A warm welcome always awaits!
The island of Ireland is always a pleasure, but visiting outside the busy summer period comes with extra perks!
On March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, the island pays homage to one of its patron saints. Thanks to the Irish diaspora, it’s one of the few national days observed around the world. Festivals and parades take place all over the island, from Belfast to Cork and every colorful town and village in between.
The big one is Dublin’s St Patrick’s Festival, which in 2025 welcomes back the lively Festival Quarter, where city streets transform into an extravaganza of live music, food and drink, art installations, and more. Then there’s the St Patrick’s Day parade when thousands of performers, dancers, and marching bands wind their way through the city.
In Northern Ireland, the Home of St Patrick Festival takes place in Armagh, where St Patrick’s legacy runs deep. A vibrant showcase of culture, song and dance is guaranteed, in spectacular locations such as St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Spring is a brilliant time to see the island’s great gardens. Enjoy azaleas in bloom at Powerscourt Estate, House and Gardens in County Wicklow, see snowdrops and daffodils in Altamont Gardens in County Carlow, and delight in the cherry blossoms at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens in County Antrim.
Late March starts lambing season in Ireland. To get up close and personal with these adorable creatures, why not visit a sheep farm? Glenshane Country Farm is stunningly located at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains in County Londonderry. Choose from two memorable tour experiences: Sheepdogs at Work and Shepherd’s Life.
If you visit in the autumn, you can enjoy the island’s top attractions with fewer bustling crowds.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare top nearly everyone’s Ireland bucket list, for good reason! In Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast tells the tale of “the ship of dreams” across multiple floors, galleries, and interactive exhibitions. In Dublin, explore Trinity College Dublin before a pint of “the black stuff” at the Guinness Storehouse.
Festivals are in full swing! Go all out at the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend, which bills itself as the biggest foodie event of the season in this apple-loving county. Search for love at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare, feast at the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, and get creative at the Belfast International Arts Festival.
Who could forget the spooky season, celebrated in Ireland, the home of Halloween? Derry Halloween is Europe’s biggest Halloween festival. Frighteningly fun events take place across the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry for several days, including otherworldly parades and stunning light shows, culminating in an epic fireworks display over the River Foyle. Púca Festival rolls into Ireland’s Ancient East. Inspired by Irish folklore, this gathering mixes old Irish mythology with live performances by some of the island’s top musicians, comedians, and storytellers.
When are you coming to Ireland?
