St. Patrick’s Day arrives just as Ireland begins to return to colour. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ireland where fields brighten, woodland canopies soften, rivers run full and valleys glow in shades of green that feel almost symbolic at this time of year.
If you want to spend the day somewhere that truly reflects the colour Ireland is famous for, these landscapes offer some of the most vividly green scenery in the country in early spring.
Photo by Brian Kelly
Glenveagh National Park
Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Glenveagh in March feels fresh, open and intensely green. Woodland paths, lakeside views and wide open valleys combine to create one of the most scenic spring landscapes in Ireland. It's a stunning, quiet and scenic spot to spend St. Patrick's Day in.
Coumshingaun Lough
Coumshingaun Lough is a glacial lake sits within a dramatic bowl of green mountain slopes. In early spring, the contrast between rock, water and fresh grass makes the entire valley feel alive and luminous.
Dunquin Pier
The fields above Dunquin glow green against deep Atlantic blue, creating one of the most striking colour contrasts in Ireland. The short walk to the pier offers unforgettable views. The pier itself is an iconic view of Ireland, often seen on many postcards.
Loughcrew Cairns
Rolling green hills stretch in every direction from the ancient hilltop site of Loughcrew Cairns. The walk up feels especially rewarding on a crisp March day.
The Vee Pass
The Vee Pass is a stunning mountain pass offers sweeping views across some of the greenest countryside in Ireland, particularly vivid in spring light. Later in the season it's home to a sea of purple and pink rhododendrons and it's a stunning sight, especially around the Bay Lough. A drive through here makes for a wonderful St. Patrick's Day trip.
Ards Forest Park
Ards Forest Park offers sights of woodland, shoreline and open grassland, creating a richly green landscape perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day wander.
The Gap of Dunloe
One of the most beautiful places in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe is an unmissable place to experience in Ireland and is a great spot to visit or drive slowly through on St. Patrick's Day.
Wherever you venture to on St. Patrick's Day, you can be sure that you'll be met with the beauty that Ireland is known for. These are just some of the beautiful and green places that make for a great day trip of St. Patrick's Day, but I could have filled this post with hundreds of equally stunning spots around Ireland.
For more inspiration on how to spend your St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, check out my post on St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: Beautiful Ways to Celebrate Beyond the Parades.
