MAKE the most of the sunshine this summer with our guide to the top 10 walks in Ireland's coast. There are a variety of grades to suit everyone, from hardened hikers looking for a challenge to families looking for a day out or those wanting a comfortable stroll, and some stunning views. Check out www. walking. ireland. ie for more.

1HOWTH COASTAL PATH, CO DUBLIN Distance: 7km Duration: 2-3 hours Grade: easy A great walk for nature lovers, with good views of the bird sanctuary that is Ireland's Eye. Keep your eyes peeled for some grey seals diving for fish in the harbour. From Balscadden Bay in Howth village, take the path to the cliff tops and look out for Bailey Lighthouse. At the highest point of the walk you'll come across the Ben of Howth, an ancient burial cairn that is said to be the final resting place of Ireland's last giant.

2DIAMOND HILL, LETTERFRACK, CO GALWAY Distance: 7km Duration: 2-3 hours Grade: moderate to hard After years of development, Diamond Hill now has a safe, well-paved path to the summit. This means no more leaping over puddles in the middle of the bog, and the new wooden boardwalks fit in well with the Connemara landscape. Start at the visitor's park at Connemara National Park in Letterfrack and take the sign-posted path, which offers the chance for an easier circuit before it branches off to Diamond Hill. The climb is more than worth it - bring a camera to capture the beautiful coastal vistas from the summit.

3RERRIN LOOP, BERE ISLAND, CO CORK Distance: 6 km Duration: 2-3 hours Grade: easy to moderate From Castletownbere, catch the ferry across to the village of Rerrin on the west of Bere Island for a walk through an island stepped in history. From Rerrin, head west toward the two Martello Towers built to defend against attacks from Napolean in 1796. As you walk on around the coast, you'll see some well sign-posted sites of old gun battles, reminders of the island's past as a British military outpost. Look out for the Bronze Age sites, all marked with interpretative panels.

4SHEEP'S HEAD SHORT LOOP, CO CORK Distance: 4 km Duration: 2 hours Grade: easy At the very base of Ireland, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Sheep's Head is seldom visited and great for walking. The 16-km long loop walk is good for hikers who want a challenge, but the short loop is an easy two hours across the cliff tops that surround the peninsula. Start your walk at the Turning Point Car Park and follow the sign-posted path past Lough Aiken and towards the lighthouse at the top of the headland for dramatic views.

5RAVEN POINT LOOP, CURRACLOE, CO WEXFORD Distance: 9 km Duration: 2-3 hours Grade: easy Curracloe is Ireland's most impressive beach, and this loop walk will take you across forest paths and sand dunes. From Curracloe village, drive east to the Raven Point car park to start the walk. Take a right from the notice board in the car park and follow the track towards the forestry barrier for breath-taking views over Rosslare. At the end of Raven Point, walk along Curracloe beach for the return journey. Be careful of rising tides.

6BRAY TO GREYSTONES CLIFF WALK, CO WICKLOW Distance: 5 km Duration: 2 hours Grade: easy This path attracts thousands of walkers every year and offers a great panorama without too much climbing - the Irish Sea on one side, the rising Sugarloaf on the other.

From the car park at the end of Raheen Park, take the path south to Greystones along the old East Coast rail route. A great walk for bird-watchers and people-watchers alike.

7LETTERMAGHERA LOOP, CLEW BAY, CO MAYO Distance: 10km Duration: 3-4 hours Grade: moderate This well sign-posted loop walk is a great way to explore Clew Bay, one of the most picturesque coastal inlets in the country. From Derrad Community Centre, head north along the path towards Furance Lough and then Salmon Leap Bridge, where you are guaranteed an encounter with wild salmon making their way upstream. Then walk to the lower slopes of the Bengorm Mountains for a great view of the Bay and its multitude of islands stretching out along the Atlantic coastline.

8SLIEVE LEAGUE, CO DONEGAL Distance: 7.5km Duration: 5 hours Grade: difficult Hard-working walkers will be rewarded with great views on this challenging walk that crosses the south Donegal coast from Bunglass to Trabane Bay. Park at Bunglass and then follow the road west towards Carrigan Head.

Over the last rise, look out for a great view of Slieve League. Take care as you continue on over the pass: the path is narrow with steep drops to either side.

9WHITE PARK BAY TO THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY, CO ANTRIM Distance: 12km Duration: 4 hours Grade: moderate This great walk takes you along some littleknow beautifully scenic coastline in Antrim, ending up at the famous Giant's Causeway.

From the hostel in White Park Bay head west towards Portbradden - look out for the three hundred-year-old ruins of Templastragh and Dunseverick Castle.

10GLENCOLUMCILLE TO MAGHERA CO DONEGAL Distance: 24 km Duration: 8 hours Grade: difficult The most impressive of our coastal walks is also the longest: 24 kilometres along the Donegal coast from Glencolumcille to Maghera. Feel free to walk sections of the main path instead of the whole route - but you will miss some magnificent scenery along the coast. Start from Gaveross Mountain and follow the steep track up Glen Head. Be careful during high winds; the Atlantic in this area is wild during storms.