The Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary

Nominated by Frank Kelly, who wrote: “Good company, camping, guesthouses, quality hotels and an amazing 16th-century castle, activities in a pleasant environment, local guides and quality food experience, all great value.” Read the full pitch at http://iti.ms/181fc3P WHAT THE IRISH TIMES SAYS The landscape of the Glen of Aherlow is simply breathtaking. The Galtee Mountains are visible from every angle on all approaches to the Glen, and are almost a distraction as you drive around the area. The Glen of Aherlow is a very rural area, and the built environment is quaint and unobtrusive, made up of a lot of farmland. The villages in the area are well-kept with some Tidy Towns awards.

Main roads for most of the journey are the M8 Dublin to Cork motorway to Cahir, with a turn-off for Aherlow; there is also a Glen of Aherlow Scenic Drive option. Allow for approx two hours from Dublin; one hour from Cork. Bus Éireann serves Tipperary town, approx 15 minutes from Aherlow and Cahir, 25 minutes away. Family-friendly loop cycles are signposted around the area, plus forestry tracks for mountain bikers and bike hire is nearby in Kilshane. It is a very scenic area to drive around but a map is needed. There are lots of small villages dotted around which are well sign-posted.

There are a range of accommodation options on offer, all very reasonably priced, from camping to self-catering to B&Bs, but there is an absence of higher-priced hotel options. In general the food on offer in cafes and restaurants is competitively priced.