Ireland The People The Places The Stories The Craic

A stunning celebration of the rich culture and fascinating history of Ireland featuring ten Irish illustrators. Go on a journey around the spectacular isle, cramming in facts about Ireland’s famous people, landmarks, myths & legends, battles, music and everything in between. From Donegal to Cork via the Giant’s Causeway and Tayto Park, discover everything about the Irish isle that makes it so special. With a foreword from much-loved Irish comedian Dara O Briain Showcases the talent of ten of Ireland’s top illustrators.

Everything Ireland - a celebration of the Irish people, their rich culture and fascinating history.

As a culture, the English are familiar with images of Ireland and Irishness. From the romantic to the gritty, from Dublin as a cheap and cheerful weekend getaway to the Irish theme pubs on almost every English high street, no-one can escape the fact that Irish culture is perhaps more popular than ever. Mark McCrum explores the heart of contemporary Ireland, gaining an impression of its culture and politics through meeting its people. Starting in Dublin and roaming south and around the coast before turning northwards and completing his trek at the ruin of the old McCrum family seat, on the way attending the Puck Fair, going to a beach where bones from victims of the Potato Famine lie unburied, meeting the Travelling Folk; all the while experiencing the mix of good conversation, good company, a little Guinness and a lot of fun -- colloquially known as the Craic -- as he comes to an understanding of the country and its inhabitants.

In 1709 groups of German protestants immigrated to Ireland to escape political unrest and religious persecution. Many of these were enroute to America, but chose to stay in Ireland for various reasons. The author has researched every clan, colony and leading commentator on the Irish Palatines to weave together the history presented here.

Music.

Ireland is many things to many people. Their history reeks of hardship. Yet, there is a spirit in the Irish that I, an American born psychologist of Irish descent, find engaging and truly magical. The Irish culture is filled with an understated wisdom, as is evidenced in the many ways they encounter craic, or fun, in the minutiae of life. These are the stories of my travels to Ireland, where I found not just fun, but a spirit in the people that fills my heart with joy.

A journey through Ireland, taking in Dublin and roaming south, around the coast and north again. On the way, Mike McCrum gains insight into Irish politics and culture from the people. He attends a Puck Fair and visits a beach where the bones from victims of the Potato Famine lie unburied.