Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other'. New York Times

This eBook offering is an excerpt of Lonely Planet's latest Ireland guide book and includes:

• The Midlands chapter

• Understand Ireland

• The Midlands maps

Dominated by the River Shannon, the Midlands is brimming with verdant pastoral landscapes, stately homes, archaeological remains and sleepy towns. It also boasts plush hotels and gourmet restaurants, making this area the perfect rural retreat.

This guide is the result of research by dedicated authors and local experts who immersed themselves in the Midlands, finding unique experiences, and sharing practical and honest advice, so you come away informed and amazed. This guide includes up-to-date reviews of the best places to stay, eat, sights, cultural information, maps, transport tips and a few best kept secrets – all the essentials to get to the heart of the Midlands.

Coverage includes:

• Understand Ireland: Ireland Today, History, Irish Way of Life, Music, Literary Ireland, Irish Landscapes, Sporting Ireland, Directory, Transport, Glossary and Language

• County Laois, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Emo Court, Rock of Dunamaise, County Offaly, Birr, Kinnitty, Banagher & around, Shannonbridge, Clonmacnoise, Tullamore, Durrow Abbey, County Roscommon, Strokestown & around, Boyle & around, Roscommon Town, County Leitrim, Carrick-On-Shannon, North Leitrim, County Longford, County Westmeath, Athlone, Kilbeggan & around and Mullingar & around.

Lonely Planet's Ireland guide is researched and written by: Fionn Davenport, Neil Wilson, Etain O'Carroll, Catherine Le Nevez, Ryan Ver Berkmoes.