10 Best Spring Destinations In Ireland

1. Blarney Castle

I’ll begin by noting that if you haven’t visited Blarney Castle Gardens, you are certainly losing out. The grounds and gardens are truly stunning, and the spring colors are spectacular each year.

When visiting the grounds, keep an eye out for the Cherry trees and Rhododendrons. The big entry Cherry is stunning, and their massive Rhododendron ‘Cornish Red’ along the Himalayan Walk is breathtaking.

I recommend stopping by the Bog Garden, which features a trio of old yew trees near a gently flowing waterfall. In early spring, listen to the rustling leaves across the estate’s twin lime tree pathways.

2. National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, barely three kilometers from Dublin’s city center, are famous for their superb plant collections. The gardens are home to about 15,000 plant species and types from across the world from a range of settings.

I recently got the opportunity to visit the National Botanic Gardens during the spring season, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The fresh air was filled with the lovely aroma of blooms, and the gardens were a kaleidoscope of hues, tempting tourists with their natural appeal.

3. The Burren

Spring is the finest season to view the wildflowers blossom in the Burren, and the whole month of May is especially beautiful. It’s simply more evidence why Ireland is a terrific off-season getaway.

The Burren wildflowers are at their peak in May, the sun begins to shine, and the air begins to warm.

We drove to the

in search of wildflowers. There are several treks and small loop walks of varying complexity available, and they are all color-coded to make them easy to follow.

Although the White Route is simply a 1.5-kilometer circle, the carpet of wildflowers we discovered enthralled us for more than an hour.

4. Glengarriff Bamboo Park

The Glengarriff Bamboo Park is a lovely exotic garden with 30 different varieties of bamboo, palm trees, and various other tropical plants, especially in the spring. There are several excellent walks throughout the grounds, as well as spectacular vistas of Glengarriff Harbour.

Glengarriff’s Bamboo Park is a favorite location for wedding photography, and it’s also a terrific area for children to explore, due to its buggy-friendly trails. The adult charge is $7.75, the student rate is $4.43, and children are free.

5. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh Castle, located on the banks of Lough Veagh, is a must-see while visiting the national park. This lovely castle is 3.6 kilometers from the tourist center and may be reached by walking, bike, or bus.

Glenveagh is one of six national parks in Ireland, known for its raw beauty, untouched wildness, and Glenveagh Castle.

Spring is the finest time to experience nature’s fresh smells, summer gives an abundance of flowers, fall brings forth ribbons of golden hues, and winter brings gentle fog and freezing weather.

Glenveagh National Park has no admission cost. The national park is free to access, which is fantastic news for anybody visiting Ireland on a budget.

Many visitors, however, choose to take a shuttle bus and see the castle interiors. The adult ticket was 1.66 USD for each trip, while Glenveagh Castle admission was 7.74 USD.

6. Giant’s Causeway

Christine Rogador at Giant Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent tourist attractions. If you are considering a trip to Ireland, be sure to include this seaside treasure on your itinerary.

The village of Bushmills, positioned only a couple of minutes away from the Visitor Centre, is an ideal spot to stay overnight if you are thinking about a trip to the Giant’s Causeway. It is near to Bushfoot Golf Club and boasts a variety of excellent cafés, taverns, and restaurants.

Adult admission is 13.82 USD, while children’s admission is 7.46 USD. Admission will include entry to the Visitor Centre, utilization of the field audio guide, a visitor’s pamphlet, and parking. The shuttle bus will incur an extra fee.

The length of time required to visit the columns varies according to the many trails and excursions offered at the Giant’s Causeway. The amount of time you spend strolling about is totally up to you, although most people allocate at least two hours.

If you don’t take the shuttle service, you must account for the 25-minute walk from the parking lot to the bridge. You must prepare a little extra time if you want to enjoy your time in the Visitor Centre.

7. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is a large park positioned in Dublin’s west end. It is more than double the size of Central Park in New York City, which makes it ideal for a Dublin city break without renting a car.

Phoenix Park has fields, woodlands, ponds, and gardens. It has a lot to offer, featuring some of the nicest walks in Dublin.

You may drive into Phoenix Park and park along the major avenue that runs through it. You may also take the tram to Heuston Station, which is only a 7-minute walk away from the Park.

Phoenix Park’s 700 deer population is one of its biggest draws. Tourists generally visit Phoenix Park to watch the deer, which is why I included it on my list. Babies can be seen in late spring, and they are adorable!

8. Wicklow Mountains National Park

If you want to get away from the city, we suggest going to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. You’ll need decent hiking shoes, particularly for Lough Ouler because the trail might be muddy. Nature and native animals will surround you! They are both lovely treks that are ideal for spring.

We recommend trekking the Spinc Loop Trail if you want to see the greatest views in Wicklow Mountains National Park.

This somewhat difficult trek should be on your list of things to do in Ireland, whether you select the red, blue, or white trail.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is approximately an hour’s drive from Dublin City Center, which makes it one of the greatest destinations to visit when you’re short on time.

Furthermore, the hilly environment is very stunning, making it ideal for adventurous tourists seeking an easy way to get out into nature and discover beautiful Ireland’s outdoors.

Related read: Wicklow Mountains National Park Guide

9. Slieve League Cliffs

The Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal, Ireland, are roughly three times as tall as the Cliffs of Moher. Despite their magnitude, these cliffs are less well-known and significantly less crowded than their more famous cousin.

The Slieve League Cliffs can be found on the northwest border of Ireland’s County Donegal. It is accessible by automobile, with a well-kept road leading to a parking lot at the cliff’s foot.

There are also a lot of hiking paths that go through this region. Many of these are along small trails with precipitous cliffs. These paths are more treacherous and should be tried only by experienced hikers.

The Slieve League Cliffs are best visited in the late spring often from May to September. The weather in Ireland is warmer and drier during this time of year, providing better trekking and viewing opportunities.

10. Skellig Island

Fewer visitors equals less competition for hotels and unique activities like Skellig Island boat tours.

Skellig Islands, located 8.1 miles off the coast of West Kerry, is an incredible site to see and serve as a haven for thousands of nesting seabirds, including almost 25,000 pairs of gannets, one of the world’s largest gannet colonies!

Boat rides are available from March 17th to November 5th, depending on the organization and the weather. Expect to pay roughly 44.24 USD per person.

What are the Spring Months in Ireland?

Astronomically, springtime in Ireland begins on March 20th and finishes on June 20th, implying that the months of spring in Ireland are March to June.

Spring in Ireland begins on February 1st and finishes on May 1st, according to Gaelic custom. This indicates that February to April are spring in Ireland. As you can see, seasons in Ireland aren’t as simple as one might expect.

Others in Ireland believe that the first of February marks the beginning of spring. This idea is based on the Gaelic seasons.

Tips When Visiting Ireland During Spring

You’re in for a treat if you visit the Emerald Isle during this beautiful season! As someone who has experienced the enchantment of Ireland in the spring, I’m pleased to give a few tips to make your vacation special.

The Weather in Ireland During Spring

Spring is a beautiful season in Ireland. Winter has passed, and fresh life is sprouting. Temperatures remain chilly, but the days are growing longer and the countryside is alive with color.

Spring is an excellent time for hiking and cycling since the weather is pleasant and there are few other visitors around.

The landscape is ablaze with wildflowers, there are young lambs in every field, and spring celebrations are in full swing. Spring might be a tad damp, but it’s Ireland, so rain is unavoidable!

Spring is a great time of year to see magnificent rainbows because of the rain. Because the days are shorter, you’ll get to see some spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Enjoy the Abundance of Wildlife in Ireland During Spring

Spring is the season of year in Ireland when the island comes alive with fresh life. The famed puffins spend months at sea before returning to the rocky coasts of Ireland to breed.

Puffins normally arrive in Ireland in March and April and remain until the end of the summer, around August. Other seabirds can also be seen throughout the spring season.

Grey seals give birth later in the year than common seals. Although the pupping season for common seals lasts until August, it can begin as early as May.

Take part in the Festivals

Spring also marks the time for festivals in Ireland! There are various festivals to choose from whether you are traveling across the country.

The Dublin Bay Prawn Festival as well as the Taste of Dublin Festival are both held in Dublin. Taste of Dublin is a pleasant Irish culinary festival held in the city, making it conveniently accessible if you don’t want to drive too far outside of the city

Final Thoughts on Spring Destinations in Ireland

Look no farther than Ireland for a terrific place to spend your spring vacation. The sun is shining longer and later, and the temperature is gradually rising, but it is still rather cold.

Traveling to Ireland in the spring may save you money on airline and hotel because it is not yet peak tourist season. As a consequence, you may be able to avoid the crowds of visitors that visit the most popular places.

Christine Rogador

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.