The sheer diversity of Ireland's beautiful landscape ensures a wide range of enthralling activities.  For sheer drama it's hard to match the coastal walking routes along the towering Cliffs of Moher in Clare or the spectacular Causeway Coast around to the world famous Giant's Causeway in Antrim. You can trace Ireland's unique history through ancient bogland and forest, discovering Celtic forts, mediaeval castles and wonderful flora and fauna along the way. Guided and self-guided walks will take you over wild mountain ranges, islands steeped in Gaelic culture, or on gentle strolls through lush parkland or around tranquil lakes. And how about ending your journey with infectious traditional Irish music at a welcoming village pub? There are many walking holiday tour operators and special walking festivals throughout the year.

Ireland is now one of the world's leading golf destinations, boasting one third of its natural links courses and attracting a quarter-of-a-million golfers a year. What's the attraction? Idyllic locations, challenging, high quality courses and that famous Irish friendliness make a winning recipe. Take Newcastle's Royal County Down, home to the 2007 Walker Cup, where you can enjoy a leisurely round on a world class course where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea or the 2006 Ryder Cup host, the famous K Club in Kildare, designed by Arnold Palmer. With well over 400 18 hole courses, there is something for everyone from world class to value golf.

Ireland's abundant country houses have a beguiling charm that makes the visitor want to linger (just as well as some provide unforgettable accommodation at prices that might surprise). From the Palladian splendour of Powerscourt in Wicklow to the elegant 18^th century Florence Court in Fermanagh, many also boast gardens of breathtaking magnificence.

Many acclaimed Irish chefs are sharing their expertise in cookery schools that offer wonderful locations, the finest ingredients and the most fun you will ever have learning. Typical is Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, run by television master chef Darina Allen, where courses can last from a day to several months and you stay in delightful self-catering Georgian cottages. You can also enjoy courses in thatched cottages, castles, farms and even converted churches!  Look out too for a series of food festivals throughout the year.

But that just touches on the delights of Ireland, where you'll also find world-class angling, cruising on idyllic waterways and some of Europe's most luxurious spas. To discover more visit www.discoverireland.com