Cork, the largest county in Ireland, has hundreds of miles of indented coastline, which is regarded as one of the scenic jewels of the country. John M. Feehan sailed alone in a small boat around the West Cork coast in search of true peace, his 'land of heart's desire', his 'isle of the blest'. The result is a book that is not only a profound spiritual odyssey but a magnificent account of the wild rugged coastline, the peaceful coves and the unique characters he met in this beautiful, unspoiled corner of Ireland. John M. Feehan writes with great charm, skill and sympathy, and with a mischievous roguish humour, often at his own expense. His sharp eye misses nothing. He sees the mystery, beauty and wonder in ordinary things, and brings situations and people vividly to life.

John M. Feehan gives us another book of memorable beauty.

An examination of Irish society and politics, providing a wide-ranging introduction to the involvement of the middle classes in Irish political life and the public sphere accrosss the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Combines analytical surveys and case/area studies to offer new perspectives on crucial movements and figures in Irish history.

In June 1631 pirates from Algiers and armed troops of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, led by the notorious pirate captain Morat Rais, stormed ashore at the little harbour village of Baltimore in West Cork. They captured almost all the villagers and bore them away to a life of slavery in North Africa. The prisoners were destined for a variety of fates -- some would live out their days chained to the oars as galley slaves, while others would spend long years in the scented seclusion of the harem or within the walls of the Sultan's palace. The old city of Algiers, with its narrow streets, intense heat and lively trade, was a melting pot where the villagers would join slaves and freemen of many nationalities. Only two of them ever saw Ireland again. The Sack of Baltimore was the most devastating invasion ever mounted by Islamist forces on Ireland or England. Des Ekin's exhaustive research illuminates the political intrigues that ensured the captives were left to their fate, and provides a vivid insight into the kind of life that would have awaited the slaves amid the souks and seraglios of old Algiers. The Stolen Village is a fascinating tale of international piracy and culture clash nearly 400 years ago and is the first book to cover this relatively unknown and under-researched incident in Irish history. Shortlisted for the Argosy Irish Nonfiction Book of the Year Award

An account of a unique geographical and cultural area in County Clare.

Welcome to the spirit, moods and amazing views of the wonderful world of West Cork, truly a place apart. A world of stunning landscapes, craggy cliffs, colourful villages, wild bogland, glorious harbours, fabulous beaches, rocky mountains, West Cork stands apart as one of the most desirable places to live, work, visit. The famous spots are all here: Mizen and Beara, with their extraordinary seascapes; Baltimore and Schull, beloved of sailors from all over the world; Gougane Barra, with its timeless peace - and many, many more. There are secret places too, off the beaten track, and the book takes the reader down many side-paths and byways to hidden corners and unexpected treasures, sharing on the way some of the legends and traditions of this region - and always the most wonderful and heartstopping scenery. From a writer and photographer team who lovingly share their responses to the region they are lucky enough to call home: Jo Kerrigan, historian and journalist with national and international publications, and Richard Mills, multiple award-winning press and wildlife photographer.

David Monagan has always dreamed of relocating to Ireland, the land of his forebears. With humour and candour, he describes the pleasures and pitfalls, challenges and frustrations of moving a feisty family to a foreign land. Jaywalking with the Irish isan honest, penetrating and often hilarious portrait of a contemporary Ireland that is so often portrayed through the wistful lens of cliches that no longer apply. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Illustrated with maps and photographs, this guide comprehensively describes all the islands and explores not only their geology, archaeology and history but the flora and fauna, fishing methods, architecture, rigours of island life and many other related matters.

Covering all aspects of travel since the 12th century, this guide provides a reference on Irish travel literature. The book also examines the tradition and content of tourist guides to Ireland. The information included ranges from diary-accounts of journeys undertaken through the country and towns of Ireland, written for the information of others, to private writings, such as the 17th-century account by Mary Granville of her journey to Galway. There are also excerpts from the journals and letters of historical figures, such as John Wesley and Mary Wollstonecraft. Furthermore, the author has added to the bibliographical data for each entry wherever possible, indicating the itinerary followed by the writer in question.