Ireland is perhaps most famous for its raw nature – pounding waves, sea spray, cliffs, rain and storms. But even here, under harsh conditions, people and animals have learned to thrive.

Hardy sheep stay out on the bare mountains of Donegal all winter; Arctic birds build nests on the steep cliffs; even in the bleak karst landscape of The Burren grass and flowers grow in abundance.

There are some culinary surprises in store too. Prannie Rhatigan is a doctor who has also made a name for herself by writing a seaweed cookbook. It is a bestseller in Ireland, and seaweed cuisine is gaining in popularity. It is healthy and cheap.

Old or abused donkeys find refuge at the Donkey Sanctuary. And Tory Island, out in the Atlantic, is home to many rare species of bird.

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The three-part series "Three Shades of Green" explores the rugged, the fertile and the gentle sides of Ireland. The ocean, rain, bogs – water determines everything in Ireland. Its people have adapted to the changeable weather and the diverse landscapes. We meet prawners and gardeners, cheesemakers and sea anglers, seaweed cooks, horse dealers, bat researchers and peat cutters. We also find many different species of animal along the rocky coast, on the moors and in the mountains. If you look closely, a world of wonders reveals itself.

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