SKIBBEREEN/BALTIMORE: LOUGH HYNE

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

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.

CLEAR ISLAND WALK, WEST CORK