New book tells story of Ireland’s final wild wolf

THE haunting tale of Ireland’s last wild wolf, shot on the slopes of Mount Leinster in 1786, has been brought to life in a beautifully illustrated new book that gives voice to the vanished predator.

The Last Irish Wolf, written by Carlow-based author John MacKenna and illustrated by artist Faye Tucker, will be launched at Carlow Library on Tuesday 14 October at 7:30pm. The book, co-published by Carlow County Council Libraries and The Harvest Press, tells the story through the eyes of that final wolf – a female, in MacKenna’s imagining – who watched her species disappear from Irish soil.

“The more I thought about it, I thought it would be really interesting to put it into the voice of the last Irish wolf,” MacKenna explained. “Just that idea of being the last of your kind and giving a voice to that.” 

The project has been years in the making, supported by grants from Carlow Arts Service and backing from both the Heritage Office and Carlow Library. The result is a dual-language publication, telling the story in both English and Irish, with the wolf incorporating Irish phrases throughout the narrative.

MacKenna’s research uncovered a grim chapter in Irish history: it was Cromwell who sealed the wolves’ fate, placing a bounty on their heads that led to their annihilation. “Obviously, the last wolf outlived Cromwell,” MacKenna noted.

For illustrator Faye Tucker, the challenge was unique. “It was really challenging but really enjoyable to create the images that sit with the text,” she said. “And, of course, knowing this was the story of the last of a kind was particularly challenging. But I believe the finished book, printed in Carlow by Azap printers, is something the county can celebrate.” 

The book explores the wolf’s perspective as part of a pair, then as a solitary survivor – a poignant meditation on extinction. MacKenna emphasises that wolves are pack animals who typically avoid humans unless intruded upon, adding weight to the tragedy of their loss.

Could wolves ever return to Ireland’s wilds? MacKenna is doubtful. While wolves are bred in captivity in County Donegal, survival in the wild would require vast forested areas that Ireland no longer possesses.

The book has been described as “a children’s book for adults and an adult book for children” – a simple yet profound story accessible to all ages.

Novelist and community musician Angela Keogh will launch the book, which will be available for purchase at the event and distributed to all Carlow county school libraries. From 15 October, copies can also be bought at the Made in Carlow shop.

All are welcome to attend the launch and hear the voice of a creature that has been silent for nearly 240 years.