There is never a bad time to visit Ireland, the dramatic scenery takes on a more atmospheric feel during the winter months and bustling, friendly cities invite you in with their open fires and friendly locals. Come the spring though and you’ll be more than ready to get out and about exploring and you might even get a glimpse of sunshine to warm you up.
We’ve picked five top spots that deserve a visit during the spring months.
- Glenveagh National Park
This is the second largest national park in Ireland located in County Donegal and is surrounded by rolling hills and a gorgeous lake which beautifully reflects the sun in the spring and summer months.
Blow off those winter cobwebs with a nice walk in the 16,000 hectares which include the Derryveagh Mountains and the Poisoned Glenn.
There are some beautiful trails that take you around the park, some more difficult than others but all requiring proper walking shoes and prior preparation since there are gradients involved and the walking terrain will often be on loose gravel and not necessarily a path.
The least difficult route is around the lake and is one of the most beautiful too. This route takes around 40 minutes and is mostly flat ground on a gravel path.
If you fancy challenging yourself head for the View Point Trail. Although just a short walk of around 35 minutes, this route has some very steep sections and involves climbing steep and stoney paths. The view from the top is certainly a reward for your hard work.
2.County Armagh, Loughgall Country Park
Head for County Armagh in Northern Island and you’ll find Loughgall Country Park, often referred to as the orchard of Ireland, this is a gorgeous place to visit once the weather warms up a touch in the spring.
You’ll find so much to do, from walks and bike rides to a play area for the children, golf, an adventure trail and a football pitch.
In early May this place becomes home to the Apple Blossom festival which is a three day event where the stunning pink and white blossom that emerges each year plays backdrop to loads of activities happening around the orchard area.
3.Glengarriff Bamboo Park
In County Cork lies the Glengarriff Bamboo Park, a beautiful exotic garden, home to 30 different species of bamboo, palm trees and many other tropical plants. There are loads of lovely walks around the gardens and you can also take in the stunning views of Glengarriff harbour. Whilst wandering the gardens you’ll come across some mysterious stone pillars, there are 13 of these that are thought to be ancient although their significance still remains a mystery.
Walking in Glengarriff Bamboo Park in spring really allows you to forget about those long winter months that have passed and almost transports you to a tropical country for a few hours.
4.Sligo
If you’re a surfer then you will probably have been itching for the winter to be done and the spring on its way bringing warmer temperatures so that you can hit those waves.
Sligo is by far the best surfing area in Ireland, yes you’ll definitely still need to wear a wetsuit in the spring but you may get a glimpse of the sun and can enjoy the ocean for longer as the temperatures rise.
While in the area you must definitely visit Gilligahan’s World in Knocknashee. Titled the ‘field of dreams’ these enchanted fairy gardens offer a beautiful, spiritual experience for all of the family. This is a really magical and arty place that you need to really see to understand.
Expect miniature villages, fairy habitats, ponds and pools, animals and loads more. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another little world and the spring light and sunshine will only make it more of a special visit.
5.Burren National Park
Burren National Park is located in County Clare and is a region of environmental interest made up of glaciated karst.
Late into spring in the May months the area comes alive with wild flower and walking any of the five marked trails is more beautiful than ever that take you through limestone grasslands, hazel and ash woods, and limestone pavements.
In May the Burren in Bloom festival comes to the national park where visitors are guided through the gardens learning about the unique flowers and cultural wealth of the area.
6.Liss Ard Gardens
Just outside of Skibbereen, County Cork, you’ll find Liss Ard Gardens, a magical estate of manors, gardens, trails, ponds and lakes. The gardens have been designed like a piece of art and are truly a peaceful, tranquil place to be.
However amid the beauty of this place is something amazing that is quite hard to put into words and really needs to be seen to be believed; The Crater. An architectural installation built in the gardens by artist James Turrell that from above looks like a huge bowl. It’s an incredible experience that we would highly recommend.
We hope you’re inspired to get out and about this spring and lets hope the sun makes an appearance too. Please do keep in mind though that St Patrick's Day is Saturday 27th March, so if you’ll either need to embrace the fun over that weekend or visit at another time when it might be a little quieter on the Emerald Isle.