West IrelandWalking and Biking

An enjoyable five hours should be sufficient for this remote and scenic cliff walk along the undulating Mayo coastline. You will pass islands, sea stacks and an impressive 250m coastal precipice. From Carrowteige, head for Kilgalligan and then north to the Children of Lir sculpture which will mark you arrival at the coast.

Follow the cliffs toward Benwee Head and remain on the same heading until you reach the bay of Doonvinilla. Head south east for Portacloy and then south west back to your start point. A pleasant afternoon's walk only to be attempted on a clear day when you can see the cliffs and appreciate the beauty that lies beyond.

Perhaps only Donegal's Slieve League can challenge the claim of Croaghaun on the western tip of Achill Island to be Europe's highest, most dramatic and most beautiful sea cliffs. A clear, calm day is a must for anyone who attempts to walk the cliffs and significant hiking experience is a must.

From the tranquillity of Keem Strand, make for Moyteoge Head and follow the coast over Benmore to Achill Head. From there, ascend to Croaghaun and proceed to Bunnafreva Lough West before cutting across inland to return to Keem. Paths will not always be obvious, so keep a good map and a compass handy throughout.

Perfect for days when time and daylight are limited, the pleasant jaunt up Connaght's second highest peak can be completed in a comfortable four hours. Ascending along Nephin's south-eastern flank, two steep gullies are separated by a narrow ridge where 730m of uninterrupted ascent awaits you. Nephin is a great mountain for winter walking, but good visibility is a must on a route where finding the correct line of descent can be tricky.

Ireland's most mountainous island rewards visitors with a 462m summit, spectacular coastal views and some breathtaking sea cliffs. Straight off the Clare Island ferry, head for Maum before continuing north to the Island's iconic lighthouse. Follow the coastline south west past Alnamarnagh as you climb to the summit of Knockmore. Descend south west and continue until you reach the road which will once again convey you back to the pier and your ride home.

Ireland's most iconic mountain is also its most popular, attracting around one million walkers each year. That's 20% of the Irish population! On the last Sunday in July (Reek Sunday), no fewer than 25,000 pilgrims ascend to the summit where St Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

The most popular route is the unmissable out-and-back path from nearby Murrisk, but connoisseurs with suitable transport options might be more inclined to spend the five or so hours required to traverse the Massif east to west. The latter option would link up the full sequence of five peaks, finishing with Ben Goram.

On a seven-hour circular route best suited to experienced hikers, the idyllic Mayo landscape showcases some of its most impressive features, including three loughs, five summits, various glacial corries and the inspiring Killary Fjord. The Delphi Mountain resort offers itself as the most obvious point of departure from which a forest trail will lead you south west and then west to the beginning of the day's climbing.

Follow the emerging ridgeline toward Mweelrea as you parallel the shore of Killary Harbour to your left. From Mweelrea continue along the ridge to Ben Bury (aka Oughty Craggy) from whose lofty position you will be able to see Glencullen Lough and Doo Lough. Continue to Ben Lugmore and follow the ridge's descent back to your starting point. A stunning circular walk.

The beauty and stillness of Aasleagh Falls set the tone for a day of incredible views. This day out will be thoroughly enjoyed by any hiker who is up to the challenge of climbing up to a vertical kilometre on some at times testing surfaces.

The ascent to Ben Gorm represents the day's biggest challenge, though the appeal of Ben Creggan's two summits will be enough for many to undertake the out-and-back spur before taking the ridgeline north of Lugaharry Lough as it leads you back to the waterfalls and home. A testing but rewarding six hours.

The rewards of traversing the Central Maumturks may be obvious to all who have undertaken the journey, but the effort involved will not be quickly forgotten. While the northern summits in this range may be soft, green and forgiving, here you should expect a very rocky landscape with all the obstacles that entails.

You will encounter cliffs, gullies, slabs and scree among the natural fortifications that keep these slopes relatively free from tourists. A one-way traverse could logically begin near Illion West, though circular walks are comfortably possible in six hours or so.