Great reasons TO VISIT IRELAND IN SPRING

Spring is one of the best times to visit Ireland as the landscape shakes off winter and bursts into colour

There are lots of great reasons to visit the Ireland in spring, from festivals to food experiences, outdoor adventures to heritage attractions. And you can enjoy them all before the summer crowds arrive.

Glorious Gardens

There are wonderful garden displays across the island of Ireland in spring. At the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow, the blossoming rhododendron trees are celebrated in Rhododendron Week in early April, while at Mount Congreve, County Waterford, magnolias are the star of the show. The celebrated gardens at Mount Stewart, County Down, judged to be one of the top ten in the world, are also a must-see.

Experiences at Titanic Belfast

A WORLD-LEADING VISITOR ATTRACTION. Located beside the Titanic Slipways, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock – the very place where Titanic was designed, built and launched, Titanic Belfast tells the story of Titanic from her conception, through her construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. www.titanicbelfast.com/experiences

Wonderful Walks

Spring is a great time for walking festivals and hikers will be spoiled for choice. The Omagh Sperrins Walking Festival (25–26 March) makes the most of the gorgeous Sperrin Mountains and in County Kerry, the Camino Guided Walking Festival (28–30 April) takes walkers along the spectacular Dingle coastline. Outside of festivals, there are lots of other walks on offer including the Cave Hill Walking Tour in Belfast,

Murlough Bay Nature Trail in County Antrim, the Clare Glens Loop in counties Limerick and Tipperary, Clougherhead Cliff Walk in County Louth, as well as countless waymarked trails across the island.

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Horse lovers should not miss a visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens in County Kildare, where the award-winning Irish Racehorse Experience canters through the history and heritage of the Irish thoroughbred sector. A visit in spring is particularly magical as foals can be seen taking their first steps.

Experiences in Nature

As spring enlivens the landscape, it’s a great time to connect with nature and enjoy the many sustainable activities on offer. From boating on the beautiful Fermanagh lakes to foraging for seaweed or kayaking in moonlight, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the island.