The crash site of a second World War Sunderland bomber and one of Ireland's most remote townlands, which was visited by the poet Dylan Thomas, are among the attractions on walks which are part of next month's Ardara Walking Festival in Co Donegal.
This is the fourth time in five years that the event has been held - last year's fell foul of the foot-and-mouth scare - and some 500 people are expected.
The festival coincides with the St. Patrick's Day weekend, thus ensuring added craic agus ceol for all concerned after healthy walks.
After registration and evening entertainment on Friday, March 16th, it's all about being out and about on the Saturday and Sunday. "We have something for everyone, from the casual walker to the more experienced," explains Mr Donal Haughey, the festival co-ordinator. Experienced local guides will accompany all the walkers.
Over 1,000 people were contacted about this year's festival with the assistance of Donegal Tourism, and many of those returning have attended before.
"We've got walkers from America, Holland, France, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland," says Donal. "It started as a rural tourism project, with the idea being to extend the tourist season. By bringing people to the area the hope is that they will enjoy themselves and maybe come back again in the summer."
What the festival brochure terms the first "strenuous walk" involves a 6½-hour trek through the Blue Stack Mountains, reaching heights of over 2,500 feet and taking in Lough Eske and the site of the aircraft which crashed in bad weather.
"The debris is scattered all over the place but it is still recognisable as a crash site," says Donal, who adds that the only remaining living survivor, Mr Jim Gilchrist, still returns to the area every year from England.
The second "strenuous walk" is a visit to Gleann Locha, a remote townland not far from Glencolumbcille which inspired Thomas. Although it cannot be reached by road, it still had inhabitants until the 1960s.
There are also two "moderate walks" and one "easy walk" which doesn't get under way until around midday, perhaps an indication that it's partly aimed at those for whom the late-night social side of things is just as important.
For more information telephone 075 41830.
Chris Ashmore