Spring has sprung and Ireland can look and feel its best at this time of year. Irish flowers are fresh and newly-blooming and there’s beautiful color and wildlife across the country in forests and parks. There’s no better time to explore and enjoy the famous fresh air (and soft rain!) before the crowds arrive for summer.

Here are 5 reasons to visit Ireland in the spring:

1. Burren – See the Spring Flowers

Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren in County Clare

The Burren limestone region in Co. Clare is one of the most fascinating botanical regions in all of Europe. It is at its most stunning in springtime when enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit. Plants that would ordinarily be associated with acidic conditions such as heather grow all over the Burren limestone and plants that would only normally be seen in woodland grow out in the open. A massive 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species can be found in the Burren and there is always a hunt for the first ones to flower each spring – the early purple orchid and the dense-flowered orchid. 75% of all the plants found in Ireland are represented in the flora of the Burren and some of these are particularly rare. The Burren is a must-see for anyone visiting Ireland in the spring.

2. A Spring in your Step in Clifden
Springtime in Ireland means a wealth of music and arts festivals popping up all over the country. You’ll have an extra spring in your step, dancing to the sounds of traditional music, jazz and more. Clifden Traditional Music Festival 2017 in Co. Galway is one of the most picturesque locations and takes place from 6th to 9th of April this year with top quality musicians, singers and dancers and sessions in the pubs, CD launches, an open air concert and on-street entertainment. There will be a guest appearance from ‘Socks in the Frying Pan’, the headline act on the Gig Rig on the Saturday of the festival – named new band of the year by Live Ireland.

3. Choral Celebrations in Cork
“Bringing a city to life with song since 1954” Cork International Choral Festival is one of the spring highlights musically in Ireland. Held over 5 days, choirs from all over the world visit for a programme of gala concerts, national and international competitions and world-class performances as thousands of participants bring the city to life. With 5,000 voices, 120 performances and 80 venues over 5 days it’s a feast for the ears.  

4. Heaven for Hillwalkers

Twelve Bens, Galway

Spring is a fantastic time in Ireland for hill walking with longer days and better, fresher weather which is perfect for sight seeing and wonderful high-altitude escapes. Some of the most popular climbs for 2017 include Twelve Bens, Co. Galway; Comeragh Mountains, Co. Tipperary; Derryveagh Mountains, Co. Donegan; Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co. Laois and Macgillicuddy Reeks, Co. Donegal and the views are at their best during the spring and summer.

5. Beaches and Coasts:  From Caves to Kayaking
Before the busy summer season in July and August, spring can be a perfect time to explore Ireland’s coastline and beaches. From horse riding at Killahoey Beach, Dunfanaghy, to diving near the lighthouse at Coral Beach, Dunkineely, Donegal is a great spot for a coastal adventure. For the more adventurous there’s rock hopping and cave diving at Old Head, Westport, Co. Mayo and down south there’s kayaking in the Copper Coast in Co. Waterford. You’re never far from a beach in Ireland and spring time means you might even have the strand all to yourself!

Step in to spring 2017 – in Ireland