(Above is an excerpt from Ireland of the Welcomes magazine, September/October 2009)

“It's not often I meet someone who knows more about Ireland than me, but Pat Preston deserves the title of Ireland Expert. Her book, "Take a Break in Ireland," is filled with great ideas. Pat also answers your questions on www.IrelandExpert.com” - Irish Times

“One of the best websites for Dreaming About Ireland” - Irishfireside.com

Patricia Tunison Preston is widely recognized as "the Ireland Expert." And rightly so!

Formore than 40 years, Pat has made hundreds of trips to Ireland and written more about travel to Ireland than any other American-born writer. She has produced countless newspaper and magazine stories about the Emerald Isle (for publications ranging from National Geographic Traveler and Travel & Leisure to Ireland of the Welcomes and Inside Ireland) and has authored 15 travel books about Ireland including Ireland Travel 101, Take a Break in Ireland, The Smart Shopper's Guide to Ireland, Ireland Memories, Reflections of Ireland, Daytrips Ireland, Frommer's Ireland 1st Edition, Frommer's Dublin 1st & 2nd Editions, and the World of Travel Guide to Ireland. See a complete list of Pat's books below.

An American of Irish ancestry who just happened to be born the day after St. Patrick's Day, Pat has always felt "connected" to Ireland. She made her first visit to Ireland in 1966 and immediately knew she was home.

After much persistence and persuasion, a year later she became the first American ever hired by the Irish Tourist Board in New York. She worked with the board as public relations director, promoting and writing about Ireland until 1985, when she became a fulltime freelance writer specializing in Ireland.

In addition to writing about the Emerald Isle, Pat has written a dozen other travel books about U.S. destinations and contributed to 35 others.

Pat's professional credentials include active membership in the Society of American Travel Writers, the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, and Phi Delta Kappa National Honor Society. Pat and her husband John are also certified "expert members" in the Shamrock Club of Tourism Ireland.

Pat's "partner" in her travels and writings is her husband John J. Preston, son of Mayo-born parents.

The Prestons reside in the Hudson River Valley in an area that reminds them of the Emerald Isle. They both hold dual citizenship in Ireland and the US. In their spare time, the Prestons use their knowledge of Ireland to plan and escort tours to the Emerald Isle.

In her many visits to Ireland over the years, Patricia Tunison Preston has traveled every highway and byway, every county and crossroads, and truly knows Ireland "like the back of her hand."

On the pages of this site, she shares all of her knowledge, latest news, insider's tips, and enthusiasm for Ireland.

Author of the following Ireland books:
The Smart Shopper's Guide to Ireland (2009)
Ireland Memories (2001 and 2007)
Ireland Crafts & Shopping Guide (2006)
Take a Break in Ireland (2004)
Daytrips Ireland - 2nd Edition (2000)
Daytrips Ireland - 1st Edition (1997)
Reflections of Ireland - CLB Edition (1997)
Frommer's Ireland - 1st Edition (1995)
Frommer's Dublin - 2nd Edition (1994)
Reflections of Ireland - Easons Edition (1993)
Reflections of Ireland - Smithmark Edition (1991)
Frommer's Dublin - 1st Edition (1992)
World Travel Guide to Ireland (1989)
Contributor to Ireland Sections/Chapters of the following:
Frommer's Europe (1995, 1996)
Birnbaum's Ireland (1989, 1990-1994)
Birnbaum's Great Britain & Ireland (1986-88)
Birnbaum's Europe (1987-1989, 1990-1994)
Author of the following books on US destinations:
Frommer's Maryland & Delaware (1996)
Frommer's Delaware & Maryland (1994)
Frommer's Tampa & St. Petersburg - 3rd edition (1994)
Frommer's Tampa & St. Petersburg - 2nd edition (1992)
Frommer's Tampa & St. Petersburg- 1st (1990)
Frommer's PA, DE, MD & NJ shore (1992)
Frommer's Mid-Atlantic States (1988 and 1990)
Contributor of Chapters/Sections of the following:
Frommer's Florida (1994, 1995, 1996)
Birnbaum's USA (1988)
Fodor's New York State ( 1989, 1990, 1991)
Fodor's Touring USA (1992, 1993)

Both Pat and John Preston are certified Shamrock Club members, recognized as "experts" on travel to Ireland by Tourism Ireland.

Other Sections to visit:
| The Ireland Expert | Ireland Guide | Smart Shopping | Hot News |
| Group Tours | Pat's Books | Irish Links | "Ask Pat" Q&A Forum | 

 
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