Ireland is a country of small towns, most of which have fewer than 5000 inhabitants. This book deals with the origin, development and character of selected towns in Ireland, North and South. Each of these places tells the story of its townspeople through the layout of its streets and the choice of its street-names, its public buildings, and the larger and smaller houses of merchants and artisans. The book is based on the RTE radio series. Included are - Kells, Downpatrick, Carrickfergus, Maynooth, Enniscarthy, Bandon, Lurgan, Ennistymon, Castlecomer, Bray, Sligo, Athlone, Dungarvan and Mullingar.