The Sunny Side of Ireland

Railway lines provide the framework for John O'Mahony's guide to southern and western Ireland. Written for visitors using the Great Southern and Western Railway, it brings together city districts, coastal resorts, lakes and mountain scenery. The opening explains the growth of the railway network and describes dining carriages, station refreshments and hotels. Its contents extend from Dublin and Cork to Kerry, Clare, Galway and Connemara, with sections on cycling, golf and fishing.

Around Kenmare, the guide becomes particularly practical, setting out carriage excursions, views from mountain roads and routes onward to Killarney and Glengarriff. Local history sits beside descriptions of the Poor Clares' lace making and the landscape of Kenmare Bay. R. Lloyd Praeger contributes a chapter on natural history. Readers interested in earlier Irish tourism can see how scenery, local industries and transport services were presented together to prospective visitors.