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.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the natural and human history of the Irish coastline. The text is illustrated with aerial views and underwater photography of a largely unseen landscape.

"Beaches occupy a magical place in the human consciousness. We fish from their tidal waters, run with our children on the cushioning sands and dream of what waits over life's horizon as we gather for a sunset. But there is much more to be known of these coastal wonderlands. Learn in The World's Beaches their critical function as a delicate ecosystem, how to read the signs left by winds, waves, plants and animals of the beach. Discover the surprising ways our irreplaceable beaches are increasingly threatened and what must be done to save them."—Rob Lowe, Actor “Ask 100 people their views about beaches and you'll get 100 love stories. We all love the beach. The World's Beaches delivers a comprehensive view into what a beach is, why it exists and how they are increasingly at risk."—Jim Moriarty, CEO Surfrider Foundation "Read this book and you'll never look at a beach in the same way. From waves and crab tracks, to sand, gravel and climate change, this book is filled with engrossing details to remind humankind of its enduring love of beaches worldwide.”—Miles O. Hayes, Coastal Geomorphologist, Research Planning, Inc. “Beach visitors around the world will want to own this superb collection of images and explanations of how the beach works. It’s a must-read book for anyone wanting to know more about these dynamic natural resources.”—Robert A. Morton, United States Geological Survey (USGS) "We now have an outstanding, lively, readable, well illustrated and thorough resource to lead us towards a deeper understanding of the how beaches form and function and what we should be concerned for in their future. This book should be everyone’s pillow and companion for the day at the beach."—Dr. Harold R. Wanless, University of Miami "The more you know about a place the more you will learn to love it, and want to protect it. The photos and captions alone in this book will gain you a great new appreciation of these precious coastlines."—Yvon Chouinard, owner, Patagonia, Inc.

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.

Following the Irish coast in a clockwise direction, acclaimed ecologist Richard Nairn travels by boat, on foot and sometimes by air to visit the best remaining wild places, including islands, cliffs, beaches and dunes. The result is a unique mix of nature, history, science and a reflection on the author's personal experiences of exploring Ireland's coast. By viewing the Irish coastline from the sea, Richard gains a unique perspective on the island. And along the way, he recalls a lifetime spent studying nature. 'An affectionate and timely celebration of Ireland's richly varied coastline' Bryan Dobson 'A great read – whatever part of the coast you visit' Éanna Ní Lamhna 'A brilliant and timely odyssey around our precious, precarious shores' Professor John Brannigan, University College Dublin 'An exhilarating journey right around our coastline' Paddy Woodworth, Journalist and author 'An intimate, inspiring and lovely read about Ireland's shorelines: its places and spaces' Professor Robert Devoy, Lead Editor of The Coastal Atlas of Ireland