Best of Ireland

The only book you need to enjoy unforgettable Irish adventures

Let lifelong Irish native Cassie Stokes show you the best of the Emerald Isle.

Cassie Stokes has spent years travelling the length and breadth of Ireland on one mission: to find the very best that it has to offer. She’s interviewed chefs and pub landlords, sunk countless pints of Guinness and hiked many a hill on her quest. Now, she’s sharing her cracking recommendations and best-kept secrets in The Best of Ireland.

With themed lists on everything that makes Ireland so great – the pubs, the hiking spots, the music and so much more – this book gives you all the inspiration you need for the ultimate Irish adventure. You’ll discover which pubs put on the best trad sessions (and serve the best Guinness, of course), where’s best for a wild swim and when the best festivals take place. Better yet, inspiring itineraries show you how to bring Cassie’s recommendations together, so you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the best that the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have to offer.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs