Fireweed in the Irish Countryside Baby Onesie

Fireweeds and native greenery paint the countryside of County Sligo, Ireland. The lush landscape and sculpted mountains provided endearing inspiration for poet William Butler Yeats, the Nobel laureate, who spent his childhood years in the county and now is buried there.

While it administratively was created in 1585, County Sligo was not actively established until 1603, when Gaelic Irish Chieftains were defeated in their battle against the English, effectively ending what became known as the "Nine Years' War."

Archaeological discoveries indicate the county, Ireland's 22nd largest geographically out of 32 counties, actually might be the cradle of human civilization on the island.

Author/Photographer James A. Truett, creator of the "Mystical Moods of Ireland" series of books and photographic essays, enjoys sharing the beauty of the world through his words and images. Growing up in Alaska, he began his career as a journalist and photographer at the age of 14. By the age of 19, his work had been published in virtually every major newspaper in the world. His latest books, a two-volume set, "Mystical Moods of Ireland: Enchanted Celtic Skies," showcase the ever-changing moods of the skies of Ireland. Truett resides in County Clare, Ireland. Signup for free previews of his books here.