Perched on the north-western edge of Europe, Ireland, with its magnificent cliffs and mountains, rolling green hills and secluded rivers and bogs, is a place of legendary beauty. It is also a land with an extraordinary natural and human history. In this major new book, acclaimed nature writer Michael Viney reveals in clear, elegant language 'what is special about Ireland's natural fabric'.

He describes its timeless ecosystem - an intricate balance of plants, animals, geology and climate - from its beginnings deep in the past when rivers of molten rock and enormous glaciers stripped the land bare.

Demonstrating the immensely varied but fragile beauty of the island, he passionately argues that it must be cherished and protected, kept safe not only for the Irish but for the millions who come to experience its gently wild places.