Living in Ireland today, unobtrusive and ignored by the greater Irish public, are the descendants of Ireland’s former ruling class. Some are directly descended from Ireland’s most ancient kings and chiefs, others claim an ancestry of merely five hundred years. But by virtue of history, despite their ancestry, they are regarded as being less than Irish, not of Ireland.

AT ARM’S LENGTH traces the historical and political evolution of this silent division, a missing stratum of Irish society. In an innovative and unique approach, Anne Chambers talks to 14 present-day Irish chiefs and peers who live and work in the Republic of Ireland.

Chiefs such as Conor O’Brien, 32nd great grandson in descent from Brian Boru, Desmond Fitzgerald, 29th and last Knight of Glin, to peers such as Jeremy Altamont, 11th Marquess of Sligo, 13th great grandson in descent from Granuaile (Grace O’Malley) and Lord Henry Mount Charles of Slane Castle, give their candid views on a range of issues affecting them and their place in Irish society today.

Candid and warm, rich in detail and anecdote, this unique commentary presents a vibrant portrait of a people apart, a people held forever at arm’s length.

REVIEWS OF THE BOOK

... a fascinating journey of discovery through 2,000 years of our history. The Sunday Tribute.

An overdue act of inclusion. Meticulously researched, AT ARM'S LENGTH is seductive, not only as a rich historical account of Ireland's former ruling class, but also a contemporary reflection of the surviving descendants. Sunday Business Post.

Accessible, lively and deeply relevant AT ARM'S LENGTH is engaging and thought provoking. Connought Telegraph

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