If the fallout from the ash cloud is making you think of holidaying at home this year, a copy of the new Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2010(Estragon Press, €10) will provide plenty of inspiration. You won't find any sprawling newly-built hotels with golf clubs, leisure centres and spas in this guide, but you will discover a personally selected line-up of classy, sometimes quirky but always interesting places to stay.

The companion volume, Bridgestone 100 Best Restaurants, has some, at first sight, curious inclusions in its "10 places to eat in the recession" listing, but the €22 market menu two-course lunch at Pearl Brasserie in Dublin 2 does represent value. The guide's nomination for most happening room? Campagne in Kilkenny. Chef to watch? Seamus Commons of Knockranny House Hotel. And signature dish? Ballymaloe House's lamb braised with garlic and scallions, two sauces and Jansson's Temptation. mcdigby@irishtimes.com