O'Brien Press

Castles are the most familiar medieval landmark across the Irish countryside. Their often romantic appearance belies their turbulent history and their lore abounds in stories of sieges, betrayals and daring escapes.From the earliest stone castles such as Dublin Castle to the fortified manor houses such as Red Hugh O'Donnell's Donegal Castle, each has a fascinating and individual story to tell.»Castles of Ireland» brings the reader on a tour of more than sixty castles, from the biggest and most well-known to dramatic and atmospheric ruins which had a role to play in shaping Ireland's history.

This is a deadly compendium of all your favourite feckin' books. Do you know the difference between a bowsie and a cute hoor? Can you sing all the words to «Raggle Taggle Gypsy» or whip up a Beef and Guinness casserole with a side of Boxty? If these questions have you scratching your head, then look no further. Discover how feckin' deadly Irish Slang can be, find out why plastic-wrap played a vital role in the sex lives of the Irish in the seventies, learn the words to the most beloved Irish songs and get the recipes for the most famous and delicious Irish dishes. «The Feckin' Book of Everything Irish» is a laughter-filled guide to the genuine culture of Ireland.

Bertie is sad. He hides in a corner. He will not crow. But can he help the little lost chicken? This book is illustrated by Patrice Aggs.

Cinders lives with Miss Moll. One day Miss Moll brings home a new friend for Cinders — Tiger. But poor Cinders is terrified of Tiger. What will Cinders do? This is Panda Cubs 5.

Ireland is clearly but indefinably different to other lands; it has a strange compound of weather, landscape, people... and that something extra, the remnants of a pagan and mediaeval past. These elements of people and place combine to give the country a magic all its own. This magic can be found throughout the country; it can be felt at ancient horse fairs or ruined castles, and even on the streets of modern Irish towns. This book encapsulates all that is wonderful about Ireland, from the natural landscape to traditional shopfronts, to give an overall impression of what makes Ireland magical.

Timmy is afraid. He is afraid of everything. But one day Timid Timmy must be very brave. Can he do it?

Bimbot is thrown out of the tree-house gang for being a crybaby. Robots don't cry, Rusty, Klunk and Klang tell him. In the woods Bimbot meets a skunk with no smell, a bee with no stripes and a bear who is afraid of heights. Can his new friends help him out? This is the first book from an original and exciting new author.

As a serious study of the nuances of the English language as spoken in Ireland, this book is as useful as tits on a bull. On the other hand, if you'd like to have a baldy of understanding the various expressions you regularly hear around Ireland, you'd have to be a few brassers short of a whorehouse to ignore it. So stall the ball there! Whether you're a fine doorful of a woman or you're so hungry you'd eat an oul' wan's arse through a blackthorn bush, this invaluable collection of Ireland's most treasured (and irreverent) sayings is definitely worth having a gander at.

You've heard them all a thousand times before in the pub or at a late night hooley... Danny Boy, Biddy Mulligan, The Wild Colonial Boy. You've knocked back your Jemmy with a drop of water or your Vodka and red, breathed deeply and then tried desperately to remember the opening lines to your party piece. But all that comes out is 'la la di da di da la la'. Fear no more. They're all here in all their glory — every word, every line, every chorus of the most popular Irish songs ever to be performed through that happy, misty haze of alcohol. The only thing we can't guarantee is your singing. But don't worry. Everyone will be so plastered they won't notice!

Emma is clumsy. She drops her food. She drops her toys. Will she ever learn to juggle like Peter?

Ireland is brimming with fun-filled travel experiences, with spectacular scenery, awesome attractions and friendly people. Wander amid ancient dolmens, castles, crannogs and round towers. Ride a jaunting car, climb aboard a steam-powered train, lend a hand on a working farm, join in an Irish set dance or just settle into a pub and chat with the locals. Ireland brings out the best in all of us. Open the door to Ireland's many travel trails, for a day, a weekend, a week or longer.

The history of Irish traditional music, song and dance from the mythological harp of the Dagda right up to Riverdance. Exploring an abundant spectrum of historical sources, music and folklore, this guide uncovers the contribution of the Normans to Irish dancing, the role of the music maker in Penal Ireland, as well as the popularity of dance tunes and set dancing from the end of the 18th century. It also follows the music of the Irish diaspora from as far apart as Newfoundland and the music halls of vaudeville to the musical tapestry of Irish America today.

This is the extraordinary true story of Patrick, a humble man who made an incredible journey from slave to saint. Captured at the age of sixteen and forced into slavery in Ireland, this courageous and resourceful young boy overcame all hardship to fulfil his calling: to bring the people of Ireland into the light of God's word. George Otto Simms presents the real Patrick, not the Patrick of myth and legend but the Patrick of the Confessions. In his own words he was a sinner, but he was a brave individual, a sensitive seer, a persuasive orator, a traveller, a noble spirit and a true holy man.

Boo is afraid. Boo is afraid of the dog. She is afraid of the dark. Will she ever learn to be brave?

Emma is angry. Her big brother loves to scare her. He jumps at her in the dark. What can she do? This title is illustrated by Woody Fox.

A photographically-led souvenir of the city, providing an overview of the sites, key buildings, museums, events, parks, literary Dublin, pub culture and the city today. Divided by location to make it easy for even the first time visitor to follow, The Golden Book of Dublin presents famous buildings and tourist attractions such as Trinity College, O'Connell Street, Christ Church Cathedral and Temple Bar, as well as some of Dublin's lesser known treasures such as Collins Barracks, Marsh's Library and St. Michan's Church. Also featured are some of the best known Dubliners and the places they are associated with.

Cindy, a with-it and cynical young teen, still traumatised by her mother's recent death, is appalled when her father falls in love with one of her teachers, a woman with two teenage daughters of her own. Surely he can't be serious? She cannot imagine a worse fate than having a teacher as her stepmother, and as for the two prissy girls — she is never going to call them sisters no way! But, if Cindy dislikes her prospective stepsisters, they think she is an absolute horror — spoiled, arrogant and atrociously rude to them and their mother when they visit her house. Whatever about their mother marrying again, they can't imagine being landed with Cindy as a sister no way! But the parents are going to marry, and the girls are going to be family, like it or not. So who gives in? Is there any room for compromise? Will the unlikely trio of stepsisters ever change their minds about each other? TWO GREAT BOOKS IN ONE: In a unique feature the girls' stories are told in two separate back-to-back books, one for Cindy and the other for Ashling and Alva. The reader can choose which story to begin with, getting a very different viewpoint on the girls depending on whose side of the story they read first.

A Mad Granddad and Me Story — Lenny and his mad granddad buy a flying saucer and shoot into space together. But space is full of all sorts of creatures — some are friendly, some are not so friendly... Getting into space is easy. Getting home again — alive — is going to be a lot harder! This is Flyer number 11.

Legends of the adventures of that famous band of warriors the Fianna have captured the imaginations of listeners and readers through the centuries. This book provides four stories of magic, heroism and love featuring some of the best-known names from Irish myth and legend. It includes the story of Oisin and Tir na nOg, the humorous Quest for the Giolla Deacair and how Fionn MacCumhaill was trapped in The Enchanted Palace. These tales set out to bring Ireland's magical mythology to life.

This title presents an illustrated history of the Celts and their Art by Mairead Ashe FitzGerald. Decorative arts in the Celtic culture are world-renowned for their beauty, intricacy and depth of meaning. Among the most famous examples are illustrated manuscripts such as «The Book of Kells». This new book uses many of the ancient sources as inspiration, but brings a personal, modern interpretation to the motifs, creating new and exciting patterns and designs which will both inspire and encourage readers. Part one presents history of Celtic Art from ancient times to today. It is illustrated with photographs and drawings of weapons, manuscripts, silver and gold objects, embroidery and murals. Part two features new designs in lavish colour and black & white inspired by Celtic beliefs, traditions and decorative sources. Subjects covered in this title include: infinity, love, trees, birds, fish, animals, and water. It describes sources of inspiration, practical uses and symbolic significance.

Four ancient Celtic myths that have been passed from generation to generation are woven together in this collection of mythology, magic, and supernatural tales.

This title features colorful and warlike people, constantly on the move, the Celts spread from Central Europe to Ireland, bringing with them their beliefs and customs, new crafts and skills, tools and weapons of iron and a Celtic language. Here we explore their home life, work, political structures and leisure. It is illustrated with photographs of Celtic artefacts, maps, and superb, archaelogically-informed reconstruction drawings of Celtic life. Originally written by the Curriculum Development Unit of Trinity College and the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee, this book has been a favorite of adults and children for over ten years. Tourists and native alike have found it invaluable for brief yet detailed information.

This title features over 200 stunning original photographs of Ireland, North and South, featuring its historic places, monuments, breathtaking scenery, the people, fairs and festivals. Each photograph is accompanied by fact-filled, informative text on the history, legend, lives and customs covered by the pictures. The book takes you on a county by county tour of Ireland, visiting all the major tourist attractions: The Rock of Cashel, The Cliffs of Moher, The Giant's Causeway, Trinity College, Bunratty Castle, as well as illustrating unique features for which the Irish landscape is famous, such as thatched cottages, stone walls and round towers. It is the perfect accompaniment to a visit to Ireland and the ideal souvenir to take home.

The heroic and romantic Celtic epic is made accessible to readers of all ages. Read about the feats of the famous Cuchulainn, who singlehandedly defends Ulster against the army of Queen Maeve; Maeve's greed; the magical and fantastical happenings that occur throughout the Tain; about bravery, courage and love. Read, too, of the famous personalities of Celtic lore — Morrican the Witch, King Conor of Ulster, Queen Fann, Emer and Ferdia.