Despite political differences over the years, the Irish and English have more in common, than differences. One difference is the wildlife – there are many differences in species due to the climate, and you won’t find any native snakes on the Emerald Isle. Like Cornwall, there is a strong tradition of folk music and art, and you won’t find a more friendly bunch to tell you stories long into the night! You can sail to Ireland from Holyhead in North Wales (although the trip is known to be fairly treacherous, with ‘waves flying past the windows!) It’s a longer trip, but some prefer the 8-hour journey from Liverpool. Here are some resources you may find interesting.
An Irish Nature Year is a daily meditation on the world around the author’s Irish home, exploring the small mysteries of the seasons as they unfold. Who’s cutting perfect circles in the roses? Which birds wear feathery trousers? This illustrated day book is filled with plants, animals, birds and creepy-crawlies, with one short entry for each day of the year. Jane Powers serves up 5 minutes worth of wondermen, from ‘weeds’ in the pavement cracks and surprising inhabitants of vacant lots, to unusual finds along our shoreline and hedgerows. Relish the little things, that mark the passing of the seasons, across the ever-changing Irish landscape.
A Natural Year (Irish Nature Though the Seasons) will open your eyes and hearts to a greater understanding of the world around us. Michael Fewer’s infectious passion for his subject simply inspires, and suggests how careful study of the natural world, can be an antidote to the stresses of modern life.
Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and other words for Irish Nature is a book by Manchán Magan who brings his infectious wonder and enthusiasm for the Irish language to a younger audience, with delightful translations and explanations of animals, birds, fish, insects and nature words. From many words for rain to words to communicate with animals, or evocative words for plants, colour, twilight and different amounts of light in the sky.
Make Your Own Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread (Shane & Simple) is made with just 5 ingredients, in one bowl. Or try this recipe from A Spoonful of Kindness with homemade vegan buttermilk. Keep fresh dough away from pets.
Sláinte to a Vegan Baileys!
After first creating a ‘vegan Baileys’ that wasn’t (it had beeswax), we all jumped for joy when the company formulated Baileys Almande – now they have discontinued it. Not to fear, as Licor 43 Horchata Cream is the closest to the famed whisky cream chocolate liqueur. Made in Spain from tiger nuts, spice and citrus.
Wild Embrace offers a gentle antidote to overwhelm, as she awakens us to unseen wonders of Ireland’s natural world. It’s easy to lose sight of the natural bounty around us. From the joy of foraging to the marvels of Irish birds, to deepening our knowledge of native trees, here Ireland’s wild world comes to life before our eyes.
