A Guide to Megalithic Ireland (ISBN 1855382709)

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"A Guide to Megalithic Ireland" by J. H. Brennan is a very useful book for anyone who is serious about locating stone circles, dolmens (or dolmans), Ogham stones, and other evidence of early Ireland. This book is a gazetteer and lists towns alphabetically with references to the Irish National Grid, and can be used with the half-inch Ordnance Survey maps. Additional helpful maps inside the book indicate the relative distribution of different types of megalithic structures, so you'll know which part of the country to favor when you travel. For example, if you're looking for court tombs or dolmens, you'll find a high concentration of them in Northern Ireland. For wedge tombs, look to the western half of Ireland. And if--like many people--you are fascinated with stone circles, you should visit the middle of Northern Ireland, north of Omagh, or southwest Ireland west of Cork city. And, Ireland's largest stone circle is at Lough Gur just southeast of Limerick city. In addition to directions to each site, "A Guide to Megalithic Ireland" also describes the most interesting sites in detail, with historical notes. A photo section at the center of the book will intrigue you, too. Other sections of this book include "What to Look For," a brief illustrated glossary of terms and structures. The appendix of the book offers illustrated instructions to make your own dowsing rods, and how to use them. If you are visiting Ireland and want to explore its remarkable early history and over 1000 megalithic sites, this book is a very good starting point. It's also light enough to carry in your backpack when you're touring Ireland, and you'll refer to it often. "A Guide to Megalithic Ireland" is an invaluable guide filled with a wealth of practical information if you love Ireland's ancient history and folklore. --reviewed by Eibhlin Morey, editor, "All Info About Ireland"