Experience Travel Guides, the guides the Travel Industry trusts, are unique in that they are designed to be read in the same way as a novel. They are a valuable resource for those planning to visit a destination, a source of information for those just interested in finding out more about a country and a pleasure for those armchair travelers who just enjoy a good read. Experience Ireland 2017 highlights the more rewarding parts of the country so that those planning a visit can quickly and efficiently plan an itinerary. We locate and detail the best places to see and the top experiences to enjoy, and recommend accommodation options in all areas. Many are based on the personal experience of the author. We capture the personality and the underlying cultural and historical significance of the cities, regions and holiday destinations. Each is put into context by chapters on Ireland Life and the country's History. As more people travel to new destinations, guide books grow in importance. Hard-copy books, however, are often out of date before they are printed and users are frustrated by experiences contrary to what is described. This book has no such problem as it has been extensively updated in December 2016 and it can be further updated as often as necessary to keep it right up to date. To make it easy to read we have not filled the book with extensive specialist information which is of interest to only a few readers. Instead we have included appropriate web sites for all destinations, facilities and activities so that you can obtain all the additional information you need for the places you are particularly interested in. This means the book is very useful both before you leave home and while travelling. Please realize, however, that no guide book can substitute for common sense. Ireland is both a great and easy place to visit. The countryside is magical, the coastline dramatic and the cities are easy to manage. There is interesting culture, history and many things to do. The people are friendly and hospitable, they speak English and facilities are similar to those most visitors have at home. But it is not a replica of home. Traffic drives on the left so this gives some visitors a problem. Roads are improving but there are still plenty of narrow roads which undulate alarmingly. In a few areas of the Republic, English road signs have been removed and replaced with Irish language signs which most visitors are not able to read. In these areas (and elsewhere) you will get lost. Consider it part of the experience. Ireland has been going through tough times recently so some prices have modified but unemployment levels have risen and the accompanying problems have impacted on some visitors. Fortunately, the "troubles" of Northern Ireland have generally disappeared and a new optimism has arisen so there has never been a better time to go. We believe that every place in the world provides unique experiences which make a visit worthwhile. We encourage you to explore, meet the locals and grab each new opportunity as it arises. Travelling is fun but do it with care and compassion. In that way your Ireland experience can provide lifetime memories.