From Dublin, take the N11 beyond Enniscorthy, then turn right. Go across Mount Leinster if you're brave enough; but bring a packed lunch.

Ballyogan House is on the New Ross Road. There are four rooms. The nightly rate is €45 per person sharing, or €55 for single occupancy. (059-9725969) www.ballyoganhouse.com

The Waterside restaurant near the bridge in Graigue has an easy-going atmosphere, an excellent dinner menu and - good news for starving walkers - it opens at 6.30pm. (059-9724246)

If second-hand, antiquarian and just plain books float your boat, Graiguenamanagh will have your cup running over: the restaurant has books on sale in the entrance foyer, there's the Antiquarian Book Market all year round, the Book Barn at weekends, and, in the autumn, the Town of Books festival, which this year runs from September 15th to 17th. www.booktownireland.com