From the Publisher Ireland is a country renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and this wonderful book shows it in all its glory. From awe-inspiring castles and beautiful country houses, to rolling mountains, towering cliffs and lush green pastures, the secrets of Ireland are revealed here in a series of stunning photographs. Touching on the turbulent history that has so informed the country and its people, The Secrets of Ireland also focuses on the modern, thriving society that is the Ireland of today. For ease of reference, the country has been divided into the four traditional provinces of Ulster, Connacht, Leinster and Munster, historically known as the kingdoms of Ireland. These have also been split into north and south sections, and altogether they encompass a vast range of landscapes. Wild and rugged terrain gives way to pastoral regions of a more serene beauty. A land of contrasts, Ireland has everything from the rich pastures of Roscommon and the serene lakes of Fermanagh, to the dramatic cliffs of the Donegal coast. Whether you are Irish yourself or simply have an abiding interest in or affinity with the country, The Secrets of Ireland is the perfect book for you. Discover Ireland's fascinating landscape through the beautiful pictures here, and find out how its rich legacy of history, literature and music have shaped this extraordinary country.