"The Hook Peninsula continues the Irish Rural Landscape series, building on the research agenda established by the internationally successful Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape. Located in county Wexford, this region was the first to be conquered by the Anglo-Normans and its landscape was shaped by the establishment of two Cistercian abbeys (Tintern and Dunbrody) in the Middle Ages. The location of the peninsula beside a major estuary and busy shipping lanes was of vital importance. The Hook figured prominently in the Confederate Wars in the seventeenth century and in the 1798 rebellion." "This compact and highly distinctive peninsula makes for a compelling case-study in which Billy Colfer carefully knits the local story into a wider narrative. An eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of his local community creates a vivid story, while Colfer's obvious love for the Hook infuses the volume with an underlying passion all the more moving for being understated. Ireland, 'an island nation', has at last a volume informed by a maritime perspective from a writer who understands the sea and its formative influence on landscapes and lives. In these beautiful pages, an astonishing array of maps, photographs, paintings, archive sketches and new drawings ensure that the Hook landscape is given a radiant treatment."--BOOK JACKET.

In the 1700s, Loftus Hall was a magnificent, awe invoking building which dominated the edge of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Ireland. At the time, the Loftus estate was ruled by Charles Loftus Tottenham, who acquired immense power and wealth by marrying Anne Loftus. They had two daughters, Anne and Elizabeth. Charles focused on establishing his reputation and expanding the family name while Anne remained at home to raise their children. Tragedy strikes the heart of the family and as they put their lives back together, a monstrous storm crashes against the Hall and from it emerges a mysterious dark stranger. Welcomed into Loftus Hall, he creates a certain unease among the occupants. The youngest daughter, Anne, falls in love with the man, much to the dismay of her proud father. Discovering their relationship, Charles gives the visitor an ultimatum. However, after a traditional card game held in the mansion, a horrifying event takes place, and soon everyone realises the stranger was concealing his true evil identity. Having lost her love, Anne plunges deep into the realms of insanity. Charles loses his grasp on his power and wealth as a stagnant presence within the Hall creates turmoil and darkness. Swallowing his pride, he is forced to solicit help from the sole individual who may be capable of banishing the malevolence from Loftus Hall once and for all. This is the Legend of Loftus Hall which still survives in the area to this day.

There are certain places in the world where people fear to tread. From castles where horrific executions took place to tombs where paranormal creatures are said to gather, the author takes readers on a world tour to some of the scariest places on Earth. The author examines the history and folklore regarding these sites, many of which have a sinister past, and explores the feelings and experiences they evoke in visitors. Readers will enjoy feeling a chill down their spine while remaining safely at home.