Spring Road Trips in Ireland: Nature, Wildflowers & Wildlife

Spring in Ireland (March to May) offers a magical combination: fewer tourists, warming weather, longer days, and nature bursting into life. Here's why spring might be the best time for your Irish road trip.

Why Spring?

The Advantages

The Considerations

• Weather still unpredictable (pack layers!)
• Some attractions have limited hours until May
• Easter can be busy
• Mountain passes may still have winter restrictions early spring

Spring Weather Reality

What to Expect

Packing for Spring

• Waterproof jacket (essential)
• Layers for variable temperatures
• Sunglasses (spring sunshine is bright)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light fleece for evenings

See our full Packing Guide for details.

Wildflower Hotspots

The Burren, County Clare

The Burren is Ireland's botanical wonder. In spring, its limestone landscape erupts with flowers:

What you'll see:

• Early purple orchids (April-May)
• Mountain avens (May-June)
• Spring gentians (April-May)
• Bloody cranesbill (May onwards)

Why it's special: Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants grow side by side—a unique ecosystem.

Best route: Wild Atlantic Way - Clare

Glendalough, County Wicklow

The ancient monastic valley carpets with woodland flowers in spring:

What you'll see:

• Bluebells (late April-May)
• Wood anemones (March-April)
• Primroses (March-May)
• Wild garlic (April-May)

Best route: Wicklow Mountains

Ring of Kerry

Kerry's mild climate brings early spring flowers:

What you'll see:

• Fuchsia hedgerows coming to life
• Gorse blazing yellow on hillsides
• Rhododendrons (May—invasive but spectacular)
• Wildflower meadows

Best route: Ring of Kerry

Wildlife Watching

Baby Animals

Spring is lambing season across Ireland. You'll see:

• Lambs everywhere (especially March-April)
• Calves in fields
• Foals at stud farms (particularly County Kildare)

Driving note: Sheep often wander onto roads. Drive slowly in rural areas.

Seabirds

Spring brings seabird breeding colonies to life:

Best locations:

• Saltee Islands (off Wexford) - Puffins, gannets, guillemots
• Skellig Michael (Kerry) - Puffins (boat trips from May)
• Cliffs of Moher - Puffins, razorbills
• Rathlin Island (Antrim) - Largest seabird colony in NI

Puffin season: Late April to mid-July

Seal Pups

Grey seal pups are born in autumn, but you can still see them in early spring. Common seals pup in summer.

Viewing spots:

• Seal Rescue Ireland (Wexford)
• Blasket Islands (Kerry)
• Inishbofin (Galway)

Red Deer

Wicklow Mountains and Killarney National Park have red deer. Spring sees calves born (usually May-June).

Best Spring Routes

For Wildflowers

Wild Atlantic Way - Clare

• The Burren in full bloom
• Coastal wildflowers
• Less crowded than summer

Wicklow Mountains

• Glendalough bluebells
• Mountain wildflowers
• Close to Dublin

For Wildlife

Dingle Peninsula

• Dolphins in Dingle Bay
• Seabirds on the Blaskets
• Lambs on every hillside

Ring of Kerry

• Red deer in Killarney
• Kerry Cliffs seabirds
• Coastal wildlife

For Photography

Connemara Loop

• Dramatic light in spring
• Lakes reflecting sky
• Mountains often snow-capped early spring

Boyne Valley

• Ancient sites in soft spring light
• Green fields at their freshest
• Quieter than summer

Hidden Gems for Spring

The Copper Coast (Waterford)

UNESCO Global Geopark with:

• Wildflower-covered cliffs
• Quieter than western coasts
• Excellent walking trails

Tory Island (Donegal)

Off the beaten path:

• Seabird colonies
• Traditional Irish culture
• Dramatic coastal scenery

Strangford Lough (Down)

Birdwatcher's paradise:

• Migrating waders
• Brent geese (until April)
• Seals and otters

Spring Events

St. Patrick's Day (17 March)

Ireland comes alive:

• Parades in every town
• Festivals and music
• Book accommodation early
• Expect some crowds

Easter

Usually late March or April:

• Popular domestic travel time
• Religious significance in Ireland
• Good Friday: many businesses closed
• Easter Monday: public holiday

May Bank Holiday

First Monday of May:

• Long weekend, domestic travel
• Increased visitors to popular spots
• Book ahead

Spring Driving Tips

Roads

• Some mountain passes may have winter restrictions early spring
• Watch for sheep on roads (lambing season)
• Rain still common—drive carefully

Daylight

• Clocks go forward late March (summer time)
• Enjoy longer evenings for driving
• Less pressure to start early

Accommodation

• Better deals than summer
• More last-minute availability
• Some seasonal businesses opening up

Photography Tips

Golden Hours

Spring offers beautiful light:

• Sunrise: 6-7am (moving earlier)
• Sunset: 7-9pm (moving later)
• Soft, directional light

What to Capture

• Wildflowers against dramatic skies
• Lambs in green fields
• Seabird colonies
• Ancient sites in spring light
• Reflection shots (lakes calm in early morning)

Challenges

• Changeable weather (be patient)
• Wind (tripod may struggle)
• Crowds at popular spots (arrive early)

Planning Your Spring Trip

Best Approach

1. Check events calendar - Avoid or embrace festivals
2. Book accommodation - Not last-minute over Easter/bank holidays
3. Monitor weather - Flexibility helps
4. Download wildflower guides - Know what you're seeing
5. Bring binoculars - For wildlife viewing

Recommended Duration

• Long weekend: Focus on one region
• One week: Cover 2-3 areas comfortably
• Two weeks: Comprehensive spring tour

Quick Spring Checklist

• Layers for changeable weather
• Waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses (spring sun is bright)
• Camera with macro lens (for flowers)
• Binoculars (for wildlife)
• Wildflower identification guide
• Accommodation booked (if Easter/bank holiday)

Related Guides

• Packing Guide
• Budget Road Trip Tips
• Driving Rules in Ireland