Nire Valley, County Waterford.

The Nire Valley forms part of the northern border between Co. Waterford and Co. Tipperary and it's exploration pivots round the lovely village of Ballymacarbry.  Time spent here introduces the visitor to an easy, friendly atmosphere and a hinterland which is gloriously varied and beautiful.  Those who enjoy the great outdoors, who relish good conversation and who delight in a song or a dance and a good laugh, will love this village and its colourful atmosphere.

The walker will find a series of published walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficult, with most achievable by anyone with a fair degree of fitness.

Michael Desmond offers guided walks every Saturday, all year (weather dependent) and other days by arrangement.  The full day (6hours approx.) itinerary includes high cross-country walks, and provides for lots of stops to enjoy the environment.  A reasonable degree of fitness is required.  Michael will explain the archaeological sites, the folklore, geology, flora and fauna of the area in an entertaining way.  Suitable clothing and footwear are required.  There is a charge for the guided walk.  Tel : 052-36238.  Email : hiking@indigo.ie.

Nire Valley Failte, the local tourism group, has identified a series of walks ranging from two to four hours duration.   Detailed maps are available for both low level and mountain walks from any of the accommodation providers or from the secretary, Nire Valley Failte.

The group has established a highly successful annual Comeragh Mountain Walking Festival which is held on the second weekend in October.  These walks are graded for their degree of difficulty and are led by very experienced guides.  The local pubs join in the spirit of  the weekend and traditional music is provided each night.  Information: The Secretary, Nire Valley Failte, Ballymacarbry, Tel : 052-36239 (year round)  Or the Tourist Information Point Tel : 052-36455 (June - September) Fax : 052-36540

The East Munster Way - part of the network of national walking routes - runs from Clogheen to Carrick-on Suir, another long distance walk which runs for 102km to Kildavin in Co. Carlow and ascends to 1600m.

Melody's Nire Valley Riding Stables.

Situated in Ballymacarbry Village, and established in 1964, the stables offer a variety of riding options including well-established routes for hacking and trail riding on the slopes of the Comeragh Mountains.  Experienced riders will enjoy the based trail or half-week holidays, which follow a different route each day.  These rides cover up to 30km a day, operate year round - weather permitting - and provide a thrilling equestrian experience.

Less experienced people can avail of 2-hour rides, morning or afternoon.  Groups of equal ability ride out together and all rides are accompanied.  Tel : 052-36147

Game angling in the Nire area is a must for the serious angler.  He best three waters include the Nire, which produces early fly hatches, the Suir with excellent summer hatches and the Tar, where the hatches are active late in the season.  In season, from March to the end of September, the Nire area is jumping with wild brown trout.  The Tryan family at Clonanav Farmhouse provide angling expertise and instruction with registered and experienced instructors.  Tel : 052-36141.  Fishing permits can be arranged through any of the guesthouses in the area.

Evening entertainment in Ballymacarbry can be enjoyed in the summer season, when music and song is featured regularly in the local pubs.