Wild Bathtubs
Wild Bathtubs
3rd edition: includes the Wild Bathtub Safari with a QR code link to Google Maps showing the locations of 650+ tubs in the fields of North Clare!
November 2026
Step into a world where history, design, and unexpected creativity converge — Wild Bathtubs is an extraordinary exploration of the humble bathtub and its surprising journey through time. From a modified cattle watering becoming a bathtub, being brought into the house, and then being released again to the fields, this captivating book traces the evolution of bathtubs as domestic fixtures, rural phenomena, and cultural icons.
Discover how cast-iron tubs revolutionized house design, why clawfoot bathtubs became symbols of opulence, and how old tubs found new life as cattle troughs dotting the rural landscapes of Ireland. Rich with fun facts, quirky anecdotes, and vivid imagery, Wild Bathtubs blends academic insight with a playful narrative that delights and informs.
Perfect for history buffs, design enthusiasts, and anyone who loves uncovering hidden stories in everyday objects, this book takes you on an unforgettable journey into the unexpected afterlife of bathtubs. Whether you’re a fan of quirky history, a collector of unusual trivia, or simply intrigued by the practical repurposing of iconic objects, Wild Bathtubs will immerse you in a fascinating story you didn’t know you needed.
The Salmon Bookshop,
Ennistymon
Banner Books,
Ennistymon
Moher Cottage,
Cliffs of Moher
The Russell Gallery,
New Quay
Burren Visitor Centre,
Kilfenora
Caherconnell Fort
The Burren
Aillwee Cave,
Ballyvaughan
Doolin Caves
near Doolin
Charlie Byrne's Bookshop,
Galway
The Inkbound Bookshop,
Gort
O’Mahony’s,
Limerick and Ennis
Michael D. Walsh has firmly established himself as the leading authority on Wild Bathtubs in North Clare –perhaps even the world’s foremost expert on this peculiar phenomenon.
With an unparalleled knack for delving into this delightfully eccentric subject, Walsh invites readers on a journey that is as informative as it is entertaining. His sharp wit and whimsical humour make even the quirkiest details irresistible, while his philosophical insights lend the book an unexpected depth.
Packed with bathtub trivia, historical oddities, and thought-provoking reflections, this is a book that not only amuses but leaves a lasting impression.
Link here to open Google Maps
Wild Bathtub Safari, North Clare.
Scan the QR code to open Wild Bathtub Safari, North Clare in Google Maps
Wild Bathtub Safari of North Clare
Set your sights on something unexpectedly delightful — a real-world map-based adventure through the backroads of North Clare. The Wild Bathtub Safari invites curious explorers, families, and road-trippers to spot and enjoy over 470+ bathtubs scattered across the Irish countryside.
These aren’t just any tubs — they’re former domestic fixtures now living new lives as water troughs for cows, donkeys, and the occasional horse. Using your phone, simply scan the QR code to open a Google Map filled with bathtub locations. Follow colour-coded routes where multiple tubs can be seen from the road.
Perfect for a spontaneous detour or quirky travel challenge, the Wild Bathtub Safari turns a regular drive into a treasure hunt with cast-iron charm.
No tickets, no booking — just you, the open road, and a Google Map with surprising number of bathtubs.