The "Celtic Tiger" phenomenon has made Ireland the focus of much attention in recent years. Other countries have openly declared that they want to follow the Irish economic and social model. Yet there is no book that gives a comprehensive, spatially-informed analysis of the Irish experience.

This book fills that gap. Divided into four parts - planning and development, the economy, the political landscape, and population and social issues - the chapters provide an explanation of a particular aspect of Ireland and Irish life accompanied by illustrative material.