Spring is finally here and we cannot think of a more beautiful time to discover your local walking trails. Now that the birds are nesting in the trees and the ground is carpeted with spring flowers we’ve uncovered some of the best places in Northern Ireland to see the daffodils, snowdrops and bluebell filled woods.

Drumnaph Woodland Trail, Co. Derry~LondonderryAt the gateway to the Sperrin Hills, this beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy flower-rich woods or spotting Irish hares in the rush meadows. Throughout the year Drumnaph Wood’s varied mix of habitats is a joy to explore. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and other flowering plants. In summer, butterflies bring Drumnaph’s meadows and woodland edges to life, while brightly-coloured dragonflies patrol the bog cotton grass in wetland areas. Whether you are interested in timeless woodland, excellent walks or fascinating cultural connections, Drumnaph Wood is well worth a visit.

Montalto Estate – Lake Walk, Co. DownWalkers at Montalto Estate are in for a real treat this spring as they take a stroll through a magnificent display of beautiful daffodils and azaleas this spring. Take some time to look at the deciduous azaleas, which are in full bloom during springtime and which form a natural bowl close to the lake.

Castle Coole – Beech Trail, Co. FermanaghSpring is one of the best times to visit National Trust woodlands as the days lengthen and the first flowers start to appear. The first signs of spring at Castle Coole are the snowdrops followed by a host of other spring flowers to enjoy. Discover bright coloured dots of crocuses on the lawn in front of the Grand Yard. Through the forest paths, from the Beech Walk to the Gortgonnell path, you might also spot a another white flower which denotes the coming of spring – the wood anemone. These delicate white blooms take hundreds of years to root and spread and are a good indicator of the ancient age of the woodland at Castle Coole.

Springhill House –  Woodland Walk, Co. Derry~LondonderryThe pink and white Magnolias at Springhill House are proof that Magnolia is more than just a well renowned neutral paint colour. Discover these flowering trees around the middle of March when they burst into bloom, creating a striking display of colour. There are a few different varieties however, the one that always sparks interest it the one beside the visitor reception which gives off a sweet scent like white chocolate when it comes into flower.

Barnett Demesne, Co. AntrimBritain’s classic yellow spring flower –  the daffodil makes an appearance across many walks across Northern Ireland from February through to May. One of the biggest displays of Daffodils can be found just a stones throw from Belfast city centre in Barnett Demesne.

Rowallane Gardens, Co. DownDaffodils in the garden are not the only thing that catch the eye of walkers to Rowallane Gardens. March heralds the start of rhododendron season that fill the garden full of colour and scent throughout Spring.

Giant’s Ring Trail, Co. AntrimWander through the woods in spring to see a haze of bluebells at this tranquil refuge next to the Lagan river.

Belmore Forest – Pollnagollum Cave Walk, Co. FermanaghDiscover a lesser known but just as spectacular spring flower the Wood Sorrel. This felty green shamrock like leaves can be found carpeting shady woodland floors and sometimes invading mossy tree trunks.

Content sourced by Walk NI 

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