FRANCIS BRADLEYwith the Outdoors news of the week...
Harbour2Harbourfundraising walk around Dublin Bay starts at 10.30am on Wednesday. You can do this five-hour, 26km outing in either direction, starting at Howth Harbour and walking to Dún Laoghaire Harbour or vice versa. Registration is €15 on the day. 01-6617211, aware.ie.
Croagh Patrick trailThe second Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail walking festival takes place next weekend, from March 19th to 21st. The 61km walk is spread over three days, taking in Balla, Ballintubber, Aughagower and Murrisk. There'll be groups focusing on heritage, geology, archaeology, poetry, photography, folklore and local history, plus a photography competition. It costs €10 per day, including transport and refreshments. 094-9366709, croagh patrickheritagetrail.com.
Spring equinox walkA spring equinox walk takes place in the Wicklow Mountains
next Saturday, March 20th. It kicks off at 5am from Brockagh Resource Centre, in Laragh, to be on Paddock Hill, near Scarr, for sunrise, when the sun, weather permitting, will shine through two ancient standing stones. The three-hour walk finishes with a champagne breakfast at the Wicklow Heather restaurant, in Laragh. The morning costs €35. 0404-45152, walkinghikingireland.com.