McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery in Ireland

(Paperback)

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Description

"Today, West Cork is a glamorous destination, a haven for upmarket tourists, but in the 1950s it was the arse end of the back of beyond - and that may be talking it up". Pete McCarthy was born in Warrington to an Irish mother and an English father and spent happy summer holidays in Cork. Years later, reflecting on the many places he has visited as a travel broadcaster, Pete admits that he feels more at home in Ireland than anywhere. To find out whether this is due to rose-coloured spectacles or to a deeper tie with the country of his ancestors, Pete sets off on a trip around Ireland and discovers that it has changed in surprising ways. Firstly obeying the rule "never pass a pub with your name on it", he encounters McCarthy's bars up and down the land, and meets English hippies, German musicians, married priests and many others. A funny, affectionate look at one of the most popular countries in the world.

Reviews

'The funniest book I've read this year' -- John Walsh, Independent 'McCarthy is a hilariously funny writer' -- The Times 'An engaging, evocative book.' -- Daily Mail 'In its freewheeling, informal, jokey way, it is nothing less than a portrait of modern Ireland, in all its splendid contradictions' -- Daily Telegraph 'An acutely observed and often hilarious series of snapshots of a country that can induce an onrush of sentimental cliche' -- Sunday Times

Author Bio

Pete McCarthy is the writer and performer of many series for radio and television, including 'Desperately Seeking Something', 'Country Tracks' and 'Travelog', for which he has won the Travelex Award for Best TV Writer. MCCARTHY'S BAR is his first book.