In addition to its practical travel tips, this book offers insightful essays -- including several by leading figures in Irish golf -- that explain the history and particular character of golfing in Ireland. Vacation planners will especially love the book's extensive, geographically balanced coverage of individual golf courses, presented by way of two whimsically named lists. The Trolleys List contains thorough summaries of 153 courses, including small maps and directions for getting there, scorecard data, descriptions of each course's layout and club facilities, and recommendations on local restaurants and hotels. The Squibs List offers basic information -- addresses, phone numbers, brief descriptions -- about 138 additional golf courses.

With Trolleys and Squibs, you can plan a detailed itinerary and make your reservations, even before landing on Irish shores (though armchair travelers as well will gain immense enjoyment from the colorful portraits of the courses and countryside).