides genuinely profound musings on life. After reading, you’ll feel like you went on a journey with a close friend.
I Never Knew That About the Irish
If you want to learn about a country’s culture, you should focus on observing its people. In this book, author Christopher Winn examines how a location’s history influences Irish values and traditions. As he explores the various counties of Ireland, we observe how each distinct location shapes the locals' unique Irish character.
This book includes richly illustrated pen and ink drawings that give you an idea of what traveling across the Emerald Isle might be like, including a look into the location of the first play ever performed in the Irish language. You’ll find numerous captivating facts and stories while becoming acquainted with traditional Irish myths and legends.
Black Potatoes
It’s important to educate ourselves not solely on a country’s accomplishments but also on its periods of turmoil to get a complete portrait of history. This Silbert Award winner, although aimed at younger audiences, is just as enlightening for adults who want to know more about the Great Irish Famine of 1845 that wreaked havoc on millions of people’s lives.
The book pays respect to those who died from starvation after Ireland’s potato crops were decimated by blight and tells the stories of those who managed to survive by scavenging, relying on soup kitchens and making the difficult decision to purposely become imprisoned to obtain a reliable food source. Amid horrendous suffering, author Susan Bartoletti reveals the Irish people’s resiliency and resourcefulness, making this an immensely powerful read.
A Short History of Ireland, 1500–2000
Before you plan on visiting, to fully appreciate Ireland, you should get an overview of the country’s history. Author John Gibney provides us with an informative and concise book that starts with Ireland in the 16th century and continues to the present day, examining the changes in the nation’s culture, politics and economics throughout the years.
Readers will get the opportunity to discover crucial moments in Irish history, including the Great Famine, the country’s struggle for independence, and the effects of the Protestant Reformation. Gibney also provides various historians’ opposing perspectives on significant events, offering a balanced and comprehensive account.
Always Ireland: An Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle
A true love letter to Ireland, this National Geographic travel guide covers every county of the Emerald Isle, not only offering recommendations on where to find delectable bites, different kinds of fun activities you should add to your itinerary, and stunning historical landmarks you’ll regret not stopping by, but also includes over 300 images of the places you can visit and contains popular recipes like soda bread and Irish stew to gift your tastebuds with the flavors of Ireland even before you embark on your travels!
The Little Book of Irishisms: Know the Irish through our Words
The Irish, like every other culture, have a unique way of conversing and connecting with others. This tiny book will help those unfamiliar with popular Irish phrases and slang get by with ease. Among other useful information, like how to correctly pronounce Irish names, it’ll clear up common myths like whether or not Irish people use the phrase “Top of the morning to you” and offer helpful advice on phrases to avoid if you don’t want to accidentally offend a local. The inclusion of a well-organized glossary that allows you to quickly look up words you might like to use while you’re walking around the streets of Ireland makes this a valuable book to carry along.
From Barley to Blarney
What happens when an Irish whiskey guru, two bartending experts and an experienced author work together? They create an impressive book exploring the finest Irish whiskey to be found. Readers will find an overview of the history of whiskey in Ireland, an illustrated foray into 22 distilleries throughout the four Irish provinces and the authors’ list of the best bars and pubs worth a trip to Ireland (even if for that reason alone).
To top it off, the book includes 12 original mixed-drink recipes to honor Irish liquor from Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, the cofounders of 2016’s “World’s Best Bar,” Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog. So, what are you waiting for? Make your favorite drink, put your feet up and envision yourself on your next travel adventure, enjoying quality time with friends at a lively Irish pub.
The Story of the Irish Race
Those who may have little to no knowledge of Irish history will find this book just as enjoyable as those who already have a deep admiration for Irish culture. Remembered as one of the last great “seanchaí,” or traditional storytellers, author Seumas MacManus proves his masterful writing abilities with The Story of the Irish Race.
Readers can look forward to discovering more about important figures of Ireland, such as St. Patrick, Conor MacNessa, and Theobald Wolfe Tone, who all played a key role in shaping the country. Additionally, significant events, including the Easter Rising and the Irish Famine, are explained in an accessible and compelling way for those who might find other historical nonfiction accounts difficult to follow.
The Everything Irish History & Heritage Book
The Everything Irish History & Heritage Book breaks down every aspect of Ireland you may be curious about, including climate, food, language, sports, significant people throughout Ireland’s history, and impactful historical events. And that’s simply scratching the surface of what you’ll be learning! It also includes information on Celtic mythology, Ireland’s literary tradition, the Irish American experience, and the impact of religion on the country. You’ll understand why so many dream of visiting Ireland and why the country is considered to have an incredibly fascinating historical legacy.
A History of the Irish, As Told By Their Food
When learning more about another country, one might begin studying its politics, language and momentous events to gain insight into a country’s values and history. But there’s often one vital aspect that can also give us a deep understanding of a country’s culture—the food on the locals’ plates morning, noon and night.
This book expresses Ireland’s history through its cuisine. Whether the authors are explaining how the Irish diet was influenced by Catholicism or what teatime in Dublin is like, this book is chockful of food trivia, Irish history and recipes for you to prepare at home. Although some expected Irish foods are discussed, like soda bread, there are other treats like hot chocolate that are also examined from a uniquely Irish perspective. This delightful and informative read will satisfy your cravings for mouthwatering food and fulfill your longing for thought-provoking facts about dishes you may have never heard of or those you might already love.
Featured image: Aldo De La Paz / Unsplash
