Many people don't want to go on an activity-free holiday break and become couch spuds in an hotel down the country. Activity's the thing, whether it's hill walking, pony trekking or going to a health farm for a good going-over.

One of the most popular kinds of activity break is a stay on a health farm. This is perfect preparation for the forthcoming holiday season, especially as it's going to extend over nearly a fortnight.

So it seems that the Health Farms of Ireland have just the answer. Any of their member health farms will get you in top class trim. Alternatively, you could consider a more prolonged stay, as a recovery mechanism from all the celebrations and festivities.

About seven health farms promote themselves under the Health Farms of Ireland banner in the Discover Ireland publications. They include Pine Lodge, a relaxing and peaceful country retreat at Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Here, you can enjoy a detoxification diet, swim in the indoor pool or even have a comprehensive health consultation.

The Temple Country House and health spa, at Horseleap near Moate in Co Westmeath, recently extended, promises terrific cuisine, daily yoga and relaxation classes as well as all kinds of other delights which are bound to do you good, like Yon-Ka facials and body wraps.

The Galway Bay Health Farm at Oranmore, Co Galway, promises a holistic approach: attitude, exercise, relaxation and a carefully structured eating plan. They can also give lots of advice on stress management and lifestyle changes guaranteed to put you in top form for the new millennium.

Health Farms of Ireland at Rinville, Oranmore, Co Galway, will give you details of their member health farms. If you're sending a letter, enclose a self-addressed A5 envelope with 45p stamp. Their phone number is (091) 790606. Fax: 091790837 and email:lochan@iol.ie

Equestrian breaks are another idea. The Kinnity Castle Hotel near Birr in Co Offaly is one of the hotels doing equestrian breaks; starting from the stables at Kinnity Castle, you can take the mountain trail through the Slieve Blooms, enjoying their glens and waterfalls, all quiet countryside. Pony trekking and hill walking are two other widely available activity pursuits.

By far the most popular activity break of all is golf. A considerable number of clubs promote golfing breaks under the Golfing Ireland banner and over 30 accommodation providers, mainly hotels, do golf related packages.

Many clubs also promote themselves in the Discover Ireland publication, the likes of the Skibbereen & West Carbery Golf Club near Skibbereen and Westport golf club in Co Mayo. Quite often, the food and drink in the clubhouse are just as much an integral part of the attraction as the course itself.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board's breakaways brochure also lists a certain amount of activity holidays, including equestrian and golf.