By Dawn Rainbolt, Marketing Executive
Published: Mar 08, 2017More by Dawn
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Spring it!
Here’s why you should visit Ireland in spring. Most people tend to travel during the summer. However, have you thought about visiting Ireland in April or May? Check out a few reasons why you should plan next year’s trip during the Irish spring season.
1. The Flowers are Budding
In Ireland, Mother Nature creates her own bouquets, and flowers are in vivid abundance. Bright, new leaves have sprouted, filling out Ireland’s impressive green forests and parks. If you choose to visit Ireland in spring, you’ll get the chance to experience Irish flowers at their very best during springtime!
In April and May, Irish wildflowers and manicured gardens alike are newly-bloomed, blanketing the ground in vibrant yellows, pinks, blues and purples. The forest floors are covered in a layer of bright bluebells, old stone walls become home to wildflowers and weeds, and the gardens of Ireland’s grand manors explode in blooms.
One of the best places to see Irish wildflowers would be in the Burren National Park. This exposed limestone landscapes erupts in a quilt of colour, growing and sprouting out of the cracks in the craggy landscape – in fact, the Burren is an incredibly diverse place for wildflowers, with flowers that typically sprout from the Arctic to the Mediterranean blanketing the landscape.
- Hike the amazing wildflower haven of the Burren region on our newly revamped Hiking Connemara to the Cliffs of Moher.
- For cyclists, explore the Burren on two wheels on our exciting Biking Connemara & the Aran Islands. Beginners welcome!
Fresh flowers blooming in Adare, Co. Limerick
2. Enjoy the Freshest Air in Europe
The secret’s out – Ireland has some of Europe’s freshest air as it flows right off the Atlantic Coast! And our lovely fresh Irish air is best enjoyed in springtime. Take a break from the stuffy city air, replacing the din and hubbub of urban life instead with the clear, fresh air of the Emerald Isle.
The combined odour of fresh flowers, soft rain, new grass and the last of this season’s chimney smoke is one of the best perfumes Mother Nature has created – and is itself a reason to hop over to the Emerald Island.
While all of our trips are perfect for getting fresh air, you might like Island Hopping in Cork & Kerry, as you’ll get the fresh island breeze while sailing to and hiking around each island.
Hiking by Killarney’s lakes during spring
3. Avoid the Summer Crowds
Visit the Giant’s Causeway in spring to enjoy fewer fellow travellers.
For those of you who prefer to travel off the beaten path, you’d probably prefer to visit in off-peak season in order to avoid the crowds – which is why you should visit Ireland in spring. The silence of spring lets you best enjoy nature the way it was intended and makes it more enjoyable to hike and bike your way through Ireland. You’ll also be able to get the best prices – and you’ll have a better chance of meeting with the locals!
Visit popular tourist attractions in the pre-season for a new perspective.
4. New Life (and Lambs)
Baby seals are just one of the wildlife you might find in Ireland!
Ireland is known as a rural and agricultural country. Indeed, most of Ireland’s most amazing and sought-after destinations are in the countryside. It’s also a place known for its sheep and cows. Not quite as fluffy or as white as cartoons and children’s books would have you believe, sheep are still quite cute. Spring is the best time to visit because it’s lambing season, and the fields will be full of bouncing fluffy bundles of joy! In other fields, you’ll find adorable calves.
Of course, lambs and calves aren’t the one baby animals in spring. The island is buzzing with life as all of the little critters come out of hiding. From baby seals to returning migrating birds, there’s no better time to explore the natural beauty of Ireland to meet the island’s wildlife than in April and May!
The best time to see puffins is also spring and early summer – April, May and June are the best months to see puffins. Oftentimes, islands serve as bird havens. Find these amazing birds in a place like the Skellig Islands in Kerry, Wexford’s Saltee Islands or Northern Ireland’s Rathlin Island.
Find some other Irish wildlife spots here.
In spring, you might like to visit popular sites like:
- The Ring of Kerry – Visit them here
- Skellig Michael – Visit it here
- The Giant’s Causeway – Visit it here
- Cliffs of Moher – Visit it here
- Glendalough Monastic Site – Visit it here
- The Dingle Peninsula – Visit it here
5. Better Availability
Ashford Castle in spring is simply magical!
As there are less fellow tourists travelling in April and May, you’ll have more flexibility and choice. Have a specific accommodation in mind? You’ll have a better chance of getting that particular accommodation and type of room if you travel earlier in the year.
This goes for popular activities as well, such as boat trips in Killarney or especially out to the Skellig Islands, or more local activities like sheep demonstrations, foraging experiences or exclusive visits. Prices are often better as well!
Learn about some of Ireland’s best castles to stay in here.