What books to read before studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland?

I will be studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland next spring. What books would you recommend that I read before going there? I'm looking for some good summer reading. I'm not trying to read Ulysses, but I might read Dubliners by James Joyce. I'm looking for some good historical and contemporary reading choices (about the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland). I'm also interested in any good travel guides/books about the area (and perhaps anything that would help me plan weekend trips to continental Europe). Thanks!