St Patrick’s Day celebrations draw a large crowd to the island of Ireland in March, and it’s an amazing and exciting time to visit, no matter where you’re going. But there’s more to do in March than just paint the town green.
By this time of the year, we are securely in spring. The days are gradually getting longer, the temperature is usually a little milder and the island is coming alive again.
If you’re in Ireland over St Patricks Day, it’s likely you’ll see the shamrock everywhere. It’s recognised worldwide as a national symbol of Ireland, but did you know that shamrock refers to various plants? Three-leafed plants such as white clover, black medic and wood sorrel all fit under this term. These plants die back over the winter months and regrow during spring and summer, so March is the perfect time to see if you can spot any amongst the greenery in parks, gardens, and on trails.
You’ll find flowers and plants around the island, including the field speedwell, wild garlic and primrose, starting to bloom in forests, gardens and parks. Why not treat your senses with the array of beautiful blooms in
Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Stroll around these superbly maintained gardens, wander through the Palm House and peruse exotic plants. A variety of walking routes lead you around the gardens, such as the
Belfast Botanic Gardens Circular route.
County Wicklow has so much natural beauty that it has been nicknamed “the Garden of Ireland”, so it makes sense to visit this county for a bit of springtime green. Head for
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, walk through the woods or the picturesque Japanese gardens, then make your way to the Avoca Restaurant and Café for a warming bowl of soup or a crunchy salad.
Late March is also lambing season in Ireland and it’s a real serotonin booster to see these small, woolly creatures bounding through the grass for the first time. You can get up close to lambs at the foot of the
Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone at
Glenshane Country Farm. They offer two different tour packages: Sheepdogs at Work, and Shepherd’s Life.
Ireland’s landscape is beautiful yet ever-changing. Why not visit some
favourite spots to take in the spring scenery? The Copper Coast in
County Waterford is the perfect place to sit amongst nature and watch the sunset.
Killarney National Park in
County Kerry is another location not to be missed for the beautiful springtime nature. Bring a camera – you’ll want to remember these views.
Has anyone in the community spent March in Ireland?