The first of two maths papers for most Junior Certificate students brought an end to the first week of exams.

While George Du Noyer’s pictures were created for the Ordnance Survey, they gives us a glimpse into what the country looked like in the 19th century, writes Niall Murray.

A huge response from the public and interested groups has been received in relation to proposals for the redevelopment of a prime site in Kerry’s county town.

A 2.3-acre site in the historic heart of Tralee is set to become a catalyst for the wider revitalisation of the town.

The first maths exams, dreaded by so many students each year, brought the first week of the 2016 State exams to a close.

Ridgeway collection is from Kilcolman Reserve at Doneraile, writes Des O’Sullivan.

The general election offers a gorgeous insight into the importance of the county boundary in modern Irish life.

The Irishman was the first person to prove the dangers of greenhouse gases and the need for hygiene in medicine. As his life’s letters are published, Ailin Quinlan learns that Tyndall was a fearless ambassador for science

THE work of the Ordnance Survey in Ireland between 1824 and 1842 was both immense and controversial. 

WE continue on the L4911, crossing scenic Cappul Bridge at the head of Ardgroom Harbour. We are immediately in wild country, Tooreennamna and Tooth mountains behind us and the Iveragh mountains across Kenmare River, ahead. After 0.5km, we pass an unpaved roadway going left, with a yellow Beara Way waymark. We could make the nearby parking space our trailhead, shortening the walk by 2km.

A lesson in history with every footstep

WE take the road across from the pier, between the Marine Hotel and the house opposite it.

LOUGH GUR HERITAGE CENTRE

By Niall Murray Education Correspondent

GARRETSTOWN WOODS AND ANCIENT DEER WALL

SKIBBEREEN/BALTIMORE: LOUGH HYNE

DRIMOLEAGUE HERITAGE LOOP WALK

Bantry to Drumclough loop of the Sheep’s Head Way

ROSSDOHAN WALK, KERRY WAY

The first maths papers for Junior Certificate students were taken yesterday evening and around 32,000 were taking the higher level exam.

THIS walk is best enjoyed in summer. These recent weeks, wildflowers are everywhere along the paths in Garretstown woods. Most are at their best this week. In late May, the bluebells were a little faded, but those growing in shade were a vivid, gentian blue.

ARRIVING on the riverside pathway, we are immediately removed from the bustle of the town. Here, the Bandon is a broad, slow-flowing river.

WE set off up the steep road from the pier, past the ruined friary.

WE have parked opposite the old Post Office, marked on the OS map. Before setting off, we should certainly retrace our steps to the Blackwater Bridge — we will be re-crossing it on our return, but viewing it before we start will make us aware, when we see the Blackwater River upstream, of how romantic and wild it is in this gorge.

IN Ringarogy, the peace and quiet of another era still reigns. The houses may be modern or modernised but on the lanes one rarely sees a car. There are few human artefacts to distract us from nature. Once, almost 800 people lived here; now, there are about 70. I can think of few more pleasant walks.

WE set off north, up MacCurtain Hill, passing the garda station on our right.

WHEN I walked this route, mid-March 2014, the banks of the attractive little rapids on the Slaheny River above Coolyard Bridge were being reinforced. There are many classic mountain-river rapids and waterfalls to admire on this walk.

We set off from the pier.

WITH our backs to the Town Hall we set off down Main Street, keeping to the left pavement. Skibbereen is, arguably, the most ‘typical’ of West Cork market towns, little changed in the last century.

CLOHEEN MARSH WALK, WEST CORK

TIMOLEAGUE AND ARGIDEEN WALK

GLANMORE LAKE WALK, BEARA PENINSULA

Castletownshend and Castlehaven

A long way away from the rest of the world.

LEHID BRIDGE, KENMARE, CO KERRY

LEAVING the tourist office, we go left, along the waterfront. Scilly hamlet, with its imposing old buildings on the shore, is seen across the water or exposed mud flats of the Inner Harbour.

KENMARE RIVER WALK

From the car park, we follow signs for Lady Bantry’s Walk.

BERE ISLAND WALK

MUCKROSS WALK, KILLARNEY

OLD WORKHOUSE AND RATHCOOL WALK

CLEAR ISLAND WALK, WEST CORK

A CONFERENCE at London’s Royal Society next week will discuss ways to reduce emissions from gases blamed for causing rising temperatures.