2013-03-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ahead of St Patrick’s Day, Lonely Planet is releasing a brand new book to Ireland which is perfect for travellers who enjoy exploring a destination by road.

Ireland’s Best Trips is a full-colour guide to the country’s top journeys. It contains 34 trips throughout Ireland with Lonely Planet’s team of expert authors providing inspiration and all the practical information that travellers need to make it happen.

Lonely Planet’s Regional Publisher Imogen Hall said, “We are really excited to be extending our Trips series to cover Ireland, France and Spain: three incredibly popular destinations in Europe. We know travellers love to explore these regions by car and so have included lots of insider tips to ensure they can make the most of the big sights and also get off the beaten track.”

Lonely Planet’s authors have scoured each destination to find the very best trips to include in each book. The selection covers a range of interests so that travellers can select a trip that suits their taste, whether it’s soaking up some history, enjoying fabulous food and wine, or getting back to nature in the great outdoors. The books also recommend the most family-friendly journeys. Each trip contains highlights of what to see and experience along the way, and includes eating and sleeping options on the route.

The trips range in duration from two days to a couple of weeks so, whether it is a weekend or a fortnight’s holiday, travellers can find a trip to suit their needs.

In Ireland’s Best Trips there are 8 “Classic Trips”. These journeys are the authors’ favourites and have been carefully selected to lead travellers to the best of the iconic sights, top activities and the unique Irish experiences. The 8 “Classic Trips” are;
* Ireland’s Highlights – a 7 day trip which includes the country’s 5-star cultural and natural attractions, starting in Dublin, heading west to Galway onto Roundstone and Clifden then south via the Cliffs of Moher to the Ring of Kerry.
* The Long Way Round – a 14 day leisurely loop which explores the jagged, scenic and spectacular edges of the country. The journey starts in Dublin and heads north to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway before continuing along the west coast to the Ring of Kerry and weaving east to Cork and the final destination, Ardmore.
* Ring of Kerry – the most diverse of Ireland’s prized peninsula drives, this 4 day trip combines jaw-dropping cliffs with soaring mountains.
* Southwest Blitz – capturing the best of the southwest this 4 day trip starts in Killarney, curls along the Ring of Kerry, across County Cork’s lush countryside through to Youghal.
* Best of the West – a 6 day trip from Céide Fields winding down the coast to Cork taking in the region’s ultimate stops.
* Musical Landscapes – a 5 day trip through the busker-packed streets of Galway city, this rip-roaring ride takes you around County Clare and the Aran Islands to discover fine traditional music pubs, venues and festivals.
* Tip to Toe – sweep from mountain passes down Cliffside roads past sandy shores to discover charismatic cities, big-name sights and hidden beaches in this 10 day trip which starts in Derry/Londonderry and winds its way west through Sligo and Galway before heading east to Kilmore Quay. Derry/Londonderry was recently crowned one of the top 10 cities in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2013.
* The North in a Nutshell – The North’s must-do trip takes in unmissable cities and big-name sights. It also heads off the tourist trail, revealing secret beaches, quaint harbours, waterfalls and music-filled pubs. Taking 10 days this trip starts in Belfast and finishes in Glencolumbcille.

Ireland’s Best Trips, is available in stores across Ireland this week, along with Italy’s Best Trips and France’s Best Trips. These brand new titles join California’s Best Trips, New England’s Best Trips and the Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips the second editions of which were published in February.
The books are priced at €17.99.

Notes to Editors
– Advance review copies are available.
– Images and extracts can be arranged.

About Lonely Planet:
Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel content provider. Started in 1973, we enable curious travellers to experience the world and get to the heart of a place via guidebooks, an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products and a dedicated traveller community. Visit us at www.lonelyplanet.com.

For further information please contact:
Heather Carswell, Media & Communications Manager, Lonely Planet: Heather.carswell@lonelyplanet.co.uk Tel: +44 020 8433 1172

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