Dublin is particularly fortunate in its surroundings. Within easy reach lies an attractive coast where in close association may be found cliff, beach and towering headland. On the south a great mountain tract provides an almost endless variety of moorland, valley and river scenery. In the matter of lakes only can the Dublin district be said to be deficient, there being nothing worthy of the name nearer than the Loughs Bray, and these, owing to their elevation, size and surroundings, must be classed as tarns rather than lakes.<br><br>The district fascinated me in boyhood, and holds its interest for me even now in maturer years after visits to many a foreign land. There is not a glen, mountainside or quiet village described in these pages that I have not visited over and over again, and always with a renewed pleasure.<br><br>It is now nearly twenty-five years since I contributed to the Press m-first series of illustrated topographical articles under the title of "Rambles Around Dublin." These appeared in The Evening Telegraph, and were afterwards issued in book form. They were followed at irregular intervals b-others in The Evening Telegraph and The Weekly Irish Times. All were the result of visits to, and observation in the localities described, coupled with such information as I was able to obtain in regard to their history and other matters of interest.