Fodor's `Ireland 2011' guide contains 706 pages of essential information. Editor Robert Fisher and his team have put together an up-to-date and easy-to-use travel guide.

The guide is divided into twelve sections, based primarily on geography. As usual hotels, restaurants, and points of interest are detailed and evaluated.

The strong points of this edition include the `Experience Ireland' initial chapter. The `What's New' section changed many of my preconceptions about Ireland. The country's current financial woes are explained and their effect on the cost of travel are discussed. I had no idea that a cup of espresso that retails for one Euro in Milan runs three times that in Dublin. Or that the equivalent of a $60 Paris dinner will cost me $90 in Dublin. Improvements in the highway system and clusters of smokers outside pubs (now manned mostly by immigrants rather than the traditional Irish barman of lore) are also explained. Anyone contemplating a trip to Ireland would do well do read this opening chapter.

Then if the reader decides to give travel to Ireland a go, this Fodor guide is a good place to start. It contains full color pictures, maps (including a pull out map to take along), and the usual information on hotels, food, and attractions. Current information is given on the cost of car rentals and taxis and pros and cons of points of interest.

I found particularly helpful segments such as the one warning that in some western counties it is now against the law to add English to road signs. And the one suggesting that since pubs have a high decibel level, hotel lobbies are common meeting places.

It's a weighty tome at almost two pounds, far too heavy to carry around on a daily basis or slip into a suitcase if one is paying for baggage by the pound. And I note that a Kindle version isn't available.

Five stars - The bottom line? A reliable up-to-date guide to plan a trip but not a handy guide to take along.

(A copy of this book was provided the reviewer by the Amazon Vine program.) ( )

Fodor's '91 Ireland