The Sperrin Mountains within 10 minutes of Ardtara Country House, are simply brimming with opportunities to hike in some of the most beautiful unspoiled countryside anywhere in the world. Hikes are laid out and different lengths and difficulty can be planned ahead.

Gentle strolls can be taken around the ponds and woodlands of the Ballymaloe grounds, where something is always in flower, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Maps are available for longer walks around the grounds. Idyllic walks can be taken on the Ballycotton cliffs, and in local woodlands, along the beaches and on the quieter country roads in the area.

Nestling close to the water's edge and set within a landscape of lakes and islands of gently rolling hills and fragrant woods, Belle Isle Castle is wonderful base from which to explore the beauty of County Fermanagh. With 25 planned walks within 30 minutes of the castle it truly is a rambler's paradise.

One of Ireland's most stunning natural wonders, The Giant's Causeway is just two miles from the Bushmills Inn and can be reached by walking.

For the active the Sheep's Head peninsula boasts miles and miles of scenic walks.

Situated in the heart of Connemara on the west coast of Ireland Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award winning gardens containing many woodland walks.

The Bishops Walk, is a private walkway through the gardens of the hotel leading to the world famous Rock of Cashel, the oldest ecclesiastical site in Europe. The two hour, Dundrum- The Bishops Wood Walk, is just a 20 minute drive from the hotel and the beautiful Glengarra Woods with its extensive walks is just a 30 minute drive.

The nearby Durrow Leafy Loops walks offer the serious walker a loop of 20 kilometres (12½ miles) or a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. Castle Durrow is the ideal starting point from which to take long walks in the spectacular Slieve Bloom Mountains and follow the Heritage Trails of Laois.

Coopershill with its delightful paths through acres of woods and deer pastures is a walker's paradise. For those on a walking holiday, some of the more popular walks are clearly signed, particularly in Yeats' County. Coopershill provide walking guide books with marked walking routes for the more adventurous.

Cromleach Lodge is located near many walks of great historical importance. The Arigna Miner's Walk takes you along much of the route miners used over years of coal mining around the small mountain village of Arigna. The Carrowkeel walk takes you up through the "old green road" into the Bricklieve Mountains and right up to the passage grave cemetery on Carrowkeel...

The Burren is one of Ireland's surprises for stroller or the serious hiker. A special area of limestone mountain scenery, with a distinctive beauty and holding a wealth of treasure for the botanist and explorer of historic ruins. In the midst of this wilderness lies Gregan's Castle Hotel, at the foot of the Corkscrew Hill, with breathtaking views over the mystical Burren mountains and Galway Bay.

There are many interesting walks ranging in severity depending on how far you would like to go. The Ice House can provide you with all the information and equipment you need, so simply stroll on down to reception and get started.

Kilgraney is ideally located for those hikers that wish to explore the "South Leinster Way". This varied trail leads the walker between some very fine lofty summits in County Carlow and along forest tracks over the northern slopes of Mount Leinster. The trail then drops down into the neat little town of Borris and, from there, follows a towpath along the River Barrow where life sometimes seems to stand still...

A short stroll from the King Sitric and you can reach the Howth cliff path walk with its stunning sea-views.

Longueville House offers scenic walks throughout the estate. For the more active, there are many designated longer-distance walking trails within 25 minutes, including the Duhallow Way, The Blackwater Way, The Ballyhoura Way, the Nagle Mountains and the Boggeraghs. Bike, walk or climb - the choice is yours.

The long white sandy beaches of the east coast and the many walks and trails through the hills and lakes of Wicklow provide ample choice for the avid walker.

Newport is ideally situated for the Lough Furnace Walk, a lovely walk which incorporates views of Lough Furnace and islands south and west over Clew Bay. There is also the Lough Feeagh Walk, this is a very scenic walk along the east bank of the lough using the lower road out and returning by the Old High Road.

For many walkers, Donegal is second to none amongst Ireland's generous collection of places to explore. Donegal's mountains are quite modest in height but they offer the chance of some truly superb panoramas. Within an hour's drive from Rathmullan House the following walks are recommended: Ards Forest Park, Ards Forest Park, Lough Salt Mountain, Melmore Head, Slieve Snaght...

The Connemara Loop is situated in breathtaking North West Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. From Rosleague Manor follow the Loop and be taken on a journey through an ever changing landscape of majestic mountains, spectacular beaches, the wild Atlantic, mist covered lakes, pre-historic bogs and shady glens.

The beauty that abounds in the Ballycastle area is unlike that found anywhere else. Colorful flowers peek out from the native gorse; the ocean is always nearby; bog land and the rolling fields are separated by the rock walls that are native to Ireland. It's a place not so much to walk as to wander..