From romantic, rugged coastlines to splendid inland mountains and lakes, Ireland's Gaeltacht regions offer the perfect Irish getaway - and the chance to learn a cúpla focal at the same time! Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week), March 1st to 17th, celebrates our native language and culture, and is the perfect time to plan or take a break in the Gaeltacht. Step it out on splendid walks, get the adrenaline pumping with adventure sport, join in a lively trad seisiún and sign up to some Irish language courses.

But don't take our 'focal' for it - be tempted by the joys of the Gaeltacht at www.discoverireland.ie #thisisLIVING or find Discover Ireland on Facebook

Go wild in Donegal
The spectacular Donegal Gaeltacht on the Wild Atlantic Way is a breath taking area with imposing mountains and lake-filled valleys. Glencolmcille Folk Village, a cluster of small cottages perched on a hillside overlooking the sandy curve of Glen Bay Beach, will bring you on a fascinating journey of Irish life over the last two centuries. Brush up on Irish at a week-long or weekend course at Oideas Gael www.oideas-gael.com. Or if you are an adventure junkie you will adore sea stack climbing with unique ascent.

Majestic Mayo
Soak up the magnificent scenery in the Mayo Gaeltacht, which extends from the Mullet Peninsula to the mountainous blanket bog of Erris and Achill Island. Explore Ireland's rich farming heritage at the 5,000 year old Ceide Fields neolithic site containing the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world. Explore the fascinating underwater world scuba diving on Achill Island. Or keep it above water and try kite surfing instead! You can book an Irish language pony trek across the beach at Keel with Calvey's of Achill - getting your Gaeilge straight from the horse's mouth!

Gorgeous Galway
You can switch easily between Irish and English in Connemara, an area of stunning beauty and home to one of the country's most popular Gaeltachts. Try some trekking in the mighty Twelve Pins and Maamturk Mountains or slow it down with lazy days exploring the areas charming coves and stunning strands. The Aran Islands, where Irish is the first language, are only a short hop away. Take the ferry from Rossaveal and hire a bike and cycle through a serene sanctuary of wildlife. And of course you can be sure there'll be a trad seisiún nearby to round off the day!

The Kingdom of Fun
For pure fun there are few places that can match the heart of the Kerry Gaeltacht on the glorious Dingle Peninsula which fringes the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. This a great place for a break in any language and a serious haven for walkers, golfers, surfers and anglers. Dingle town is a gourmet heaven boasting great seafood restaurants and lively pubs. You can practice your Irish in local shops! And experience the splendid isolation of the Iveragh Gaeltacht in South Kerry, where you can get a guided tour with mountaineer Con Moriarty.

Irish Crackers in Cork
The Cork Gaeltacht reaches west from Cork City through the Lee River Valley to Macroom and beyond. Make like Socrates and walk while you talk on a walking break in the Muscrai Gaeltacht along the Cork/Kerry border with Lee Valley Walking. The Cork Gaeltacht also takes in the wildly romantic Cape Clear Island, 13km off the coast of West Cork. This tiny Island is an archaeological wonder, with megalithic standing stones, a 5,000 year old passage grave and the ruins of a 12th century church and a 14th century castle.

Wonderful Waterford
The south east Gaeltacht begins west of Dungarvan in Co. Waterford set against the backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains - a walker's paradise. It includes Ring and Old Parish, a scenic part of the world famous for its love of Irish music, song and dance. This area is also a terrific base to visit the beautiful coastal villages of Ardmore and Lismore. Don't miss the Copper Coast Geopark, an outdoor museum telling the region's geological story. For some water action learn to surf through Irish at Freedom Surf School in Tramore. And immerse yourself in history in the Viking Triangle in Waterford City's cultural and heritage quarter

Marvellous Meath
On Dublin's doorstep, the Meath Gaeltacht, taking in the villages of Rathcairn and Gibbstown, is a great place to practice your Irish and there's no shortage of fantastic things to do while you're there. Enjoy a crash course in cultural heritage in the Boyne Valley and visit Newgrange the finest example of a passage grave in Western Europe and Ireland's most famous pre-historic site dating to 3,000 B.C. Climb up the commanding Hill of Tara, the seat of Árd Rí na hÉireann, or the High King of Ireland.
You can do your own digging in this archaeological rich area and excavate at a 13th century friary, followed by a canoe ride down the River Boyne with Cultural Tourism Ireland. Or get your kicks zip wiring at the Skypark at Carlingford Adventure Centre.

For more information to help plan your Gaeltacht break, find Discover Ireland on Facebook or visit www.discoverireland.ie #thisisLIVING