Author Patricia Preston, a resident of New York, is widely recognized as the "Ireland Expert." A regular visitor to the Emerald Isle for over 40 years, she has focused on Ireland throughout her career. Pat started as Public Relations Manager for the Irish Tourist Board for almost 20 years, and then became a freelance writer specializing in Ireland. Pat has written hundreds of articles about Ireland for major magazines (from Travel + Leisure to National Geographic Traveler) and newspapers across the USA. She also leads three tours a year to Ireland and writes about Ireland for various web sites including her own, www.IrelandExpert.com. Pat's 15th book about Ireland - Ireland Travel 101 - won 1st Place in the Travel Guide category of the North American Travel Journalists (NATJA) annual awards, announced on February 23, 2010.