West Clare, between the estuary of the River Shannon and the Atlantic Ocean, is a place of sheer beauty with dramatic cliffs, wide sandy beaches, sheltered bays, tranquil peatlands and hidden glens.

Wild West Clare - From the Shannon Dolphins to the Cliffs of Moher, written by Carsten Krieger (author of more than 20 books on Ireland’s landscape, heritage, nature and wildlife), with an introduction by Katrina Costello and expert contributions from local geologists and wildlife experts, explores the area’s natural history and introduces its varied habitats and rich wildlife.

The book contains essays, wildlife viewpoints, a glossary and an index, and contains over 140 stunning photographs by Carsten Krieger. It is written to appeal to those new to naturewatching as well as experienced wildlife watchers. 280 pages

Contents:

Part 1: Landscape
1. The Making of West Clare
2. Soft-Sediment Deformation
Part 2: Habitats
3. Cliffs and Rocky Shores
4. Lagoons and Shingle Beaches
5. Estuarine Mudflats and Saltmarshes
6. A Pure Space
7. Sandy Beaches and Dunes
8. Hedgerows and Sod Hedges
9. The Secret Life of Sod Hedges
10. Peatlands
11. Woodlands
12. The Old Glen
13. Lakes and Rivers
Part 3: Flora
14. Flowering Plants
15. Lichens, Liverworts, Mosses and Ferns
16. Seaweeds and Algae
17. Invaders
Part 4: Fauna
18. Birds
19. Passage Migrants and Vagrant Birds
20. The Fulmar
21. Mammals
22. The Shannon Dolphins and Me
23. Meet the Shannon Dolphins
24. Basking Sharks and Other Fish
25. Amphibians and Reptiles
26. Invertebrates
27. Insects of Coastal Dunes
28. Rockpooling
Part 5: Present and Future
29. The Anthropogenic Landscape

Main naturewatching sites discussed are: Labasheeda & Clonderalaw Bay, Kilrush & Scattery Island, Poulnasherry Bay, Querrin, Glasheen Beach, Carrigaholt & Rinevella Bay, Kilbaha Bay, Loop Head, Ross, Kilkee, Doonbeg, Tullaher, Doughmore Beach, Clogher & Clohaninchy Beach, Seafield, Quilty, Spanish Point & Miltown Malbay, Lahinch & Liscannor Bay, Ennistymon & The Old Glen, Cloontabonniv Bog, Cliffs of Moher