Spring Break in Ireland Top 10 Best Things to Do
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Ireland is becoming more and more of a popular destination for spring break. The country is absolutely beautiful during this time of year, and tourists find that the crowds are not nearly as bad as they are during peak travel months. If you are trying to decide where to take your holiday this year, spring break in Ireland should absolutely be on your list of top destinations!⬇️ JUMP TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN IRELAND FOR SPRING BREAK ⬇️
Does Ireland Have Spring Break?
Yes, Ireland has a spring break but it’s better known as “Easter break” in Ireland because the break is always around the Easter holiday.
A majority of the population in Ireland still largely follows the Catholic religion, which is why the importance of Easter means students get two weeks off in the spring.
When Is Spring Break in Ireland?
Spring break (Easter break) in Ireland is the two weeks surrounding Easter, with Easter starting the 2nd week of break.
For example: In 2023, spring break in Ireland began on Friday, March 31st, and resumes Monday, April 17th with the Easter holiday falling on Sunday, April 9th.
Is Ireland a Good Place to Visit During Spring Break?
Yes! Ireland is a great place to spend spring break. The weather is beginning to warm up but is still cool, and the sun is starting to stay out longer as well.
If you can take a spring break in Ireland, you may also have better flight and accommodation options and prices as it’s not peak tourist season yet. This also means you might be able to avoid huge crowds at some of the top attractions as well.
Additionally, the wildflowers are in bloom during the spring and the nature is incredible! If you are interested in visiting a farm in Ireland, spring is the best time to go and see the baby animals. Spring break in Ireland is incredible for getting out into the more remote parts of Ireland and exploring the gorgeous natural wonders.
Is Ireland Better in the Spring or Fall?
Personally, I recommend Ireland in the spring over the fall. The weather is slightly warmer (though more varied) and the vibrant greenery and wildflowers are simply gorgeous. You really can’t go wrong with when to visit Ireland, the weather is luckily almost always cool and mild and not dramatic enough to make too much of a difference.
The average of rainy days in Ireland is fewer in the spring, both April and March have an average of 11 days of rain. However, the variability of weather is much greater, meaning it’s harder to predict how the weather and temperature will be during the spring. The day could start with sunshine and end with winds and a drop in temperature!
Is March a Good Month for Ireland?
March is a great time to visit Ireland because it will still be a bit cheaper and the crowds will be low. March also holds the popular country-wide St. Patrick’s Day holiday (March 17th). During this time prices will be higher because tourists flock to celebrate in Ireland, but each town holds its own holiday parade and festivities that would be fun to participate in.
How Cold Is Ireland in March?
Ireland in March ranges from an average low of 37°F / 2.8°C to a high of 54°F / 12.2°C. There is an average of 4 hours of sunshine per day.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
April is a great time to visit Ireland because the temperatures and hours of sunshine per day are a bit higher than in March. You might have to compete with students on their Easter break during more of April, but overall it’s still a great time to visit Ireland.
How Cold Is Ireland in April?
Ireland in April ranges from an average low of 43°F / 6.1°C to a high of 59°F / 15°C. There is an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day.
What to Wear + Pack During Spring in Ireland
Springtime in Ireland is a wonderful time of year to visit. The days are getting longer, the weather is starting to warm up, and the flowers are in bloom. But what should you pack for your trip? Here are a few suggestions.
For starters, you’ll need a good raincoat. Ireland is known for its rainy weather, so you’ll want to be prepared. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is also a must-have, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring. And don’t forget to pack a sweater or two, even if it’s not cold where you’re coming from – the evenings can be chilly in Ireland.
As far as what to wear, layers are always a good idea. That way, you can adjust depending on the temperature. And make sure to pack at least one nice outfit, in case you decide to go out for a nice dinner or visit a museum.
These are the absolute essentials in my Ireland wardrobe:
* Raincoat – I like this one because it is thin, so you can throw it on even when it’s warmer rain, or add it as a layer over your sweater/jacket. You can also fold it up into itself in one of the pockets for super compact packing.
* Rain Boots – Comfortable, stylish, and perfect for rain or shine. These are a winter staple for me, whether I’m home in California or traveling. I love them!
Top 10 Best Things to Do During Spring Break in Ireland
Spring break in Ireland is best for exploring the outdoors and beautiful nature with the wildflowers in bloom and vibrant, lush greenery across the island. Spring break is also a great time to visit the more popular attractions in Ireland, with fewer crowds and lower prices you will be able to enjoy the tourist sites in a much more authentic and calm way.
1. Visit Dublin’s Top Spring Attractions
If you are heading over to Ireland for spring break, you will likely either fly into Dublin and/or want to spend some time in the vibrant capital city.
Spring in Dublin is perfect for enjoying the outdoors by taking a walk through Phoenix Park and stopping at the botanic gardens, viewing the flowers in bloom in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or having a picnic in St. Stephen’s Green.
Dublin during spring break is also a good time to stop for all the most popular tourist attractions during the down season when they might not be as crowded. Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Dublin during spring break:
- View the Book of Kells
- Take a tour of the Dublin Castle
- Go on a tour of the Guinness Storehouse* and Jameson Distillery (*my favorite tour in Dublin!)
- Tour Christ Church Cathedral
- Take a food-tasting tour
- Go on a Dublin pub crawl
- Tour Dublin by bike
- Take advantage of the warmer weather with an open-air Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Still looking for spring break accommodations in Ireland?
👉👉 CLICK HERE
2. Experience Spring in the Dublin Mountains
Just outside of Dublin, you will find the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains that have plenty of hiking, climbing, and beautiful nature to take in during springtime. One of the best things to do in spring is to take a day trip (or half-a-day trip) from Dublin to explore the Wicklow Mountains and the Glendalough Monastic Settlement.
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to take to Ireland’s mountains and enjoy being outdoors. I highly recommend this small-group day trip that takes you on a scenic drive through Dublin’s nature and stops for some of the best parts of the Wicklow Mountains.
Best of all, the tour stops at the Powerscourt Gardens where you can see the flowers that will be in bloom during the spring. You will also stop at the Sally Gap, where you might see some lambs (during the spring) amongst the gorgeous scenery of hills, streams, and meadows.
The tour ends with the Guinness Lake and Glendalough Monastic Settlement, a 6th-century monastery set by a beautiful valley and two lakes.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – WICKLOW MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP
Or, if you want a more relaxed view of the Dublin Mountains, you could try a pub crawl in the mountains. Enjoy the spring weather and take in the views of the mountains over a few pints.
With this tour, you will spend the afternoon visiting three of Dublin Mountain’s best pubs and enjoying some pub food while listening to traditional Irish music. One of the pubs was originally a farmhouse, and may just be the most unique pub you visit during your trip to Ireland for spring break!
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – DUBLIN MOUNTAIN PUB CRAWL
3. Marvel Over the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular things to do in Ireland at any time of year, but it’s especially great to see during the spring when the hills are alive with greenery and flowers. Plus, you might beat some of the typical crowds by visiting during the off-season.
You can always take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin if that’s where you’re spending most of your time. However, I highly recommend checking out this unique tour of the cliffs from the ocean in addition to hiking along the top.
Many of the tours of the Cliffs of Moher are quick and impersonal because of their popularity, but this one is the exact opposite. You will take a cruise out to the Aran Islands to view the cliffs from the water, as well as visit Inisheer, Doolin, and The Burren, and then hike along the top of the cliffs.
This tour is great for spring break in Ireland with the weather not too cold and (likely) not raining. Plus, the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands will be covered in greenery for some of the most incredible views.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – CLIFFS OF MOHER + CRUISE TO ARAN ISLANDS
4. Explore Springtime in the Ring of Kerry
After the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry might be the most popular natural attraction in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km-long, circular scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. The route takes you through incredible coastal landscapes and adorable rural seaside villages.
If you plan on driving in Ireland, you could take the drive at your own pace and stop for the sites you are most interested in. Or, if you are not driving or don’t want to miss the springtime scenery along the way by focusing on the road, I recommend this highly-rated private tour of the top Ring of Kerry sites.
The best part of a private tour is you can customize your trip to your interests and instruct your driver to visit the sites that most interest you while learning an insider’s perspective of the best spots.
A few of the popular Ring of Kerry stops:
- Killarney National Park
- Skellig Rocks
- Muckross House
- Valentia Island
- Caherdaniel – Derrynane Beach
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – RING OF KERRY PRIVATE TOUR
Need to Rent a Car?
My go-to car rental service in Ireland is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the lowest prices and best deals.
🚗 CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR RENTAL CAR
5. Adventure Through the Gap of Dunloe
Part of the Ring of Kerry route, but a standalone attraction in its own right, the Gap of Dunloe is a scenic narrow mountain pass about a 15-minute drive from Killarney. It’s popular for gorgeous views, lakes, waterfalls, outdoor adventures, stone bridges, and unique ruins.
There are quite a few tours and different ways to explore the Gap of Dunloe, either by foot, bike, boat, or horse-drawn carriage. The best way to get a full experience is to take a day tour from Killarney. This tour in particular has a little bit of everything from the start at Ross Castle to the end at the Old Weir Bridge, and might just be one of your favorite spring break in Ireland activities!
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – GAP OF DUNLOE
For more information, I have a full guide for everything you need to know about visiting the Gap of Dunloe here:
6. Visit the Blarney Castle During Spring Break
Another one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland that might have fewer crowds during spring break. The Blarney Castle is home to the world-famous Blarney Stone that is rumored to give you eloquence and persuasiveness when you kiss it (upside down of course!). The Castle also has beautiful gardens that will be flourishing in the spring.
On this tour of the Blarney Castle from Cork, you will also stop in Cobh, a town situated on Cork’s harbor that is best known for being the Titanic’s last stop.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – BLARNEY STONE AND CASTLE
Did you know that you can actually stay the night in an Irish castle?? Not in Blarney Castle, sadly… but there are dozens of great castle hotels to choose from! Check them out below.
>>> Top 25 Magical Ireland Castle Hotels
7. Enjoy Spring Break in Ireland With a Farm Experience
Are you taking the kids with you to Ireland for spring break? This Burren Farm Experience will be a hit for the whole family, but especially the kids. During the spring in Ireland, you will likely get to see baby farm animals!
The Burren Farm is a true hidden gem. It’s newly open to the public and sits on 500 acres of gorgeous grassland and is famous for the Arctic and Alpine plants that flourish in the Burren National Park and will be especially beautiful in the spring.
You will learn a bit about farming in Ireland before taking a trailer ride on straw bales and hiking through the Burren National Park and to Lough Bunny Lake.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – BURREN FARM EXPERIENCE
8. Get Out on the Water
What better way to take advantage of warming weather during spring break in Ireland than to get out on the water? There are plenty of water activities to take part in across Ireland, but here are a few of the best:
⭐️ Galway: Scenic Cruise of Corrib River and Lake
Enjoy a scenic cruise down River Corrib in Galway City onto Lough Corrib, the Republic of Ireland’s biggest lake. You will see many stunning castles and historical sites plus hundreds of islands, marine and wildlife, and beautiful spring scenery.
There’s a full-service bar serving Irish coffee and refreshments as well as an upper deck and fully heated saloon area (in case it’s still a bit chilly out). This is a great family spring break activity!
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – GALWAY RIVER CRUISE
⭐️ Tour Dublin by Boat
Get a more unique view of Dublin by cruising down the River Liffey on an all-weather riverboat. You will learn the history of the city and information about some of the most popular and historic Dublin monuments.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – DUBLIN RIVER CRUISE
⭐️ County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
This spring break tour is great for the nature-lovers! Explore the Wild Atlantic Way on a boat trip where you can hope to see humpback and minke whales, seals, aquatic birds, sunfish, basking sharks, and dolphins. You will get gorgeous views of the coast and Irish spring greenery.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – CORK WHALE-WATCHING BOAT TRIP
>>> RELATED POST: Top 25 Best Day Trips From Cork
9. Go On a Bike Tour For Spring Break in Ireland
For the more adventurous, bike tours of Ireland are incredibly popular and the perfect time to go on one is spring when the weather warms and flowers are in bloom. Check out one of these epic bike tours for spring break in Ireland:
⭐️ “Magical” Bike Tour of Cong
This bike tour of Galway County takes you through unique routes that most visitors to Ireland will never see. Along the way, you get stunning views of two of the largest lakes in Ireland as well as the Cong Forest.
This bike tour includes a lunch break in Cong village where you can try Irish cheese and a glass of wine.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – BIKE TOUR OF CONG
⭐️ Dublin Panoramic E-Bike Tour of Howth
Howth is an adorable fishing village just outside of Dublin with beautiful beaches and cliff paths. On this tour, you will see landmarks such as the Summit, the Howth Cliffs, Baily Lighthouse, Martello Towers, and more. After the tour make sure to fuel up on some delicious seafood!
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – HOWTH E-BIKE TOUR
⭐️ Private Group Cycle Tour Around Killarney National Park
Join this guided excursion of Killarney National Park which promises not only breathtaking landscapes but also a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty that define this picturesque corner of Ireland.
You will see sites such as the 15th-century Muckross Abbey and the majestic Torc waterfall, all while enjoying the tranquillity of Ireland’s largest National Park.
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – PRIVATE GROUP CYCLE AROUND KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK
10. Have The Most Epic Family Spring Break Adventure in Ireland
One of the most incredible family adventures in Ireland is this private family sea safari of the Dingle Peninsula. You will see plenty of sea life from dolphins and seals to whales and birds.
This trip is highly recommended for those who want magnificent views of the coastal cliffs and to experience the Great Blasket Island. Plus, you will be making incredibly special memories as a family during your spring break in Ireland!
⮕ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK – FAMILY SEA SAFARI
>>> RELATED POST: Top 10 Best Places to Stay in Southern Ireland
Those are just a few of the best things to do for spring break in Ireland. You and your family will love your trip to Ireland in the spring to see the beautiful sites, blooming flowers, and lack of crowds!
Whether you choose to stay in the capital city of Dublin, or you make your way to some of the smaller cities across Ireland (check out the adorable town Kenmare)… your spring will be full of Irish cheer!
Related Posts:
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Ireland
Things to Do in Dublin at Night
Is There Uber in Ireland?
Picking the Best Dublin University
What to Do in Ireland in December
☘️ Ireland FAQs ☘️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland
🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.
