Although some of Ireland's coastal parts are mountainous, the sheltered valleys and the gently undulating central plain are excellent for easy cycling. Roads are well maintained and most are very quiet. Inland, the landscape is dotted with small farms, and one is never too far away from some form of civilisation if one requires it. The Boyne Valley alone contains over 300. There is no closed season for freshwater angling , but March to October are the most suitable months for bream, rudd, roach, dace and perch.
Game fishing requires a licence and, generally, also a permit.
The brown trout season is usually from mid-February or March until 30 September. Open salmon season is 1 January to 7 September, according to district. The best sea trout period is from June to 30 September-12 October in some areas. There are summer schools all over the country, where it is possible to learn Gaelic and to pursue other courses in Irish culture. Courses available include archaeological walks around Celtic sites, classes in traditional Irish music, courses on literary figures such as Oscar Wilde, W B Yeats and Gerard Manley Hopkins, and on popular culture and storytelling.