Charles Esther
Secret coves.
Mysterious waterfalls.
Deserted islands.
These are just a few of the awe-inspiring treasures waiting to be explored in the West of Ireland — a region often overshadowed by Ireland’s popular southern coast.
A brand-new book, Wild Guide: West Ireland, is changing that narrative.
It unveils some of the region’s most breathtaking and lesser-known spots through enchanting photography and storytelling.
Celebrating Unspoilt Ireland Beyond Dublin
Wild Guide: West Ireland is written by Candida Frith-Macdonald and features stunning images captured by photographer Daniel Start.
It offers a refreshing perspective on travel within Ireland.
Rather than sticking to tourist-heavy Dublin, the guide encourages readers to journey west — toward the untamed beauty of Donegal, Galway, Mayo, and beyond.
Candida writes that while the South of Ireland has long drawn attention, the West offers a raw and timeless appeal.
A Riviera of Wild Beauty
“The west of Ireland is so packed with dramatic sites and beautiful beaches that it feels as if it’s been a classic ‘riviera’ forever,” Candida notes in the book.
She explains how early visitors often overlooked this wild side of Ireland in favour of gentler landscapes in the south.
But today, more travellers are seeking authenticity — and the west delivers in spades.
What the Wild Guide Offers
This isn’t just a sightseeing manual.
The Wild Guide is a deeply immersive experience.
It offers more than just directions — it shares stories, invites adventure, and uncovers history in hidden places.
The guide takes readers through cliff-top walks, tangled woods, secret waterfall pools, deserted islands, and ruins rich in legend.
It also highlights local charm, including warm firesides, traditional music-filled pubs, thatched cottages, and slow food spots.
A Guide for Adventurers
According to Candida, the magic of West Ireland is revealed to those who travel with intention.
“If you travel with a spirit of adventure, taking the boreen [road] less travelled and the time to chat with locals, you will have a richer journey wherever you go,” she writes.
This philosophy turns a simple trip into a soulful exploration.
It’s about connection — with nature, with history, and with people.
Discover Untouched Paradise
From seaweed baths to wild camping by hidden lakes, the guide is a passport to a slower, more mindful kind of travel.
For those tired of tourist traps, the West of Ireland promises peace and authenticity.
Its natural beauty remains largely untouched.
Its traditions remain vibrant.
Must-See Hidden Locations
While the book includes countless gems, some standout spots teased in the book include:
- Hidden coves with crystal-clear waters and few visitors.
- Secret waterfalls tucked away in dense forest.
- Deserted islands with ruins whispering ancient stories.
- Cliff-top hikes offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Each location is paired with photos that inspire wanderlust and awe.
Where to Get the Wild Guide
Wild Guide: West Ireland is available for purchase now.
It’s more than a travel book — it’s a love letter to one of Europe’s most magical and underrated regions.
Perfect for solo explorers, couples, and families alike, this guide invites you to leave behind the familiar and rediscover what it means to travel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re Irish by birth or by spirit, the Wild Guide: West Ireland is your invitation to explore a part of the Emerald Isle few truly know.
So pack your sense of wonder.
Head west.
And let Ireland reveal its wild heart.
