Spring Flowers: Irish Bluebells

A member of the hyacinth family of flowers, bluebells are native flora to the UK & Ireland. Though common throughout Ireland, there is habitat loss, cross hybridisation and other environmental concerns which make Ireland’s native populations significant. Bluebells are one of the first wildflowers to bloom in Ireland.

These striking, vivid violet-blue flowers bloom in April and May, disappearing as quickly as they appeared by early June. Native Irish bluebells have rounded stems and clusters of drooping bell-shaped violet flowers, not to be confused with the invasive variety which has straight stems.

Bluebells also make delicious spring meals for butterflies and bees, an important early source of food for these little insects.

What makes bluebells stand out from other wildflowers is their sheer numbers. When bluebells flower, they cover entire swathes of the forests, a vivid carpet of purple against lunch emerald vegetation spreading out in every direction. Oftentimes, the rich purple is combined with the bright white of wild garlic flowers. Walking through a carpet of bluebells, it’s easy to believe in magic…

Broadleaf old-growth forests are the best places to spot bluebells. They particularly like to grow beneath oak, beech and ash trees. While Ireland doesn’t have as many forests as it once had, there are still plenty of woodlands across the island. As perennial flowers, they re-grow in the same place every year making their location easy to predict.

Native broadleaf forests are their preferred habitats and this is where to find the most stunning display. That said, you’ll still spot bluebells in other places as broad-ranging as meadows to cliff-tops, as well as below hedgerows or even the side of country lanes.

The best way to enjoy these natural floral displays is by hiking through Ireland’s forests during springtime. While bluebells can be quite exceptional, they aren’t the only spring wildflowers – primroses, wild garlic flowers and a few others often bloom around the same time and place as bluebells. You’ll have to get your hiking boots on and head outdoors to view the full spectrum.

Bluebells may be the most iconic and vividly photogenic flowers in early spring, but they are far from the only floral displays in Ireland. There are many other flowers such as purple orchids, gorse flowers, red campion, meadowsweet, daisies and so many more. See a few of our favourite flowers below.

Wild Garlic

This might not sound like a flower. But wild garlic produces bunches of lovely tiny white flowers. Like bluebells, these plants grow in pockets in the woods. When in bloom, the flowers create a sea of white blooms. Wild garlic is found in the same sort of places as bluebells and often grow together, sprouting in March and flowering in April and May. They are recognisable for their distinctive scent. The leaves and flowers are edible.

Primroses

Primroses are one of the first flowering buds in Ireland. Light yellow petals with a sunshine-yellow centre, primroses are among the first signs of spring in Irish woodlands. They are also an important early source of nectar for butterflies. They can start blooming in late winter, but are in full bloom in March, April and May. Like the other flowers here, primroses usually grow in forests or in other shaded spots like under hedgerows.

Snowdrops

Often heralded as the first signs of spring, snowdrops are an early flowering plant found in wooded areas. Though non-native to the UK and Ireland, these pretty buds are well-established in both environments. Like bluebells, snowdrops have a bell-shaped flower and a curved stem – though, unlike bluebells, they are white instead of purple.

Foxglove

One of the most easily recognisable flowers in Ireland is the foxglove. Unlike the others here, foxgloves grow in sunnier spots and are much larger plants. They can grow up to 2 meters high, with long stalks that sway in the wind. Tight magenta-purple bell-shaped flowers cling to the tall stalks. Like the others, foxgloves are great sources of nectar for insects, but the plant itself is poisonous if consumed. These flowers are found more on woodland edges and start blooming in midsummer, from June onwards.