If you've got a trip scheduled to the Emerald Isle, this educational and informative video will certainly help with the planning. Travel thru History: Dublin (no, that's not a typo) is a quick, well-narrated survey of Ireland's history from the importance of the Book of Kells and manuscript illumination to King Henry VIII's 16-century Protestant takeover through the rise of the modern-day IRA. Loaded with interviews with Dublin tourism and university officials, interspersed with black and white historical photos as well as clear, colorful graphics, the 22 minute travelogue moves through The Fair City's history at a swift pace. That said, although the DVD promises more it ends abruptly.

Travel thru History: Dublin is not intended to present travel tips, so if you want to find out the best place for bangers and mash or where to spot Bono when he's in town you'll have to check TripAdvisor. But for a balanced, educational tour of Dublin you'll find this a comprehensive and quick history.