JG Kohl's account of Ireland in 1844 gives us a glimpse of the years after Catholic Emancipation and before the Irish Famine. His journey took him through the four provinces. Part Two takes him to Tarbet, Tralee, Killarney, Bantry, Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford. As a German traveller he makes insightful comparisons, not only with the British mainland, but with other parts of Europe. He visits isolated settlements, hedge schools, Killarney and meets the gentry, traders, fisherman and small farmers along the way. He comments on their struggles, lifestyles, habits, transport and customs. He examines the development of food processing in Cork and the export trade of Waterford. He revels in the beauty of the rivers that flow into the southern harbours of Ireland and discusses at length three great Irish passions of the time - horse racing, temperance and repeal. A wonderful resource for local historians and those of Irish descent who want to know how their ancestors lived. Footnotes and an index have been added.

Change the world one trip at a time. In this illuminating collection of stories and lessons from the road, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves shares a powerful message that resonates now more than ever. With the world facing divisive and often frightening events, from Trump, Brexit, and Erdogan, to climate change, nativism, and populism, there's never been a more important time to travel. Rick believes the risks of travel are widely exaggerated, and that fear is for people who don't get out much. After years of living out of a suitcase, he still marvels at how different cultures find different truths to be self-evident. By sharing his experiences from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shows how we can learn more about own country by viewing it from afar. With gripping stories from Rick's decades of exploration, this fully revised edition of Travel as a Political Act is an antidote to the current climate of xenophobia. When we travel thoughtfully, we bring back the most beautiful souvenir of all: a broader perspective on the world that we all call home. All royalties from the sale of Travel as a Political Act are donated to support the work of Bread for the World, a non-partisan organization working to end hunger at home and abroad.

A German traveller's perception of Pre-famine Ireland, with explanatory notes and index added to the original text. This is a snapshot of an Ireland that was about to vanish. Two years after the publication of this book, the Great Irish Famine ravaged the land, hastening the end of Gaelic Ireland and the Irish language. Kohl's journey took him through the four provinces and the cities of Dublin, Limerick, Waterford and Belfast. He encountered such men as Daniel O'Connell and the great temperance campaigner, Father Mathew. He talked to beggars in their huts, gentry in their countryseats and men of religion. He visited monastic relics, archaeological sites, linen factories steeple-chasing, and a range of diverse places, always reminding the readers of the poverty of the ordinary people, social injustices and the wretched conditions in the country. His commentaries are enlivened with information about the historic context and folklore associated with the locations he visited.

This is an important source for historians of 19th century Ireland, and is of particular interest to those exploring local history and their family background. Asking the question, 'is Ireland an improving Country?' Inglis travelled the country meeting landlords and tenants, drawing upon his background in commerce to observe the realities of everyday life. He offers insights into the conditions that prevailed after Catholic emancipation in the period between the European Napoleonic Wars and the Great Famine, and the religious attitudes and tensions that have divided Ireland over the centuries. His analysis informed much of the debate about Ireland in the Westminster House of Commons, during parliamentary debates in 1835. His observations clearly reflect his own attitudes and beliefs. Yet, they are grounded in what he observed first-hand making this books a very significant resource for genealogists and family and local historians. Index and footnotes added.

A book of poems by Michael Sands published by Clachan Publishing. Mickey MacConnell, songwriter and journalist wrote: ""What a joy it has been to have discovered this marvellous collection. It represents a bright shaft of welcome sunlight in a wearying world. It is full of joy, hope, intellect and a deep understanding of who we are and the unquestioned importance of hearth, home and music.""

Researching the topic for Pat Nolan was a labour of love as it involved chatting with men who fished on those iconic vessels of another era. Previously, in 'Sea Change' Pat had written on the BIM 50-footer and its impact on coastal Ireland of the 1950s and '60s. The story of the BIM 56-footers naturally followed on from this. The book contains details on each boat, and recollections of individuals who owned and/or fished on them. Part I is based on comments, observations, experiences and memories relevant to the 56-footers. Part II is made up of individually traced histories of all thirty-nine BIM 56-footers built. Part III is made up of interesting lifetime maritime experiences of men Pat met on the way.