James Solas Dodd’s Traveller’s ‘Director’ is a less well known guide to
Ireland, published in 1801 to cater for English people wishing to holiday in
Ireland.
The book begins with a description of Dublin city, including a detailed
engraved map. He then tours the country following all the main roads throughout
the island. For each place he describes the topography, economy, public
buildings, gentlemen’s houses, religious buildings, antiquities, curiosities,
and gives a lot of historical information.
The book concludes with a section on the major natural curiosities in Ireland
(e.g. the Giant’s Causeway), and a guide to getting to Ireland from England.
The book contains an excellent map of Ireland by Stockdale.
