• Enjoy Ireland's renowned equestrian pursuits, from racing, for which the country is justifiably famous, to horse riding, at centres throughout the country. The principal racecourses are at Leopardstown, Fairyhouse (Irish Grand National every year), The Curragh (Irish Sweeps Derby) and Punchestown (an international riding course).

• Explore Ireland on foot, by walking one of the country's 31 designated long-distance paths. The most famous is the Wicklow Way, which runs from the Dublin suburbs to County Carlow. For info on walks, try the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee (website: www.walkireland.ie).

• Pedal the highways and byways of Ireland on a cycling holiday. Although parts of the country are mountainous, the sheltered valleys and the gently undulating central plain are excellent for easy biking. In the west, prevailing winds mean it is easier to cycle from south to north.

• Grab a rod and try some excellent free coarse fishing. Most Irish fishing occurs on and around the enormous Shannon and Erne river systems, which stretch southward from Leitrim and Fermanagh. County Cavan is known as the ‘Lake County' and is a favourite for anglers.

• Go bird-watching in a country famous for its variety of winged creatures. There are over 70 reserves and sanctuaries in Ireland, as well as some of the largest breeding seabird colonies in the world, with huge flocks of wintering waders and wildfowl. Birdwatch Ireland (website: www.birdsireland.com) has all the details.

• Drink a pint of Guinness, one of the most famous, popular and distinctive drinks in the world, whilst indulging in some craic. Dublin is the ideal city to do this, with a palpable buzz of excitement, not least in the capital's so-called ‘cultural quarter' of Temple Bar (website: www.templebar.ie). Indeed, the whole city boasts fashionable pubs, good places to eat and busy nightclubs.

• Immerse yourself in the gourmet offerings of County Cork, beginning in Clonakilty - home of the best black pudding in the world - but not forgetting the myriad local cheesemakers. Take more than a taste home by enrolling in a cooking course: Darina Allen's Ballymaloe House (website: www.ballymaloe.ie) offers the most famous.  

• Investigate the rich traces of Ireland's monastic heritage, from the stunning ruins of Clonmacnois in County Offaly to the pastoral beauty of Glendalough in County Wicklow. Other monastic highlights include the hilltop remains of Cashel in County Tipperary and the windswept, desolate beauty of Glencolumbcille in County Donegal.

• Explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry, a stunning, 180km (112-mile) scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with numerous diversions along coastal roads and out to islands like Skellig Michael, one of the most ruggedly stunning corners of Ireland.

• Hop between Ireland's offshore islands, which range from the genteel Italianate gardens of Garinish in County Cork to the wild and wonderful Tory, off the shores of Northwestern Donegal. But don't forget the Aran Islands off Galway - still as popular and beautiful as ever.
 
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.