Handbook of Dublin

In the days before smartphones and Trip Advisor, small paper guides to cities were essential for visitors to navigate their way around and find recommendations on where to stay, eat and visit. This pamphlet covers Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, and was published by the Soliders' Central Club on College Street specifically for "soldier and sailor guests".

The contents page lists sections on various important pieces of information such as "How to get to the railway stations", "Excursions from Dublin", and "Useful addresses". There are also a few adverts scattered throughout including "Thompson's Taxi Service" and "Graham's (Glebe) Hotel" at Killarney Lakes.

Title: Handbook of Dublin with map
Author: Soldiers' Central Club
Publisher: George F. Healy & Co. LTD.
Publication Year: 1917
Pages: 24

This pamphlet has green-ish blue paper covers with the title and price printed in dark blue on the front. There is a lot of discolouration on the front (both dirt and light damage) but the inside of the covers reveals the true colour.

Inside is a folded map showing central Dublin, with the Soldiers' Central Club location marked with a red dot. The further northern mark is "Circular Road", to the east is Alexandra Basin, south shows Portobello Barracks, and the furthest western point is the Royal Hospital. Remarkably, for its age, the map is still securely attached and has no tears or rips around the edge.

Inside the book is some foxing and other dirt marks, which are also on the covers. The pages are secured with two staples, which have rusted. As a result the central page has come loose, but no pages appear to be missing (the central pages are 12 and 13 and are still present in the book).

Although this has clearly been used (and not very well stored) the inclusion of the map in particular makes this a great find for anyone interested in early 20th century Dublin.