Guides
We offer a selection of guides and books about the Islands which are available online so that visitors can obtain them in advance in order to better plan and prepare for their holidays. While some of the publications are directed towards those with specific interests there are a number of general interest walking guides which we can recommend. These are 'Walks of Seven West Cork Islands' by renowned travel writer Damien Enright which retails at €8.00 and 'Cape Clear Island Heritage Trail', a bilingual walking guide to the Island which retails at €5.00. For those planning a day trip or a short holiday on an Island, the pleasure of the trip will be greatly enhanced by these thoughtful insights into the rich history and folklore. All the books and guides are available at the stated prices plus €2.50 for packing and postage ( UK & Ireland). packing and postage to the European mainland is €3.50 and €4.50 to the United States and worldwide.
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Title: Cape Clear Island Heritage Trail Author: Éamon Lankford Publisher: Cape Clear Museum This is a comprehensive walking guide to Cape Clear Island which features all the sites of important historical and natural significance on the Island. The sites are located on a map and also individually by photograph so that they can be easily identified by walkers. The Island has a rich and varied history which is made accessible through this well presented publication. The Guide is suitable for day trippers as well as those planning longer stays on the Island as it would take 2-3 days to comfortably cover the entire trail. It also includes a section on bird watching as the Island is an important bird observatory. Price: €5.00 |
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Title: Walks of Seven West Cork Islands Author: Damine Enright Publisher: Merlin Press Damien Enright , author of the critically acclaimed ‘A Place Near Heaven – A Year in West Cork’’ has produced a series of popular walking guides to West Cork and Kerry, including this guide to the Seven Inhabited Islands in West Cork. Damien has prepared a series of accessible walking routes on the Islands which will guide visitors to the best and most interesting path ways with the most spectacular views, natural landscape and history. These are beautifully illustrated by renowned Heir Island Artist, Christine Thery. They are cheerfully written and presented and are ideal for general interest visitors planning a walk or walks on one or more of the Islands. The seven Islands included are Oileán Chléire ( Cape Clear Island), Sherkin Island, Heir Island, Long Island, Whiddy island, Bere Islands and Dursey Island. Price: €8.00 |
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Title: O Driscolls, Past & Present Author: Éamon Lankford Publisher: Cape Clear Museum The history of the West Cork Islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir together with the surrounding mainland is inextricably linked with the history of the O’Driscoll Clan which has been the dominant local sept for the best part of a 1,000 years. Many O’Driscolls return each year to visit their ancestral homeland this is the first and only publication dedicated to the history of the Clan. Like the other publications of Cape Clear Museum it is well illustrated by photographs and drawings including interesting details of the various O’Driscoll Castles to be found in the area. Price: €15.00 |
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Title: Fastnet Rock Author: Éamon Lankford Publisher: Cape Clear Museum The Fastnet Lighthouse, otherwise known as ‘Ireland’s Teardrop’ is one of the Worlds most famous lighthouse landmarks and is regularly visited by various tours featured on this website. The lighthouse was originally established in 1854 and rebuilt in 1904 and given its rich history has, unsurprisingly, inspired a number of historical publications. This is a comprehensive guide suitable for the general interest visitor and is well illustrated by photographs and diagrams Price: €8.00 |
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Title: The Natural History of cape Clear Island Author: Dr. J.T.R. Sharrock Publisher: Cape Clear Co Op The ‘Natural History of Cape Clear Island’ was first published in 1973 and has been described as ‘ a classic of its kind’. It features the all aspects of the unique natural history of the Island with prominence given to the ornithological aspect. It comes complete with numerous black and white photographs and illustrations. While this is directed towards the dedicated birdwatcher it is extremely well written and presented and is also a ‘must’ for any serious ‘aficionado’ of Cape Clear Island. Price: €12.75 |
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