EASTER WALKS: Go Ireland has organised an Easter walking festival in the seaside village of Glenbeigh, Co Kerry.
Running from Good Friday, April 10th, to Easter Monday, April 13th, the walks are for the experienced and not so experienced. The weekend finishes with a walk on a local beach (below). You’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides, and stay in local guest houses or hotels. 066-9762094, www.govisitireland.com.
Birding in the BurrenWith spring in full swing, many of the wintering birds of the Burren are preparing to return to their Arctic breeding grounds. Many others, having spent the winter in Africa, are returning to Co Clare to nest. Ornithologist Gordon D'Arcy will lead an exploration of this birdlife on March 21st. Gregans Castle Hotel is the starting point for the day-long excursion, which will look at a variety of Burren habitats, from the unique open landscape of the limestone pavements to the native hazel scrub turloughs and the dramatic coastline. With luck you'll see 50 or more species. 065-7077005, www.gregans.ie.
Clonmel racingIf you've already got post-Cheltenham blues, how about the meeting at Clonmel Racecourse, in Co Tipperary, next Thursday? The racing there has featured some of the biggest names in the sport, such as the late Danoli and Doran's Pride (above, with trainer Michael Hourigan). The Powerstown Park track is a demanding National Hunt course, with a stiff climb followed by a gradual downhill run and an uphill finish. www.powerstownpark.com.