Lost Ireland

A photographic history of the vanishing face of Ireland The latest in this series takes a look at the most cherished sites of the country that time, progress, and fashion have swept aside. Since the dawn of photography in the mid-19th century, the face and economy of Ireland has changed dramatically, from a rural farming community to a rising industrial and tech-savvy "Celtic Tiger." It has also shaken off British rule and found itself embroiled in a bloody civil war. Featuring some of the most famous sites from across the 32 counties of Ireland (including locations used in "Game of Thrones"), this collection of photos shows the buildings, institutions, and infrastructure that have been lost along the way.

A heart-warming story about family secrets and one woman’s escape to dreamy Sandy Cove on the stunning west coast of Ireland. The picturesque beach of Wild Rose Bay is the last place Lydia Butler thought she’d be. But having just lost everything, the run-down cottage she inherited from her Great Aunt Nellie is the only place she can take her daughter, Sunny. Hidden away in a tiny Irish village, she can protect Sunny from the gossip in Dublin, and the real reason they have nowhere else to live… The cottage is part of the old coastguard station and other eccentric residents are quick to introduce themselves when Lydia arrives. Lydia instantly feels less alone, fascinated by the stories they have about Nellie, and she’s charmed by American artist, Jason O’Callaghan, the mysterious man who lives next door. But the longer Lydia relaxes under the moonlit sky, the more the secret she’s keeping from Sunny threatens to come out. And as she finds herself running into Jason’s arms, she knows she must be honest and face up to the past she has tried to forget. Has she finally found people who will truly accept her, or will the truth force her to leave the cottage for good? Will transport you to Ireland to relax on the shore and stare at the perfect emerald waters. The Lost Girls of Ireland is perfect for readers of Debbie Macomber, Sheila O’Flanagan and Mary Alice Monroe. This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone. What readers are saying about The Lost Girls of Ireland: ‘OMG! OMG!! I cannot remember the last time I was so gutted to come to the end of a book!! I absolutely fell in love and it genuinely felt like I was packing my bags and being whisked away from my Irish holiday… Absolutely gorgeous!!!... an absolutely stunning, heart-warming romance that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.’ Bookworm 86, 5 stars ‘Truly touched my heart. Impossible to put down, this moving story kept me tapping the screen of my Kindle deep into the night until I reached the heart-warming conclusion… a stellar read, one that will be with me for a long while.’ Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars ‘This fabulous story is a rapid page-turner. It will whisk you away to the great Irish Sea. I absolutely loved this unputdownable read… it was phenomenal, loved it.’ Reviews by Caroline, 5 stars ‘A lovely read. This heart-warming story set in the West Coast of Ireland is just delightful… I devoured it in days and was sad to say goodbye to characters who felt like friends. The descriptions of Sandy Cove made me wish I could jump on a plane and experience Wild Rose Bay for myself.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Perfect… like slipping my feet into handmade shoes – the fit was spot on, and I don’t know how I haven’t read any of Susanne O’Leary’s books before… made me feel the wind in my hair, and I could even smell the salt from the Wild Atlantic sea without leaving my living room… a wonderfully, brilliant story.’ Book-mad-mum, 5 stars ‘A heart-warming tale… A beautiful clean romance and wonderfully uplifting tale of second chances and starting over… we need more places like Sandy Cove where people are not judged by what they have, but rather by who they are and how they treat others.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Wonderful… I just loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Lovely book. A hope-filled read about the power of reinvention and second chances… Susanne O’Leary transported me to this lovely place where the villagers are accepting for who you are not for what you have. This is a story of heart and soul and is highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer

After breaking a chain letter, can superstitious Megan find a way to turn her luck around? Meghan McGlinchey is the most superstitious girl in her family—and probably in the entire state of Delaware. When she receives a chain letter from a stranger in Ireland, Meghan immediately passes it on, taking only a tiny shortcut in the directions. But after a disastrous day, made complete by losing the election for class president and embarrassing herself in front of the entire school, Meghan realizes that tiny shortcut was a big mistake. Thankfully, her family was already headed to Ireland on spring break, and Meghan makes it her mission to find the original sender and break her extremely unlucky streak. With the help of an eccentric cast of characters—and one very cute Irish boy—can Meghan figure out a way to stop her bad luck? Or is she cursed forever?

This is a unique work filled with passion and violence, with humanity and inhumanity. It is the story of the Northern Ireland troubles told through the lives of those who have suffered and the deaths which have resulted from the conflict.

A completely gorgeous story about lost loves and small-town secrets that will sweep you away to the Irish coast. Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family's old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart. As soon as Maggie arrives she is delighted to find her childhood best-friend Sorcha and Sorcha's cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can't help but notice just how handsome he has become. But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove. Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she's held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she'd expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last? Fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Sheila O'Flanagan and Debbie Macomber will fall head over heels for this enchanting, feel-good romance. What readers are saying about Susanne O'Leary: 'OMG! OMG!! I cannot remember the last time I was so gutted to come to the end of a book!! I absolutely fell in love and it genuinely felt like I was packing my bags and being whisked away for my Irish holiday... Absolutely gorgeous!!!... An absolutely stunning, heart-warming romance that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.' Bookworm 86, 5 stars

The ancient laws of Celtic Ireland were used from the time before Patrick until the 17th century when they were outlawed and disappeared. Crafted by judges, known as Brehons, the laws were surprisingly modern in their approach to timeless issues and reflect a complex and sophisticated society. This book gives an outline of the main features of the laws and their history, and ultimately focuses on certain themes that are significant to the modern reader, such as equity and fairness, transparent legal process and women's rights. Many of the legal manuscripts have been lost or destroyed and the laws were not translated into English until modern times. As a result, they have mostly remained obscure and unstudied. Only recently have they given up their secrets. The ancient laws provide a window into society in early Ireland where learning was revered, social mobility was expected and fairness and harmony were social goals. Their resilience demonstrates their value and effectiveness. The Brehon legal system came to an end officially in 1605 after enduring for over a thousand years.

An enchanting summer romance set on the gorgeous Irish coast, where fresh starts are made, love beckons and secrets are sure to unfold... In the tiny village of Sandy Cove in Ireland, Ella Caron is trying to recover. When she moved from Paris to a beautiful coastguard cottage on the sea, she wanted peace and quiet and the space to grieve after her mother's death. She never imagined that her mother's eccentric best friend Lucille would insist on moving in to keep her company. With Lucille by her side, Ella finds herself laughing more than she has in years and it soon becomes clear that Lucille has her own reasons for coming to Sandy Cove: she wants Ella to help her move to her own little cottage by the sea. But then Lucille's son Rory comes to town and her dream is under threat: he wants her in Tipperary, where she can safely grow old in their family home. Ella admires Lucille's sense of adventure but she can't help but wonder if Rory is right. Especially when she sees the rickety old cottage Lucille intends to buy and realises that the real reason she wants to escape could turn Rory's life upside down. As Ella and Rory get closer, sharing a moment under the stars that feels meant to be, Ella finds herself caught between the man she is falling for and the loyalty she has to Lucille. Ella knows that she must convince Lucille to tell her family the truth, but it may force them to leave her and Sandy Cove for good... A dreamy Irish romance that will warm your heart and show you that it's never too late for a second chance. For fans of Debbie Macomber, Sheila O'Flanagan and Mary Alice Monroe. What readers are saying about Susanne O'Leary: 'OMG! OMG!! I cannot remember the last time I was so gutted to come to the end of a book!! I absolutely fell in love and it genuinely felt like I was packing my bags and being whisked away from my Irish holiday... Absolutely gorgeous!!!... an absolutely stunning, heart-warming romance that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.' Bookworm 86, 5 stars

Northern Ireland's Lost Opportunity is a unique in-depth investigation into working-class Loyalism in Northern Ireland as represented by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), the Red Hand Commando (RHC) and their political allies.In an unorthodox account, Tony Novosel argues that these groups, seen as implacable enemies by Republicans and the left, did develop a political analysis of the Northern Ireland conflict in the 1970s which involved a compromise peace with all political parties and warring factions – something that historians and writers have largely ignored. Distinctive, deeply informed and provocative, Northern Ireland's Lost Opportunity is the first study to focus not on the violent actions of the UVF/RHC but on their political vision and program which, Novosel argues, included the potential for a viable peace based on compromise with all groups, including the Irish Republican Army.