Around Ireland on a Bike
The Complete Guide: Maps, Accomodation, Practical advice

this is a very cleverly laid out book, one that has taken into account that its intended readership is that of cyclists, and that while riding a bike in pursuit of a proscribed route, there is little opportunity to flick through something that adheres closely to the more regular fare. each section ends with a list of cycle shops and repairers and a comprehensive selection of accommodation providers for that specific area. paul benjaminse has, in effect, done pretty much everything for the intrepid cyclist apart from turn the cranks and change the gears. apart from those albeit not entirely inconsiderables, the only thing left to do is to ride on and admire a beautiful part of the world.

An invaluable reference for any two-wheeler planning an expedition in any of the four provinces. There are 64 detailed maps - complete with notes on gradient and terrain - which are complemented by the author's enthusiasm for the country, its culture and its people.

Around Ireland on a Bike by Paul Benjaminse got my attention, purely because it has been an awful long time since I did an anti-clockwise tour of the country and it is high time to re-visit. The scenery appears as dramatic as ever. Does every person you pass on the roads still say hello? Do the road surfaces remain rough as old boots? Probably, and long may it last.

64 easy-to-follow - and they do look clear - maps covering the entire route along with advice on where to eat, stay and the locations of local bike repair shops.  There are images too and the book's not so big that it'll become a burden in a cycle pannier. Looks good.