"Ghosts of Kilrush" is the heartfelt memoir of a young English boy, abandoned by his father in small town in western Ireland, who was raised as a beloved son by an Irish family who treated him as their own. Riley takes a look back as he affectionately recalls the many colorful characters who influenced his childhood.

Ireland Co Clare I wrote this book Ghosts of Kilrush to tell the story of a young boy who to all sense and purposes was abandoned by his father, left in Kilrush on the West Coast of Ireland with total strangers. Joe Riley never saw his father again for 12 years until he returned unannounced one day; he was a total stranger to me. The book was written to thank the family who cared for me and to the memory of all those beautiful people in the town. People who helped shape my character and my life for better or for worse. I have over the years looked back to try to answer the question "why was I left in Kilrush and separated from my real family" This is a question that has haunted me throughout the years of my life and I have never really found an answer and maybe there is no answer, it just happened. I have received countless letters and e-mails asking "what happened to Joe Riley when he left Ireland" In an attempt to answer this question I have re written the book. Within the original book I have weaved what happened since I was sixteen years of age in the chapters of the old Ghosts of Kilrush" It is an attempt if only briefly to answer where I went and basically what happened to me over the years. If you have not read the Ghosts of Kilrush please do so, it is a snapshot of those days. It tells of how people lived in those harsh days, people who cared for each other, simple people who laughed and cried together. These people lived on a daily basis in the beliefs of "Faith, Hope, Love and Charity" they practiced these virtues each and every day. Their lives were simple but their belief in the Lord God almighty ruled their way of life from birth to the grave. These were the values that I was brought up with, I was surrounded by genuine people whose lives were simple but it was these very people who laid the foundation for later generations who left Ireland to travel to countries al around the world. These are the foundations that I received from the people of Kilrush. I was brought up by a religious woman and a very wise man "My Uncle Andrew" He taught me that a man is what his values are. My thanks cannot be expressed in words, the love and affection I have for My Aunty May and Uncle Andrew Deloughery. Gratitude is what is in your heart and values that take you through your life, how do you say thanks in words. In the early years of my life I tried too hard to become a man of success, how misguided was I and at what cost. As you read through the pages of the book you will realise that in my latter years I have strived to become a man of value. As the years churn on I am so lucky to have known so many people that it's so hard to say goodbye to.

Famine Ghost: Englands Genocide of the Irish,/i> Famine Ghost is a book of historical fiction, the story of the Irish Famine (1845-1850) as seen through the eyes of young Johnjoe Kevane. He and his family are evicted from their cottage in Dingle. Disdaining the option of life in the local workhouse, the Kevanes sail in a coffin ship to Grosse Ile in Canada. Johnjoe keeps a diary of his familys suffering in the dark bowels of the overcrowded ship. When his parents die of ship fevertyphusJohnjoe returns home to exact revenge on the landlord, Major Mahon. OKeefe has delicately balanced history with touching humanity and humor. He has provided readers with a vivid tale, surprising in all the right ways, and an unabashed glimpse into the shocking truth of the Irish Famine. A masterful read cover to cover. --Sara Wolski, literary agent Famine Ghost captures the realities of the 1845-1850 Great Irish Famine and is filled with valuable research on the tragedy. An imaginative and thoughtful author, OKeefe has a real gift for the dialog and pace of language of 19th century Ireland. His vivid portrayal and historical perspective bring the hardships of Irelands troubles to our awareness in the 21st century, like no other book. --Helen Gallagher, Computer Clarity, www.cclarity.com

From its stirring legends to its stunning landscapes, Ireland is a living, breathing fairy-tale. Ignite your imagination with Moon Ireland. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries from a two-week "Best of Ireland" adventure or a weekend in Dublin to 3-day tours of southern, northern, and coastal Ireland that can be combined into a longer trip Strategic ideas for history buffs, outdoor adventurers, foodies, honeymooners, families, and more Unique ideas and can't-miss experiences: Visit the Old Library at Trinity College for a look at Ireland's most famous illuminated manuscript or drive past picturesque castles along the Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the misty magnificence of the Cliffs of Moher, wander through a 6th-century monastery, and ferry to the enchanting Aran Islands. Soak up the bohemian spirit of Galway City, take an introspective minute at the Bogside Peace Murals, or spend a day biking the Burren in County Clare. Head to a pub to order up a pint and enjoy a traditional meal while you experience Ireland's rollicking folk music scene Honest insight from Ireland expert Camille DeAngelis Full color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the country's history, landscape, government, and culture Helpful tools such as common local expressions and a guide to Irish cuisine and beverages, plus tips for traveling with children, seniors, travelers with disabilities, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers of color Focused coverage of Dublin and its surroundings (including Meath, Louth, Wicklow, and Kildare), the Southeast, Cork, Kerry, Clare and Limerick, Galway, the Northwest, and Northern Ireland With Moon Ireland's practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of the Emerald Isle. Expanding your trip to the UK? Try Moon Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Isle of Skye or Moon London Walks.