Spring is a magical time in Dublin. The city shakes off the winter chill, the ’40 shades of green’ truly come to life, and the atmosphere becomes electric as locals head outdoors to enjoy the sunlight.
It’s not just about Guinness or Temple Bar, either. From the cherry blossoms in Herbert Park to the buzz lining the Liffey, Dublin in the springtime offers a fresh perspective on Irish charm.
Explore Phoenix Park and see the deer
As one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital, Phoenix Park is the perfect place to witness the arrival of spring.
Wander through the sprawling meadows if you’d like to find the famous herd of wild fallow deer with their distinctive white spots. As the grass turns lush and green and the days grow longer, it’s a lovely time to see them in their natural habitat.
If you’d like to cover more ground, you can rent a bike at the main entrance on Parkgate Street. Don’t miss the Victorian Flower Gardens near the Ashtown Gate, which look absolutely spectacular when the bulbs start to bloom.
Visit the National Botanic
Just north of the city centre, you’ll find the National Botanic Gardens. These are a haven for plant lovers and offer some of the best floral displays in the country.It’s also free to enter, so it makes a wonderful way to break up a longer day shopping or exploring in the city centre.
You can walk through the stunning restored Victorian glasshouses known as the Curvilinear Range. In spring, the outdoor borders are a riot of colour withbeautiful tulips, daffodils, and early-flowering shrubs.
This stunning location offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle, and entry is free. It’s also right next to Glasnevin Cemetery, which offers fascinating guided tours of Irish history.
Take the DART to Howth
If you’d like to explore beyond the city itself, a cliff walk at Howth could make an excellent choice. Don’t forget though that spring weather in Ireland can be rather ‘bracing’ and make for a wilder time!
There’s no better place to feel that fresh sea air than the fishing village of Howth. You can take the DART train north to the village and hike the iconic Cliff Path loop. In the late spring, the cliffs are covered with vibrant yellow gorse flowers that emanate the faint smell of coconut.
After your stroll, why not head back down to the harbour for some fish and chips, or maybe a bowl of seafood chowder? After enjoying the views at a pier-side restaurant, you can return to a relaxing Dublin hotel for the rest of your stay.
Immerse yourself in the St. Patrick’s Festival
If your springtime visit falls in mid-March, you’ll be there in the heart of Ireland’s biggest celebration.
Beyond the famous parade on March 17th, the festival usually spans several days and includes Festival Quarters. You can expect to see live music, vibrant street theatre, and the characteristic ‘greening’ of the city’s iconic buildings.
It is busy, loud, and incredibly fun. If you prefer things a little bit quieter, visit the week after the festival. The decorations will still be on display, but the crowds should have thinned.
Soak up the atmosphere and get creative
Finally, as the days get warmer, Dublin’s outdoor café culture begins to thrive. If you’re looking for hip and trendy eateries with veggie options on the menu, choose the area between South William Street and George’s Street.
If you’d rather sit in the sunshine, you can a coffee from a local roastery and snag a bench for some world-class people-watching. Explore the Temple Bar Food Market, held every Saturday, to pick up artisanal Irish cheeses and more.
The cherry blossoms around St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square typicallypeak in late April, creating some of the most picture-worthy spots in the city.There’s never been a better time to share your trip to Dublin on Instagram.
Ready to book your trip? We hope that the tips we’ve shared will send you on your way to a wonderful adventure in Dublin. Sláinte!
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