Ireland's Seashore

Author: Lucy Taylor
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 1788410459
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 273

Book Description
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.

A Beginner's Guide to Ireland's Seashore

Author: Helena Challinor
Publisher: Sherkin Island Marine Station Publications
ISBN:
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 212

Book Description

Ireland's Adventure Bucket List

Author: Helen Fairbairn
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 1788410505
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 526

Book Description
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.

Ireland's Coastline

Author: Richard Nairn
Publisher: Collins Press
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Book Description
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.

Shorelines

Author: Robert Devoy
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781782054511
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 984

Book Description
Ireland is an island surrounded by ocean, with a high percentage of its population living in the coastal zone and has often been referred to as an "island nation". The importance of the coastal zone to Ireland is extremely high, given its economic value from tourism and recreation, fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy, ports and linked industries, as well as its environmental significance. Proximity to the sea has also profoundly influenced Ireland's history, culture and multiple identities. Although there are existing guides about Ireland's coastal geology, physical geography and landscapes, these are fragmented and mostly of a local nature. "Shorelines: The Coastal Atlas of Ireland" will aim to fill this gap by looking at the coastline of the entire island of Ireland as a whole, from the physical, human and environmental perspectives.The Atlas will contribute towards the dissemination and outreach of scientific knowledge about the coasts of Ireland and of the processes that are shaping them, to the broader public, government and decision makers. The Atlas is relevant globally, to all those that are interested in coastal matters and the work is not just about Ireland, but Ireland, as an analogue for many of the world's coasts.Visually stunning, accessible and an academic tour de force, this Atlas will resonate with everybody who has a connection to Ireland and anybody interested in the Irish coast.

Sea Squirts and Sea Sponges of Britain and Ireland

Author: Sarah Bowen
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0995567387
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 200

Book Description
Sea squirts and sponges are found in most seafloor habitats around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. Despite being the dominant life forms in many areas, these two groups of under-recorded marine animals are often confused with one another, and most divers and snorkellers can recognise and name very few species. In fact, around 500 species of Ascidiacea (sea squirts) and Porifera (sponges) have been described so far in British and Irish seas, corresponding to over 4% of the world’s total. This book is recommended reading for anyone who wants to identify and discover more about these fascinating and diverse animals. Rather than relying on the characteristics of preserved specimens, this guide uses marine photography and detailed underwater observations to concentrate on in situ features, allowing you to record species without collecting them. Most sea squirts found in Britain and Ireland’s shallow waters are included, together with the most easily recognised sponges. Whether you are a student, a diver, a rockpooler or simply an enthusiast, this is an essential companion. ● Over 115 species described in detail with in situ photographs to help with underwater recognition ● Information on size, depth, habitat and distribution ● Key distinguishing features and areas of confusion in identification highlighted ● Details of body structure, life histories, digestive and reproductive processes ● Information about predators, interactions between species, non-native and problem invasive species

To the Ends of the Earth

Author: Anthony McGeehan
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781848893528
Category : Birds
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Migration is a way of life for most birds found in Ireland. Our nation sits with its back to the Old World and its face to the New World, so the variety of bird species reaching our shores is derived from two hemispheres. From across the planet, 'our' birds come - to breed, stop off, or spend the winter. How these visitors reached our shores puzzled us for centuries. So how do birds navigate so successfully over enormous distances and make a return trip to the same nesting site each year? Modern tracking results are revealing journeys once thought impossible - such as sustained flight for days at a time. Feats of endurance are one thing but their homing ability is even more impressive. Most of the youngsters fly solo to faraway winter quarters they have never seen. The evidence - and some of the history behind its discovery - is pieced together in a simple way that brings a new coherence to the complex ways that birds navigate, the preparations they make before departure, and their decisions en route - such as when drifted off course by inclement weather. In a nutshell, birds' array of sense far exceeds our own. Rather than relying purely on the sun and the stars for guidance, birds make use of something we cannot sense - the Earth's magnetic field. Overall they integrate a range of global phenomena, including patterns of polarised light visible (to their specially tuned vision) in the sky. This spectacular book is a must for anyone who has ever wondered how and why these seemingly fragile creatures make such gruelling journeys.

Wild Shores

Author: Richard Nairn
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 0717192776
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 362

Book Description
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

The World's Beaches

Author: Orrin H. Pilkey
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520268717
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Book Description
"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.

Ireland's Wild Plants – Myths, Legends & Folklore

Author: Niall Mac Coitir
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 1848890915
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 458

Book Description
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.