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Des Ekin is a retired journalist and the author of four books. Born in County Down, Northern Ireland, he began his career as a reporter. After spending several years covering the Ulster Troubles, he rose to become Deputy Editor of the Belfast Sunday News before moving to his current home in Dublin. He worked as a journalist, columnist, Assistant Editor and finally Political Correspondent for The Sunday World until 2012. His book The Stolen Village (2006) was shortlisted for the Argosy Irish Nonfiction Book of the Year and for Book of the Decade in the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards 2010. He is married with a son and two daughters.
excellent popular studies * Irish Times * a former journalist, Ekin is a concise writer who laces his work with humour but still manages to rigorously source the crucial details. On his trip, which takes in 30 locations, he uncovers new information seeing through the glamorising of these swashbuckling adventurers and revealing stories of lesser-known pirates whose bloodstained careers are forgotten -- Irish Times his journeys provide insight, not only into piratical matters, but also into the socio-historical past of the island of Ireland -- Irish Examiner all sorts of tales from Ireland’s pirate past -- Irish Examiner thoroughly researched and beautifully told and filled with exciting untold stories -- Irish Farmers Monthly historically, the Irish have always punched above their weight on the international stage, and as pirates, it would seem, we were no different … Ekin blends historical fact with an easy narrative style and a smattering of pirate puns for an entertaining and informative read … his insight into the maritime world of centuries past is fascinating … Ekin’s pirate stories are hair-raising, amusing and exciting -- Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine (UK and Ireland) drawing from local and area records, empirical evidence, passed-down oral accounts and more, the author does well to piece together a puzzling part of the country’s swashbuckling past. Equally engaging is Ekin’s personal touch; at times the work reads like a diary of sorts … inviting readers along for the ride. While the Emerald Isle enjoys a tremendous mythology of pirating both at home and away, much as it was for the buccaneers themselves, the journey is the destination -- Celtic Life International Magazine no better non-fiction beach read if you’re ‘staycationing’ -- Sunday Independent Irish history is traditionally seen in the context of the gradual conquest of the Gaelic Irish. Its story of piracy has not in the main inspired historians to put pen to paper. Des Ekin has risen to the challenge. We really do not hear much about Irish pirates … until now, no-one has compiled a full history of the subject. Des Ekin's book Ireland's Pirate Trail addresses this gap - and the details will surprise a lot of people … an interesting read, both as a travelogue and as a piece of history that has been overlooked * rte.ie/culture * fascinating … riveting -- Sunday World the book is absolutely fascinating -- Pat Kenny * Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show * a fascinating collection … a great read -- Tuam Herald fascinating -- Mayo News Des Ekin sets out on a road trip along the coast of Ireland, in search of our piratical heritage. Stopping in historical villages and well known towns, he uncovers an amazing history of swashbuckling bandits. Ireland is steeped in history and this little known part of our past is a gem to engross yourself in. From taking part in America’s fight for independence to tales and myths of Granuaile herself, Des Ekin pulls you into these stories and doesn’t let go. -- Calum, Dubray Bray * Dubray Books Recommended Reads *
