Salt Wind, Rising Water

Planting a Wood on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast

By: John S. Doyle

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

‘We started off, my wife Anne and I, with a big field, bare except for grass and rushes and, along one ditch, a couple of old elder trees, and at the end a big willow bush, probably marking a division of land. Thirty years later it is a wood, a garden, with an orchard of apples and soft fruit, and it is full of birdsong. The work of many hands has gone into making it: some hands have been directly laid on; a great many other people provided inspiration.’

Salt Wind, Rising Water is a gentle ode to nature and a captivating account of how two Dubliners transformed two wild, windswept acres on Sligo’s north coast into a thriving wood, orchard, and garden. Over thirty years, John S. Doyle and his family were welcomed into a vibrant community of writers, painters, and small farmers who encouraged their vision and shared in their journey.

Battling harsh winters, salt-laden winds and dramatic storms, the couple learned resilience, patience, and the hard-earned rewards of working with the land. Doyle reflects on the highs and lows of this decades-long endeavour; its setbacks, small miracles, and the deep connection to place that grew alongside the trees.

Blending nature writing, memoir, and practical guidance, this book offers inspiration for anyone dreaming of creating a landscape on a modest budget. At its heart, this is a story of cultivating beauty, nurturing community, and discovering the quiet magic of helping a place take root.