In his decades-long career at the Irish Times, Frank McDonald became uniquely beloved and influential for his tireless attention to Dublin's built environment. He was, meanwhile, living a remarkably varied and interesting life. In The Distractions of Dublin, McDonald tells the stories behind his public advocacy for a more beautiful and humane city, and of his battles (and lunches) with politicians and developers. And he also tells a more intimate story of growing up gay in Dublin at a time when homosexuality was entirely hidden. Passionate, indiscreet and seriously entertaining, The Distractions of Dublin is an instant classic of journalistic memoir.