Wild Atlantic Women: Walking Ireland's West Coast

Gráinne Lyons walked the west coast of Ireland in the footsteps of eleven pioneering Irish women, exploring their lives and work and seeking answers to her own identity. Their homes, in wild and remote places, become sites of hope, purpose, opportunity, and inspiration. The book offers insight into emigrant identity, traveling alone, femininity, and the trappings of an 'ideal life'.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2024
Publisher: New Island Books

At a pivotal juncture in her life, Gráinne Lyons embarked on a remarkable journey along Ireland's west coast, walking in the footsteps of eleven pioneering Irish women who have left an indelible mark on this coastal landscape. With a straightforward yet profound intention, she sought to delve into their lives and work, while also exploring her own identity as a Londoner born to Irish parents. As Gráinne traversed the northern region, beginning her trek from Cape Clear Island, where her great-grandmother once practiced the art of lacemaking, she couldn't help but contemplate the remarkable stories of Ellen Hutchins, Maude Delap, Edna OBrien, Granuaile, and Queen Maeve. These remarkable women, whose homes were situated in some of the most awe-inspiring and remote locations, became beacons of hope, purpose, opportunity, and inspiration.

As Gráinne walked through this rich history, her journey unfolded with unexpected revelations about emigrant identity, the art of traveling alone, the essence of femininity, and the pursuit of an "ideal life." Set against the majestic backdrop and untamed power of the vast Atlantic Ocean, Wild Atlantic Women emerges as a captivating testament that will inspire readers and walkers of the twenty-first century to persevere, regardless of the path they choose.

Through her immersive experiences and thoughtful reflections, Gráinne invites us to connect with the enduring spirit of these remarkable women and the transformative power of the ocean that has shaped their lives. This book serves as a reminder that our journeys, both physical and personal, can be enriched by exploring the legacies of those who came before us, and that the wild Atlantic Ocean remains a constant source of inspiration and resilience.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848409286
Edition number: 2 ed