My oh my! I'm glad he didn't work on an Ireland guidebook. Of course, he's also trying to promote his upcoming book, so who knows which parts he's exagerating to assure he gets some press.

I can vouch for a large portion of Lonely Planet's Ireland guidebook...they also cover more small towns than most other guides. However, it's clear they often recycle accommodation & restaurant recommendations from year to year to year to year. One of the worst B&Bs I stayed in was at the recommendation of LP...it was obvious the B&B in question had passed its glory days at least ten years earlier... the place clearly hadn't been updated in any way since the early-1990s.

I must say, there are a few guidebooks out there that have left me wondering if the writer ever got off the tour bus.

All the more reason to go with a book that is updated regularly by an author who is willing to put their reputation behind their words. Michele's book is the REAL DEAL...and updated as frequently as my local phonebook too!


-- Edited by yesiree at 17:14, 2008-04-14