Streedagh Beach

 As you know, research is one of my favorite aspects of the novel-writing process—particularly when I get to drive around County Sligo with an old friend and call it work!   I'd been to Streedagh Beach once (back in 2006, working on the guidebook), but I'd never paid this much attention to the fossils, the landmarks, the tufts of long dry grass on the tip of every dune. (Paddy is very good at spotting the fossils.)  This beach has a sad history, having been the washing-up point for one of the Spanish Armada shipwrecks in 1588. Those who'd washed up alive were slaughtered by the English. This is the loveliest fossil I have ever seen.     Alas, it'll be years yet before you can recognize this beach in my novel. Nice pictures in the meantime, though, right?