North Leinster

The second volume in the definitive Buildings of Ireland series covers the counties of Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath. Within this varied landscape north of Dublin lie some of Ireland's most remarkable buildings. Round towers and majestic high crosses of the early monasteries at Kells and Monasterboice contrast with the great Norman castle of Trim, with the evocative remains of once powerful abbeys, and with scores of fortified tower houses. Country houses range from Palladian and neo-classical to the romantic picturesque of the early nineteenth century, while both town and countryside offer a rich diversity of Victorian Gothic churches. All are described here with wit, scholarship and discrimination, prefaced by an illuminating historical introduction and aided by over 140 photographs, numerous specially prepared maps and line drawings, a glossary and comprehensive indexes.