Turtle Bunbury is a historian, public speaker and best-selling author. He researches the history of families, businesses, organisations and houses, capturing the legacy of the past, preserving the future for generations to come.
His latest book Ireland's Forgotten Past entered the Irish non-fiction hardback charts at No. 9 on 14 March 2020. The Yorkshire Times gave the book an outstanding review, which begins: 'Turtle Bunbury has pulled off a feat of exquisite skill - the upholding of a mandate to edify entertainingly without overwhelming his audience in scholarly aridity.' The book is published by Thames & Hudson.
2020 will also see the launch of Turtle's book Maxol 1920-2020. This follows on from the success of his two 2019 books, Adare Manor - The Renaissance of an Irish Country House and Weir & Sons 150 - A Celebration. Turtle's other books include the award-winning Vanishing Ireland series, Easter Dawn, The Glorious Madness, The Irish Pub and 1847.
As a historical consultant, Turtle provides content for corporate projects and interpretative design enterprises. He devised and orchestrated the ongoing 'Past Tracks' project for Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail, bringing accessible, historical tales to Ireland’s busiest railway stations. The next phase of 'Past Tracks' will be unveiled in 2021. His exhibition 'Cork - A City by the Sea' is presently on show at Cork Airport.
A contributor to the television series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and the US podcast 'Backstory', Turtle also presents history-based talks at corporate events and literary festivals around the world.
'With a brilliant flourish, Turtle Bunbury’s open-handed, clear-sighted and finely written book is a veritable banner of wonderful stories.'
Sebastian Barry
'I’ve always loved Turtle’s writing, the wit and heartbeat in his history.’
Lenny Abrahamson
‘One of the most versatile authors of his generation.’
Marjorie Quarton
'It was an absolute pleasure to work with Turtle. His dedication, hard work and professionalism throughout the entire process was outstanding.'
Colm Hannon, Adare Manor
'I very much enjoyed his fleet-footed, fact-friendly talk. He pulled it off with charm, wit and expertise.'
George Stone, editor-in-chief,
National Geographic Traveler
ADARE MANOR - BOOK LAUNCHED 2019
Adare Manor has always been remarkable. Its story began eight centuries ago when the original manor was granted to a Norman knight. In 1832, the 2nd Earl of Duraven and his beloved countess, Lady Caroline, started work on a new Gothic Revival mansion at Adare.
In 2016, an equally impressive project commenced when the present owner initiated a meticulous, award-winning conservation of the existing mansion, along with the construction of a new wing.
Adare Manor has had an astonishing 2019. Not only was it voted Europe's No. 1 resort by Condé Nast Traveler (and No. 5 in the world), it also won a Michelin Star for its Oak Room restaurant and was announced as host for the 2026 Ryder Cup.
Turtle’s book traces Adare Manor’s wonderful journey from medieval manor house to the 21st century. The book can only be purchased from the boutique at Adare Manor, or online at www.adaremanor.com
PAST TRACKS RAILWAY PROJECT: 2019-2020
‘Past Tracks’ is an ongoing project conceived by Turtle Bunbury and supported by Irish Rail. Now piloting in ten of Ireland's principal railway stations, the concept is to bring a little fun into the life of commuters with a series of panels, written by Turtle and illustrated by Derry Dillon, that recount fascinating and uplifting tales from Irish history.
Sponsored by Flahavan’s Oats, the first ten panels are on show at Athy, Dublin Heusten, Dublin Connolly, Dundalk, Dun Laoghaoire, Limerick, Malahide, Naas/Sallins, Sligo and Waterford. Phase 2 of the project commenced in early 2020.
