The Saltee Islands, Ireland

In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100

In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100 - Book Float

When the Irish State was formed in 1922, Ireland was one of the most poverty-stricken nations in Europe. Now it has the second highest quality of life in the world.

Where to buy

What People Say

Uplifting. Perfect for flicking through by the fire.

‘Books of the Year’ List
The Irish Times

A tremendous corrective to excessive negativity. It’s a real eye-opener.

Matt Cooper
Today FM

A great book to dip into.

Pat Kenny
Newstalk

A timely effort to detail the reality of the way we live now. A beautifully produced book.

Stephen Collins
The Irish Times

If you want to cheer yourself up, read this book. It will counter all the doom and gloom out there using real data that confirms what a great country Ireland is.

Prof. Luke O’Neill
Trinity College Dublin

A superb production and a really interesting counter to the ‘doomscrolling’ approach to recent history. A valuable addition to the canon on Ireland.

Prof. John O’Brennan
Maynooth University
Mark Henry - Profile portrait

About Mark

I trained as a psychologist and led the research and strategy functions of Irish technology companies before turning to work in tourism. Having spent two decades telling people all over the world what a great country Ireland is, I am passionate about sharing the incredible progress we have made.

Articles

Ireland is one of the very best nations in which to live on planet Earth. It is a remarkable place.
Trinity College Library, Ireland

Quiz

How well do you know Ireland?

Take my six question quiz to gauge your understanding of the progress we have made as a nation.

Mark Henry - Author