The Maxol Story – Book, Podcast & TV Documentary

The history of Maxol was researched, written and  produced as a handsome coffee table book by Turtle Bunbury. Turtle then converted the history into an 11-part podcast series, which he also narrated. A documentary based on the book was added to the mix in 2022.

Founded in 1920, the family-owned Maxol Group is one of the biggest energy providers in Ireland. This is a story of ingenuity, adversity and fortitude from the earliest years of the McMullan family through global wars, oil crises and economic hardship to the present-day challenges of climate change, Covid 19 and technological advance.

For more on the book, see here.  

‘Turtle Bunbury is renowned for his forensic knowledge of Irish history. This glossy 260-page coffee table book is a chronicle of determination and drive – a treasure trove of archive material, illustrations and personal recollections.’
The Sunday Times

‘We knew we wanted to mark the Maxol centenary somehow. Turtle not only wrote and produced a beautiful book for us, but he then created a podcast series that has really appealed to our clients and distributors. Turtle also had a starring role in a video we filmed about the company’s history. It’s been an absolute joy to work with Turtle and his historical team.’
Caroline Burton,
Director of Marketing, Maxol, 2022.

To hear the podcasts, listen here.

The Adare Manor Series

Adare Manor, one of the world’s leading five-star hotel and golf resorts, commissioned Turtle to research, write and produce two acclaimed coffee table books.

The first book Renaissance of an Irish Country House explored the history of the property from its early days as home to the Wyndham Quin family, Earls of Dunraven, to its recent award-winning conservation.

In his second collaboration. An Epicurean Journey, Turtle traced Adare Manor’s remarkable voyage to becoming  one of Ireland’s principal culinary landmarks, its Michelin Star re-confirmed in 2022.

Adare Manor was awarded a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2023 and voted No. 1 resort in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2022.  It will host the Ryder Cup in 2027.

‘In this fine and handsome book, Turtle Bunbury walks us through both the history of the manor, and the day-to-day operations of the team.’
McKenna’s Guides

‘It is always a pleasure to work with Turtle and his great team. His enthusiasm & commitment to accuracy and completeness has really made our books such enjoyable reading. The new book is proving extremely popular with our guests.’
Colm Hannon, CEO, Adare Manor

‘A lavishly illustrated exploration of food and drink … documenting the historical precedents and current exciting blossoming of the dining experience at Adare Manor. A feast of stories and full of recipes too, from simple breads to elegant entrees and delectable desserts.‘
Image Magazine

Weir & Sons 150 – A Celebration

Turtle was commissioned to research the history of Weir & Sons, Ireland’s foremost jeweller, for a beautiful coffee table book.

The celebratory book tells the story of the Weir family from their Scottish origins into the twentieth century when this charismatic family built the business up into one of the world’s largest privately-owned chains of jewellery stores on the eve of the Second World War.