Allihies North Engine Loop, Co Cork

Suits: Teens.

Hike: This coastal hike really does have it all — a glorious start on Ballydongan beach, churning seas, iconic sights like Skellig Micheal, manmade reservoirs, a scrambling hillside climb and atmospheric engine houses, scattered like husks in the hills. As the name suggests, the route traces the area’s copper mining heritage, setting off from the strand (its white sands are actually crushed quartz ore), and following in the footsteps of local miners. You can do a 7.5km (red arrows) loop, or the longer Kealogue Loop (11km, blue arrows), and pop into the Allihies Copper Mining Museum (acmm.ie) to learn more about the area’s history. – PÓC

Start and Finish at: Allihies village, or Ballydongan beach.

Level: Moderate/Hard.

Length / Time: 7.5km to 11km (allow 2-3 hours).

Pack: Togs and towels for a sea swim, and sunscreen! Those sea winds are deceptive.