TOURS, ETC. : A WEE BIT O' WALKING IN IRELAND.

Byline: Daily News

Two 10-day walking tours of Ireland that take participants along old country roads, muddy sheep trails, up mountainsides and through forests are offered by Brendan Tours.

The West Coast tour begins and ends in Shannon and features walks around Killarney's lakes and the Macgillicuddy Reeks mountains, as well as a sail through the lakes on traditional fishing boats to Ross Castle in Killarney and walks along the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher.

The East Coast tour begins and ends in Dublin and takes in the Glendalough Valley, Brandon Mountain and the Clara Vale nature reserve. A visit to Avondale House (former home of a 19th-century politician) and the seventh-century monastery founded by St. Kevin are also included.

Departures for both trips are scheduled monthly from May through October. Cost begins at $1,936 for the West Coast tour and $1,873 for the East Coast tour. Prices include air fare from New York, accommodations in first-class hotels and guest houses, most meals, sightseeing program, guide, lectures on flora and archeology, tips and taxes. Information: [phone].

Study in Jerusalem: If you want to combine some study with a visit to Israel, the Israel Archaeological Society's ``Judaic Background of Jesus'' study program in Jerusalem could be just the ticket. From June 20-26, participants will follow the trail of Jesus via lectures and field trips to such places as the garden of Gethsemane, the Holy Sepulchre and along the Via Dolorosa. The study week is held in Christ Church Guest House, one of Jerusalem's oldest churches, located in the Old City.

Cost is $1,000, which includes a room with private bath, ground transportation and most meals. Air fare to Israel is not included. Information: [phone].

Saddlin' up: Hankerin' to ride the range? Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Ariz., offers a four-day, three-night Riding Round-up package that includes accommodations, meals, two trail rides per day (from beginner to advanced), tennis, swimming and all scheduled ranch activities. Cost is $498 per person, double occupancy, until February, $597 per person double thereafter. Information: [phone].

Hawaii by bicycle: Tropical plantations, active volcanoes and the wilderness of a national park are all on the itinerary of Woodswomen's Feb. 22-March 1 bicycle tour of the Big Island of Hawaii. Cost is $1,925, which includes accommodations, most meals, land transportation, permits and park fees and guides. Air fare is not included. Information: [phone].

Greek cruise: Seven-day cruises to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini and the Cyclades aboard the 28-passenger Viking Star are offered weekly April through October by the Greek Islands Cruise Center. Costs start at $1,195 per person, double occupancy; air fare to Greece is not included. Information: [phone].

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Photo

Photo: Brendan Tours' East Coast walking tour begins in Ireland's fair city of Dublin.