McCarthy's Bar : A Journey Of Discovery In The West Of Ireland

by Pete Mccarthy

Release Date: 28 February, 2001

Edition: Hardcover

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Not Bryson, but funny.

I bought this book when I read reviews of it being compared to Bill Bryson's books. Some even said that Pete McCarthy was funnier than Bryson! After reading the book, I have to disagree. Having said that, McCarthy is a funny man who made me laugh out loud more than once. I think the greatest thing that he does is to show us the real Ireland and the people who inhabit it. This book would be a must for those wanting to visit Ireland, or anyone who just wants to take a vicarious vacation. McCarthy makes a good travelling companion.

Excellent!

I was unsure about buying this book, but for the price I thought "what the hell!"

I opened it and read the first sentence on the bus...what a mistake! I roared with laughter, much to the chagrin of my fellow travellers who weren't sharing in my experience. For your information, the first sentence is: "The harp player had just fallen off the stage and cracked his head on the Italian tourist's pint." Another sentence, and this is only from the prologue, I haven't even reached the first chapter yet, is: "At one point, the harp player fell off again, only backwards."

This book is an amazing insight into the Irish way of life, and those who visit Ireland, by one who desperately wants to discover his Irish roots.

Pete McCarthy is an astute and accurate observer.

If you found the sentences I've quoted humorous, this book will have you in stitches.

I'm not one to roar out loud to a book, but this one creased me up time and time again.

For the craic, if nothing else, buy it!