Once the island of Ireland shakes off winter, it blossoms into 40 shades of springtime green. Here are the top 10 things to do in in the season of new beginnings.
1. Explore Belfast and Causeway Coast
Get an early springtime start to the place Lonely Planet has named the best in the world to visit in 2018. Belfast’s “bars, restaurants and venues to suit all tastes,” coupled with the "timeless beauty and high-grade distractions” of the Causeway Coast will unquestionably put spring in your step.
2. Experience St Patrick’s Day in Dublin
As always, 17 March will be spring’s most spectacular event in Ireland, with the Irish national holiday – and parade – at its biggest and best in the capital. Dublin’s streets and pubs will be buzzing for days before and after.
3. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
This truly remarkable drive really does have it all: views, culture, food, unique experiences. Lose yourself in its springtide beauty, have secret beaches to yourself, admire towering cliffs, ancient stone architecture and a whole lot more.
4. Tee up on a true links
Bring the clubs out of winter storage and tee up somewhere on Ireland’s extraordinary coastline – which means stunning links golf. Follow in the footsteps of golfing giants on courses with impossible sea views, towering dunes and twisting terrain. Golf as it should be.
5. Get into the gardens
It’s so worth getting out and about in Ireland’s gardens in spring. From Snowdrop Week at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow to the daffodil displays at Barnett Demesne in Belfast, there are horticultural springtime sights to behold everywhere.
6. Sample artisan food and drink
Whether it’s a whiskey tasting in Dublin or a Causeway Coast Foodie tour, a food and drink holiday in Ireland will never be forgotten. Experience it with a spring festival, a trail or a tasty dish in one of the many foodie hubs or cookery schools.
7. Live it up in the lakes
There's something for everyone in the gorgeous lakes of County Fermanagh. Lakeland cruises, castles, underground caves, five-star golf resort, fishing, kayaking, excellent restaurants and pubs – the is a water-lover's paradise no matter the season.
8. Unlock Ireland’s Ancient East
Unlock a treasure chest of springtime memories in Ireland’s Ancient East. Enjoy 5,000 years of history, captivating culture and a host of Celtic curiosities on a spring tour of this remarkable region.
9. Tour the Seven Kingdoms
Embark on a medieval fantasy trip around the real-world Westeros, aka Northern Ireland. Take in spectacular sites from the show with specialised tours, stroll the Dark Hedges, feast like a king or dress up for archery at Winterfell.
10. Get active in Dingle
Outdoors in Ireland’s springtime doesn’t get much better than Dingle, County Kerry. The dramatic and varied landscape of coastal plains, sandy beaches, mountains and lakes is perfect for getting active – there’s cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, walking, hill-walking and much more.