This is obviously a far from comprehensive list of old travel books dealing with Ireland.   It is just a mention for a couple that I have read, and since they are available free on line, I thought a plug for the sites that host them would be worthwhile. I love travel books, particularly old ones.   While a modern travel book can show the reader what they are likely to encounter after jumping aboard a flight for a couple of hours, reading some of the great travel classics transports the reader to worlds long gone, and to which only the hardy could make their way.   They have nothing to do with Ireland, but do yourself a favour and find a copy of books like “Two Years Before the Mast”, or ‘Sailing Alone Around the World’.   The first of these is a tale of travel from Boston to California, when Cali was only a series of trading posts. The second title is more self-explanatory, but still a great tale of adventure and resilience.   Both are available as free dow...