Why May is a Magical Time to Visit Ireland: Celebrate the Bealtaine Fire Festival and More

May in Ireland bursts with life, culture, and ancient traditions, as well as a breathtaking display of gardens and wildflowers making it an exceptional time to experience the Emerald Isle.

The Gardens at Muckross House, Co. Kerry and Wildflowers on the roadside of West Co. Cork

One truly unique highlight is the Bealtaine Fire Festival, held on May 10, 2025, at the Hill of Uisneach, known as the sacred center of Ireland. This vibrant celebration marks the ancient Celtic festival welcoming summer, featuring mesmerizing fire displays, live craft demonstrations, storytelling, traditional games, and immersive reenactments of Celtic life. It’s a rare chance to connect deeply with Ireland’s rich heritage in a spectacular natural setting

Bealtaine Fire, the Hill of Uisneach, Co Westmeath, Courtesy Uisneach Sacred Centre of Ireland

Beyond Bealtaine, May offers a rich tapestry of festivals across Ireland-from the dynamic Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast, showcasing music, theatre, and visual arts, to the soulful City of Derry Jazz Festival, and the literary charm of Listowel Writers’ Week. Whether you’re drawn to music, literature, or ancient culture, May’s calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences

As spring reaches its peak, the Irish countryside and historic estates burst into vibrant color, offering visitors a feast for the senses. Ireland’s gardens are world-renowned, and in May, they are at their most spectacular. The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin showcase a dazzling array of blooms, from native wildflowers to exotic orchids in their Victorian glasshouses, providing an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Powerscourt Estate and Gardens in County Wicklow is another must-see, with 47 acres of landscaped terraces, lakes, and secret hollows awash in daffodils, cherry blossoms, and tulips. For those venturing southwest, Two of the country’s most enchanting horticultural destinations - Garinish Island in West Cork and the gardens at Muckross House in Killarney National Park offer unforgettable experiences amid a riot of color and botanical diversity.

Garinish Island, Glengarriff, Co. Cork

Nestled in Glengarriff Harbour, Garinish Island is famed for its lush, meticulously designed gardens that thrive thanks to a unique microclimate created by the Gulf Stream and the island’s sheltered position. In May and June, the island bursts into color with vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, while midsummer brings a profusion of climbing plants, perennials, and rare shrubs.

The Italian Gardens, Grecian Temple, and restored Martello Tower add architectural elegance to the natural beauty, and the island’s walking paths offer panoramic views of Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains. Wildlife lovers will delight in spotting seals basking on the rocks during the short ferry ride over. Even casual visitors are enchanted by the tranquil atmosphere and ever-changing floral displays, making Garinish a must-see for anyone visiting Ireland in spring or summer

When in Kerry, make sure to visit Muckross House and Gardens. Set on the shores of Muckross Lake, the gardens surrounding this stately Victorian mansion are among Ireland’s finest. The mild, sheltered climate allows exotic trees and shrubs to flourish, with May showcasing a dazzling display of rhododendrons and azaleas. Visitors can explore the Rock Garden, carved from natural limestone; the ornate Sunken Garden; and tree-fringed lawns that roll down to the lakeshore. The gardens are free to enter and form the heart of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park.

Muckross House and Gardens, Co. Kerry

In May, when wildflowers and cultivated blooms are at their best, these gardens promise a magical experience-perfect for adding a unique and memorable touch to your Irish itinerary. Visiting Ireland in May means enjoying mild spring weather, blooming landscapes, and vibrant local life. It’s the perfect time to combine festival excitement with exploring Ireland’s stunning countryside, historic castles, and charming villages.