Why Visit Ireland in May?

Spring in Ireland – and May in particular – is a phenomenal month for flora. After long winter days, spring has sprung, and the flowers are in full bloom.

The bluebells are particularly stunning if you manage to visit once the bloom starts. Bluebell season does not start at the same time every year, but usually in mid to late May, these violet-coloured flowers erupt in a carpet of colour throughout Ireland’s forests, lasting several weeks, before the season ends in June. They are often accompanied by other blooms like the graceful (if pungent!) wild garlic flowers, as well as primroses and others. Learn more in our spring flowers blog.

The Burren is renowned for its floral display. At first glance, it seems desolate and lunar. Up close, the craggy landscape comes alive with a vivid floral display bursting amongst the crags. Home to some of Europe’s most diverse flora, with dozens of species of orchids and other plants normally inhabiting the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the Burren is a delight in spring and early summer. Visit during May to admire the start of this incredible natural bouquet – learn more about visiting the Burren here.

For those who prefer manicured gardens to natural ones, May is a great time to wander the rows and alleys of grand gardens. In Wicklow, Powerscourt Estate along the Wicklow Way has some of the best gardens in the country; in fact, they are award-winning, and recognised by National Geographic as among the top 10 gardens in the world. On the other side of the country, Glenveagh Castle has stunning castle gardens offering a vivid contrast to the desolate wilds of Glenveagh National Park.

Even if you don’t visit any of these regions, May is still a lovely month to visit and experience the plethora of wildflowers and gardens blooming into a rainbow of colour across Ireland.

Ireland has a secret: it’s actually a bit of a foodie haven. Not a place previously known for its food, recent years have seen a growing interest in creative, organic and local food in Ireland. An increasing number of independent cafes and restaurants are on the scene, and foodie experiences like foraging, farmhouse tours and culinary workshops are on the rise. Farm-to-fork, slow food and organic and locally-sourced dishes are becoming the norm.

All said and done, winter isn’t the best time for farm-to-fork or locally sourced dishes. Once spring arrives, however, our natural larder explodes. May is a great month to eat in Ireland. Fresh veggies, fresh meat, fresh dairy, fresh seafood… the list goes on.

Kitchen gardens are heavy with new vegetables ready to be added to complex and creative dishes. Strawberries start appearing in shops and on roadsides (depending on the season). Spring lamb is fresh and delicious – a perfect hearty meal for active travellers. May is a good month for seafood, too. Pair that with a refreshing gin and tonic – Ireland is secretly a fantastic place for gin, as we cover in our gin blog – and a stunning sunset view, and what can be better?

This leads to a talk about temperatures. Though May can be a bit wet (lush green grasses and brightly coloured wildflowers don’t grow themselves!), an average temperature of 16°C (50°F) is really the perfect climate for outdoor activities.

Even the occasional rain shower can be a blessing. Whether you’re cycling the hills of Kerry, hiking the peaks of southwest Ireland or walking the long distance trail around the Dingle Peninsula, mild temperatures are ideal for adventure.

Flowing straight off the Atlantic, Ireland has some of the freshest air in Europe. And there’s no better time to enjoy the fresh air blowing through your hair than in May, particularly when cycling across the Aran Islands or hiking the islands of West Cork.

Everyone associates Ireland with rainbows. This is not a myth! Ireland really does have a disproportionately high number of rainbows, and your chances of spotting one on a trip to Ireland are quite good. For visitors to Ireland in May, your chances are even better. Spring months are among the best time of year for rainbows as the conditions are just right – learn more about rainbows here.

Lastly, May is a great month to visit if you prefer your own space. School holidays haven’t started yet, and many travellers’ thoughts haven’t yet transitioned into “summer holiday” mode, so May is really the best of both worlds – the cusp of summer without the busyness of summer.

If you’re itching to visit the more popular or iconic spots and don’t love the idea of sharing the view with too many others, May might be the ideal month for you to visit Ireland. While the country won’t be as quiet as it is during the earlier months of the year, May is the best balance between weather and summer tours.