Spring Arrives In Ireland

It’s official, Spring is here and it’s time to take advantage of the longer days, the start of the sun and the many bank holidays in April and May.  With this year’s Royal Wedding on top of the usual bank holidays many of us will have 5 extra days to do whatever we please and what could be better than taking a bank holiday in Ireland. It really is a country made for celebrating Spring.

When we think of Spring we think of new green shoots, vibrant daffodils and crocuses, new lambs, Easter egg hunts, family days out and invigorating walks in the sunshine. And most of us after months of staying indoors hiding from the winter weather are ready to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.  So, rather than jetting off to sit in baking hot sun why not stay closer to home and enjoy this most wonderful season in the best of Spring countryside in Ireland.

Lots to see and do In Ireland this Spring

So how can you make sure that you really see Spring in, in style and make the most of your Spring bank holidays?

You don’t have to venture out into the wild to see a real Spring scene. For a really special Spring experience, make sure you visit Barnett Demesne Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there is a whole garden dedicated to the pretty daffodil. Stroll through a sea of yellow flowers, study the amazing arboretum with its tree and plant collections and see woodland and wildflower meadows where more than 70 species of wildflower grow during the spring and summer months. This urban park is home to many wild animals, including rabbits, badgers and grey and red squirrels, as well as birds such as jays, rooks and a range of songbirds. For the younger visitor there are orienteering routes, a children’s playground, walking paths and most importantly for everyone refreshments served in Malone House.

Farming and agriculture has been central to the Irish economy for centuries and at this time of year you’ll have no problem seeing Spring Lambs during your Irish holiday.  It’s great to see these new arrivals from a distance but even better to be able to get up close to these pretty lambs.  A family visit to one of the many working farms across Ireland makes for a fun day out.  You’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful Spring lambs but also younger children will be able learn about where their food comes from and the importance of farming to everyone.  A trip to Gorey, between Rosslare and Dublin, will take you to the Hayden family farm. This award winning 114 hectare dairy and sheep farm lets you see how farms are managed, how animals are bred and kept healthy and how the balance between production and the environment is maintained. Plus, you will be able to enjoy the stunning rural location of the Hayden’s 145 year old farm.

There’s nothing better than packing a picnic, putting on your walking shoes and taking that first Spring walk in the sunshine.  There are hundreds of stunning Spring walks across Ireland from short strolls to mountain hikes, but our recommendation is to take a meadow or woodland walk to give you the best chance of seeing Spring flowers such as wild daffs, bluebells, primroses, celandines, wood anemones and ramsons. Many people are happy to do their own map reading, try the Ballymoney heritage trail or the North Antrim cliff path out to Dunseverick castle, both in beautiful County Antrim. For a real Spring hike try the Reservoir Ramble through the Mourne Mountains with views of the lovely Silent Valley reservoir in County Down. Taking one of the many guided Spring walks can be great fun. You’ll meet new people and the local guides can take you on the best trails and be your navigator, but they can also tell you so much about the surrounding area, flora and fauna and places of interest along the way. 

If you’re lucky enough to be taking your May bank holiday in Ireland or Northern Ireland make sure you join in one of the many May Day celebrations.  May Day, or La Bealtaine, is also known as Labour Day in Ireland. It is a bank holiday so everyone is out to enjoy the day. Just like the UK, the Maypole is an integral part of May Day in Ireland and local communities will celebrate the Celtic traditions with parties, parades and fetes. If you’re having a holiday in Ireland during this May break make sure to join in the festivities.

Spring Holiday Cottages

Spring holidays are very popular and holiday accommodation in Ireland books up very quickly.  If you’ve decided to enjoy the great outdoors this Spring break why not consider taking a self catering cottage in Ireland.  There are many lovely holiday cottages in Northern Ireland and Ireland, choose from modern, high spec family homes with all the mod cons or pretty traditional Irish cottages set in beautiful rural scenery.  Going self catering this Spring will give you the freedom to take a tour or explore from home; relax after long walk or hold your own May day celebration – do what you want when you want.  There’s no better place or way to celebrate Spring this year.

Take a look at our Holiday Cottages in Northern Ireland or our Spring Availability Cottages.