We set off from the pier.

TIMOLEAGUE AND ARGIDEEN WALK

NEW YEAR’S Resolution: walk more.

THE advances in nature in Ireland during our 30-day absence are striking but it is that time of year when, almost overnight, buds open and the bush which, yesterday, was bare branches, suddenly wears a shawl of green.

AS I set out, intent upon a 40-minute hike to shake the cobwebs off and reduce the corporation, the day seemed set fair – but then, to use, oppositely, the words of Dylan Thomas’s Poem in October, “The weather turned around/ It turned away from the blithe country ...” and the sky was sudden stained as blue as a bruised damson when a squall swept in off the sea.

Damien Enright on how borders are non-existent for birds.

GREAT news for Courtmacsherry Bay.

THE full moon was glorious last week, and tides were very high, forcing the birds of the estuary to roost high up on the shore. There was a feast of forms and feathers for my friend, a birdwatcher, who arrived from London, to differentiate and name.

YOU get the sizzle, as well as the sausage, with this Timoleague house, where the views — the sizzle — are at least a match for the calibre of home — the substance — on offer.