Gougane Barra Forest Park, Co Cork

Difficulty: Easy-moderate Time: 30 minutes-2 hours Distance: 0.5-2.5km

The trailhead is beyond the lake (bring €5 in coins to enter). After a snowy blast, this picturesque valley will look like a mini Yosemite. When it’s calm, the lake boasts mirror-like reflections, including that of St Finbarr’s Oratory. Look out for deer, foxes and rabbits in their winter coats. Pick one of six trails: walk along the valley floor, by the River Lee, to the lake or up hillsides (trail maps are downloadable from gouganebarra.com).

Afters: Do this on a Sunday, when Cronin’s bar opens in its winter hibernation mode (11am-4pm). Drinks, teas, coffees and scones await; @croninscafe