First to see the potential of staging their showcase walking weekend in autumn, the denizens of Upperchurch, Co Tipperary have reaped the benefits from off-season hiking. The atmospheric three-pub village now attracts hordes of visitors from across Ireland for its walking festival next weekend, November 7th-9th. This year's outings vary from the demanding Hills of Upperchurch Challenge, to easy family rambles and nature-trails. At night, the darkened hills come alive to the sound of music and dancing in Kinnane's and Ryan's of the village and in the "olde worlde" charm of Jim O'The Mills. Information from 0504-54284 or upperchurch.ie.

John O’Dwyer