At last, a textbook that applies criminological theory to crime and social harm in Ireland. From the Mertonian 'Irish Dream' to the Dublin, Cork or Limerick ‘hard man’, this accessible text is packed full of practical examples and critical thinking exercises. Essential reading for all Irish criminology students.Professor Claire Hamilton, Maynooth University The best sign that Irish criminology has truly come of age is that our first-ever criminology textbook is of such remarkably high quality. Packed with insight and evidence, this is a perfect introduction to the discipline – wherever one lives in the world. Shadd Maruna, Professor of Criminology, Queen’s University Belfast Criminology in Ireland has been something of a late bloomer. But as this wide-ranging and stimulating text shows, it is now a mature and vibrant discipline, poised to engage critically with a range of theoretical perspectives and to influence the worlds of policy and practice. Exciting times ahead! Professor Ian O’Donnell, University College Dublin