Wild Boreen

19/08/2026

'Wild West Clare - From the Shannon Dolphins to the Cliffs of Moher' was launched last week at Banner Books in Kilrush. A huge thank you to everybody who attended, especially the guest authors and Simon Berrow, who launched the book and took us on a little walk down memory lane and highlighted the importance of books. A big thank you also goes to filmmaker Tony Whelan who documented the event.

19/08/2026

'Wild West Clare' is now available at Banner Books in Kilrush and Ennistymon and online from the Bannerbooks webshop.

PRE-ORDER, AVAILABLE MID AUGUST Written for those new to naturewatching as well as experienced wildlife watchers, these essays will appeal to anyone with an interest in the wildlife of West Clare. It gives viewpoints for where you will best see wildlife, and contains over 140 stunning photographs by...

02/08/2026

We will launch 'Wild West Clare' on 13th August, 7.30pm at Banner Books in Kilrush. If you can't wait that long, the first copies are available at Bannerbooks in Kilrush and Ennistymon now.

24/05/2026

Summer has arrived at Ireland's west coast - dawn at Rinevella Bay this morning.

03/05/2026

The alpine element of the strange Burren plant community, the spring gentian which at the moment flowers alongside the Mediterranean (early purple orchid) and arctic (mountain avens) representatives.

01/05/2026

Early morning light at Kilrush Wood earlier this week. This is one of the very few woodlands in West Clare and was planted as part of the Vandeleur Estate around 100 years ago. It's by no means a native or old woodland but still supports a variety of plants and animals, unfortunately including some invasive species like three-cornered garlic and the infamous rhododendron.

28/04/2026

One of the most striking wildflowers of spring is the marsh marigold, also known as kingcup.

28/04/2026

Ferns are emerging as well in the Old Glen. The hart's tongue fern is, unlike most other ferns, an evergreen and never dies away completely. Some - mostly battered - leaves remain throughout the winter and new leaves are grown in spring.

27/04/2026

Another harbinger of spring has returned to the western fringes of Ireland: the swallow.

23/04/2026

Spring in the Old Glen, Ennistymon: primroses, opposite-leaved golden saxifrage, common mouse ear, ivy, ferns, liverworts, ...