Ireland in spring - your guide to bucket list travel and spectacular festivals
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Planning a trip to the island of Ireland in spring or future Irish adventures on the horizon?
This time of year o ers endless oppor‐ tunities to experience the real Ireland, here are our top suggestions for making memories that will last a lifetime.
Take a trip to Ireland's parks and gar‐ dens
One of the best ways to enjoy spring‐ time in Ireland is to be surrounded by the abundance of nature and beauty the island has to o er. Many of Ireland's parks and gardens are also backdrops to incredible castles and estate homes steeped in rich history.
Belfast Castle in Co Antrim sits at the foot of Cave Hill and is one of the most iconic locations to view the stunning skyline of Belfast City. Built in the 1860s, the estate remains a perfect lo‐ cation to explore the surrounding natur‐ al woodland, parkland, and gardens.
In Co Kerry, the Killarney National Park surrounds the town of Killarney and is an expanse of rugged mountains with the world-famous lakes of Killarney and 19th-century Muckross House and Gar‐ dens nestled at the foot. Experience the National Park's beauty by foot, bike, or traditional jaunting car!
At Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Co Down, explore 100 acres of stunning gardens and see where the Good Friday Agreement was negotiated at Northern Ireland’s royal residence. The glorious gardens are a joy to the senses with or‐ namental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways, and picturesque glens.
Keep an eye on tickets for the upcoming American Shared History Tour which will reveal to visitors the historic connection with the USA, and walk in the footsteps of presidents and peacemakers who used Hillsborough Castle as a vital backdrop in discussions around peace and reconciliation that continue to shape our lives today.
Be part of something special at these unique Irish festivals
Immerse yourself in Ireland and its cul‐ ture by experiencing the many festivals that take place across the island during spring.
Head to Ireland's Ancient East for the Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival in Ennis‐ corthy, Co Wexford from May 3-5. The weekend will be filled with a mouthwa‐ tering artisan food market, local crafts, chef demonstrations, and food talks. The town will also rock to the beat of Rock 'n' Roll with musicians and bands per‐ forming throughout the festival. Looking to celebrate the arrival of spring the Celtic way? In Irish mythology the festival of Bealtaine is seen as marking the arrival of summer and the Bealtaine Fire Festival (May 11) in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands on the Hill of Uisneach in Co Westmeath is a must-see bucket list ex‐ perience.
During the festival enjoy music, tradi‐ tional workshops, Irish craft stalls, games for children, yoga, mindfulness sessions, and much more. As the sun sets, the day will come to a close with the lighting of the Bealtaine Fire on the Hill of Uisneach, one of Ireland's oldest traditions.
Ireland is an island of storytellers and at the International Literature Festival Dublin (May 17-26) celebrate the best of Irish and international authors, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters. One event not to miss is a conversation with Colm Tóibín on his latest novel "Long Is‐ land", the sequel to his brilliant book "Brooklyn" which was turned into a film starring Saoirse Ronan.
Make your soul come alive on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world and this year it celebrates 10 years of welcoming visitors! Here are just some of our favorite Wild Atlantic Way spots you don't want to miss on your travels:
Fanad Head Lighthouse, Co Donegal -
Located in North Donegal, Fanad Head Lighthouse is an iconic heritage building at the mouth of Lough Swilly that has been operating as a working lighthouse since 1817. Hear all about its incredible history from a local guide and you can even spend the night in the lighthouse! Mullaghmore Head, Co Sligo - Explore the walking route along the coastline of Mullaghmore Head and look out for the majestic Classiebawn Castle in the dis‐ tance. The village of Mullaghmore is a charming fishing village with a harbor and a beautiful sandy beach with great views of Benbulben, which inspired leg‐ endary Irish poet W.B. Yeats.
Mizen Head, Co Cork - Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Mizen Head is Ire‐ land's most south-westerly point with spectacular views. Standing on Mizen's bridge look around and take in the power of nature, crashing waves on sea‐ cli s and the force of the Atlantic wind will leave you feeling inspired. Where will your Irish adventure take you?
How will you Fill your Heart with Ire‐ land? Whether you decide to wander through 5,000 years of history in Ire‐ land’s Ancient East, discover Ireland’s breathtaking west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace a giant spirit in Northern Ireland, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands - an experience of a lifetime awaits you. Thisarticleispresentedproudlyinpart‐ nershipwithTourismIreland.Tolearn moreaboutTourismIrelandandgetin‐ spired for your next visit to Ireland, check out their website at www.ire‐ land.com.