Ireland's seashores are famous for their spectacular beauty, ranging from exposed rocky headlands that receive the full power of the Atlantic to enclosed sea loughs and sheltered mudflats. Our northern latitude means that some Arctic species find a home here, but the warm currents that flow up from the Gulf of Mexico also make Irish shores habitable for species found in southern Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean. Providing habitats like no other, our coasts are teeming with plant and animal life. Whether you visit on a sunny summer day or for a wild walk in winter, there is always something interesting to see, either living on the shore or washed up from the sea . Beginning with clear background information on types of shore, tides, waves, coastal habitats and conservation, this highly accessible guide has everything you need to understand the wildlife on our coastline. A helpful identification guide uses simple questions (e.g. 'Does it have a shell?') to guide you to the correct section (e.g. 'Snails, mussels and their relatives'), where you will find an introduction to the species, followed by detailed entries on the most common shoreline inhabitants: Irish and Latin names, size, distribution and memorable nuggets of information (did you know banded wedge shells can leap if disturbed?). Written by qualified marine biologists with a passion for their subject, this is the ideal companion on any seashore ramble, whether you are a beginner or an experienced naturalist.

Adventure is closer than you think. Ireland's wild scenery and dramatic landscapes call out for exploration, and this inspirational guide will open your eyes to the huge variety of exhilarating outdoor experiences the country has to offer. Whether you want to sea kayak around remote stacks and arches, discover delicate stalactites in underground caverns, stand amidst a colony of breeding seabirds or scramble up a rocky ridge to the country's highest summit, this book shows you how. From snorkelling in County Cork to island-hopping in County Donegal, there are trips to suit all levels of expertise in every province of Ireland. With all the practical details you need to plan your outing – including comprehensive route descriptions, handy trip-summary boxes and maps – you can set off to explore the country's most spectacular spots in confidence. Embark on an epic journey to tick off the whole bucket list, or cherry-pick your favourite activities for weekend adventures. Either way you're guaranteed to be invigorated by the scale of Ireland's natural wonders.

Take this book to the beach; it will open up a whole new world. Illustrated throughout with color photographs, maps, and graphics, it explores one of the planet’s most dynamic environments—from tourist beaches to Arctic beaches strewn with ice chunks to steaming hot tropical shores. The World’s Beaches tells how beaches work, explains why they vary so much, and shows how dramatic changes can occur on them in a matter of hours. It discusses tides, waves, and wind; the patterns of dunes, washover fans, and wrack lines; and the shape of berms, bars, shell lags, cusps, ripples, and blisters. What is the world’s longest beach? Why do some beaches sing when you walk on them? Why do some have dark rings on their surface and tiny holes scattered far and wide? This fascinating, comprehensive guide also considers the future of beaches, and explains how extensively people have affected them—from coastal engineering to pollution, oil spills, and rising sea levels.

In ancient Ireland there were 365 different parts to the body, and a different plant to cure each part. So the wild plants of Ireland are bound up in our culture and folklore from the earliest times. To arry a four-leaved shamrock brings luck in gambling, while putting nine ivy leaves under her pillow means a girl will dream of her future husband. Here plants are described in seasonal order, a perspective dating back to our ancestors. Different aspects of plant folklore are examined following a brief history of traditional herbal medicine in Ireland. Included are their roles in magical protection, in charms and spells (especially for love!), as emblems in children's games, and in Irish place names.

"From moss to moths, Anja Murray has conjured up an ebullient paean to our surrounding ecosystem - a sensuous celebration of nature.' MANCHÁN MAGAN 'A hugely important, and simply delightful, book.' EOGHAN DALTUN, author of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest OPEN UP TO A NOURISHING NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH IRELAND'S WILD WORLD. Wild Embrace is about cultivating curiosity and awe in nature, in a time of eco-anxiety and overwhelm. As ecologist Anja Murray opens our eyes to the hidden bounty of the land, sea and sky around us, we head out on a unique journey through the Irish landscape. She explores the joy of foraging, the marvels of Irish birds, the roles of our native trees in environmental regeneration, nature at night and in the city, and much more - including fascinating insights into our ecological past. With beautiful illustrations by Jane Carkill (@lamblittle), Wild Embrace awakens our senses to the everyday environmental wonders within reach, as we set out on a path to empowered change into the future.

Explore every corner of this fascinating island (North and South) with the fully revised 10th edition of the Rough Guide to Ireland, including the clearest maps of any guide. Get inspiration from the full-color introduction on where to go and what to see, from Dublin's elegant Georgian architecture and world-renowned pubs to the spectacular landscapes of the Burren and Connemara. Find in-depth, up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels and B&Bs, restaurants, and bars, including the top places to hear Irish music. Learn about Ireland's culture, with expert background on everything from traditional sports and music to history and literature. In addition, you'll find two full-color sections, describing Ireland's exuberant festivals and giving a detailed guide to the best of its underrated food and drink. Make the most of your time on earth with the Rough Guide to Ireland.