With piles of notes and pictures from my last trip to Ireland, I've decided to complete my second book on the Emerald Isle before the end of this year. Many readers have commented that they'd like to hear more about lesser known places to visit in Ireland for their next trip after already exploring many of the more well-traveled destinations.

While I'm still working on the book about my local area, the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, I've decided that finishing this one first is the priority after multiple requests.

Best Travel Guide to Ireland's Lesser Known Destinations will focus on the specifics of many wonderful off the beaten path destinations I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, including some recommended by locals, and castles that aren’t found on that more well-worn itinerary. You’ll even discover details on some of the country’s most haunted castles – a few of which you can even spend the night, if you dare.

In addition to being much more extensive than the first, this book will provide you with the leads you need to experience a more unique adventure in the Emerald Isle. All you'll have to do is savor each and every moment.

I'll post updates here when I have a better idea as to exactly when it will be released - in the meantime, if you have questions or comments, including anything you'd like to see covered in this book, please feel free to leave them here or email me at kcdermody@gmail.com.

I'm very lucky to live in what I think is one of the most beautiful places on the planet! As I'd mentioned at the beginning of the year, one of my upcoming projects is a book on the Olympic Peninsula.

I've had a very busy spring, but now the time has come to finally get started on what I hope will be a very extensive book on this spectacular area from the Hood Canal all the way to Neah Bay, including Olympic National Park. It will feature recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, what to do, many of the best hikes, where to spot wildlife, insider tips and much more.

If there is anything specific you'd like to see included, please don't hesitate or just give me a shout directly at kcdermody@gmail.com. 

During my travels to Ireland later this month, I'll be visiting a number of haunted castles and other locations in addition to spending the night at one of them: Ross Castle in County Meath. 

I'll plan to include some of my experiences as well as interviews with the castle owners in my upcoming Ireland travel guide.

Ross Castle in County Meath is one of the most famous in the country, set in a remote area on a hill filled with ancient trees overlooking Lough Sheelin. Many guests who have stayed there have had some rather interesting encounters which can be found here: 
http://www.ross-castle.com/en/history/ghosts

This should make for a rather interesting night - look forward to details in my book to be released December 13: The Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland. Be sure to sign up for updates under the previous post entitled with the same name. 

For quite some time now, I've been working on an in-depth travel guide to Ireland for the first time visitor. With cousins living there, I've had the privilege of visiting many times and have traveled throughout nearly every region. Looking back at my first trip in March of 2001, I wish I knew then what I know now. It certainly would have made things much easier. In 2009, I wrote my first article for Associated Content, what is now the Yahoo Contributor Network: a brief travel guide to help those who were going to Ireland for the first time. I had such a great response, not only from Americans, but even from the Irish themselves, that I knew I needed to write this book. I've been extremely busy writing articles, ebooks and websites for clients, but now, I'm taking the time to finally complete this book that I hope will be helpful to many. 

Later this month, I'll travel to Ireland to work on the finishing touches, including interviews with locals to obtain their perspective on the "best things to do" as well as "what not to do" (including attractions as well as good manners if you hope to get to know the culture better). It will also include an interview with the owner of Leap Castle, the most haunted castle in the world, according to many, and much more.

Unlike every other travel guide, in addition to all of the basics, it will include details on what the average person really needs to know when traveling to Ireland for the first time, such as:

• A sample itinerary
• Why it's better to stay at a B and B instead of a hotel
• All you need to know about renting a car (it's much different than in other countries)
• What to bring
• The touristy destinations that are worth going to and which are the best to avoid
• Some of the best destinations for the most beautiful scenery, top historic sites, where to go for great live music, top Dublin attractions, and more

If you've always wanted to go to Ireland, but still haven't made the trip, this book is for you.  The Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland is expected to be released on December 13, 2013.

The trailer and cover will be coming soon! 

Sign up now via the contact form below for updates - comments about what you'd like to see in this book are greatly appreciated and will be heard.