Why Visit Ireland in April and May?
As naturalist John Muir says, “The mountains are calling…, and I must go.”
Enjoy images of some of the Wild Atlantic Way mountains and hills in this photoblog to whet your peak-bagging appetite.
Spring it!
Here’s why you should visit Ireland in spring. Have you thought about visiting Ireland in April or May? Check out why you should plan next year’s trip during the Irish spring season.
1. The Flowers are Blooming
Fresh flowers blooming in Adare, Co. Limerick
In Ireland, Mother Nature creates her bouquets, and flowers are in vivid abundance. Bright, new leaves have sprouted, filling out Ireland’s impressive green forests and parks. If you choose to visit Ireland in spring, you’ll get the chance to experience Irish flowers at their very best during springtime!
Irish wildflowers and manicured gardens are newly-bloomed in April and May, blanketing the ground in vibrant yellows, pinks, blues and purples. The forest floors are covered in a layer of bright bluebells, old stone walls become home to wildflowers and weeds, and the gardens of Ireland’s grand manors explode in blooms.
One of the best places to see Irish wildflowers would be in the Burren National Park. This exposed limestone landscape erupts in a quilt of colour, growing and sprouting out of the cracks in the craggy landscape. The Burren is incredibly diverse for wildflowers, with flowers that typically sprout from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, blanketing the landscape.
- Hike the fantastic wildflower haven of the Burren region on our newly revamped Hiking Connemara to the Cliffs of Moher.
- For cyclists, explore the Burren on two wheels on our exciting Biking Connemara & the Aran Islands. Beginners welcome!
2. Enjoy the Freshest Air in Europe
The Wellington Statue, Phoenix Park Dublin
The secret’s out – Ireland has some of Europe’s freshest air as it flows off the Atlantic Coast! And our lovely fresh Irish air is best enjoyed in springtime. Take a break from the stuffy city air, replacing the din and commotion of urban life instead of with the clear, fresh air of the Emerald Isle.
The combined odour of fresh flowers, soft rain, new grass and the last of this season’s chimney smoke is one of the best perfumes Mother Nature has created – and is a reason to hop over to the Emerald Island.
While all of our trips are perfect for getting fresh air, you might like Island Hopping in Cork & Kerry, as you’ll get the fresh island breeze while sailing to and hiking around each island.
Hiking by Killarney’s lakes during spring
3. Avoid the Summer Crowds
Bushmills Distillery Tours
For those who prefer to travel off the beaten path, you’d probably choose to visit in the off-peak season to avoid the crowds – which is why you should visit Ireland in spring. The silence of spring lets you best enjoy nature the way it was intended and makes it more enjoyable to hike and bike your way through Ireland. You’ll also be able to get the best prices – and you’ll have a better chance of meeting with the locals!
Visit famous tourist attractions in the pre-season for a new perspective.
4. New Life (and Lambs)
Baby seals are just one of the wildlife you might find in Ireland!
Ireland is known as a rural and agricultural country. Indeed, most of Ireland’s most unique and sought-after destinations are in the countryside. It’s also a place known for its sheep and cows. Not quite as fluffy or white as cartoons and children’s books would have you believe, sheep are still quite cute. Spring is the best time to visit because it’s lambing season, and the fields will be full of bouncing fluffy bundles of joy! In other areas, you’ll find adorable calves.
Of course, lambs and calves aren’t the one baby animal in spring. The island is buzzing with life as all of the little critters come out of hiding. From baby seals to returning migrating birds, there’s no better time to explore Ireland’s natural beauty to meet the island’s wildlife than in April and May!
The best time to see puffins is also spring and early summer – April, May, and June are the best months to see puffins. Frequently, islands serve as bird havens. Find these fantastic birds in a place like the Skellig Islands in Kerry, Wexford’s Saltee Islands or Northern Ireland’s Rathlin Island.
Find some other Irish wildlife spots here.
In spring, you might like to visit popular sites like:
- The Ring of Kerry – Visit them here
- Skellig Michael – Visit it here
- The Giant’s Causeway – Visit it here
- Cliffs of Moher – Visit it here
- Glendalough Monastic Site – Visit it here
- The Dingle Peninsula – Visit it here
5. Better Availability
Ashford Castle in spring is simply magical!
As fewer fellow tourists travel in April and May, you’ll have more flexibility and choice. Have a specific accommodation in mind? You’ll have a better chance of getting that particular accommodation and type of room if you travel earlier in the year.
This goes for popular activities, such as boat trips in Killarney or especially out to the Skellig Islands, or more local activities like sheep demonstrations, foraging experiences or exclusive visits. Prices are often better as well!