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The Tolka River as it flows past the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, #Dublin. The gardens are excellent and entry is free. Nearby Glasnevin Cemetery is also a great visit, especially if you take one of the themed tours #Ireland #gardens

While most visitors to NT - Murlough NNR understandably head for the beach, a wander through the tracks in the heathland area behind the dunes is equally rewarding. Wildflowers, butterflies, moths and a rare lizard or fox are all on the radar as well as the reserve's Exmoor ponies.

Gibbs Island, a National Trust NI property on the western shores of Strangford Lough #countydown

This morning's local walk in #Ballynahinch #countydown was the usual quiet meander on minor roads and nearby fields, some newly cut, others full of wildflowers and butterflies. Also spotted some new arrivals setting up home in the sheugh.

Looking north from outside Castlewellan #countydown towards Slieve Croob in the #DromaraHills with the green fields of the surrounding countryside emphasising the agricultural nature of the area. Good to see that one or two trees have managed to elbow their way in.

Smartpassed the bus to Dundrum #countydown for a walk in NT - Murlough NNR starting at Keel Point and following the shoreline alongside the estuary to the Irish Sea. The weather progressed gradually from gloomy and warm to slightly brighter and warmer. Mournes looked well.

Explored an area of NT - Murlough NNR opposite Ballykinler Camp this morning. A few years ago, brambles, nettles etc were cleared and it is now bristling with wildflowers, butterflies (pic shows a Ringlet), marram grass and other delights (hogweed, NOT giant hogweed, in pic).

The River Lagan somewhere between Lisburn and Stranmillis.

Down Cathedral as seen from the banks of the River Quoile below Inch Abbey #countydown

Evening stroll over the fields in #Ballynahinch #countydown. A little bit of a haze, but the countryside still lifting the spirits. A few butterflies still on the wing with Red Admiral, Meadow Brown and Peacock all spotted, but unfortunately not captured photographically.

This morning's 9km walk in NT - Murlough NNR illustrated the many variations of landscape in the reserve - one minute a deserted swathe of beach, next a snatched view of the Mournes in mist, then a blooming evening primrose before arrival at a well concealed tidal bay - perfect.

Natural loughs of the Mourne Mountains: Blue L, Binnian L, Cove L and Lough Shannagh, by far the largest of the Mourne range's natural bodies of water. Didn't see them all on the same day.

A few contrasting views of the Mourne Mountains on this morning's walk in #Ballynahinch #countydown as seen from various vantage points in a pleasantly cool weather.

The morning walk in #Ballynahinch #countydown covered a couple of hills which gave great views of the surrounding countryside. The Mournes were very clear, as were the drumlins - even the sheugh was looking pretty.

Nothing quite like a romp through a field that hasn't been cut. On a day like today, there's every chance of a range of butterflies who'll be appreciating the wild flowers, in this field meadowsweet, buttercup, bramble and, in pic, tufted vetch, also green-veined whites mating.

Rathlin Island East Lighthouse and one of the island's empty roads #FootpathFriday #countyantrim #northernireland #Ireland

Coming down off the moor - from a not-so-recent visit to #Yorkshire, my favourite English county, not just because it's the birthplace of my wonderful wife and the location of my favourite football team York City FC.

The view from Slieve Lamagan with Ben Crom to the west and a sneak peek of Silent Valley further south. At 704 metres, Lamagan is the smallest of the seven peaks over 700 metres, but the southern descent towards the col between it and Binnian will test the hardiest hillwalker.

Airing the feet on the way up Slieve Binnian. #MourneMountains #countydown #mountains

If you ever find that the Mourne Mountains don't offer enough of a challenge, try ascending Slieve Binnian from the south, from Silent Valley via Wee Binnian - it's pretty steep near the top. It's not a walk for the inexperienced and should not be attempted in poor visibility.