Part one immersed us in the townland's early history, archaeology and folklore, providing readers with a fascinating insight into the lives of its owners, the enigmatic, Italianate Kers, whose mercurial rise to the forefront of Georgian society is recounted in compelling detail.

Part two offers more social, political and cultural thrills and spills as the townland steers its way through the great milestones of recent Irish history, providing us with a worm's eye perspective on everything from the Famine to the Troubles. In a script packed with colour and drama, we watch the townland struggle to accommodate change. History is not gentle with it. Its old order is blown to smithereens. Its fishermen are scattered. Its small farmers routed. A confident bourgeoisie slips into the driving seat, turning its scenic coastline into Millionaires' Row.

The Ker family's ascent to the giddy pinnacle of its power and influence is also carefully chronicled, as is its truly spectacular dissolution - in a manner worthy of any Caesar - amidst incest, alcoholism, suicide and madness. An extraordinary story, unflinchingly but compassionately told.

Short-listed for the Wolfson History Prize