Best Snowdrops Ireland: Where to Explore the Sea of White Blossoms

June 2, 2023January 11, 2022 by Cath Jordan

Going to the Emerald Isle and want to see snowdrops? Wondering where to find the best snowdrops Ireland has to offer? Then check out this list of over 15 places to see these beautiful flowers across the country during early Spring.

Snowdrops are often thought of as the first signs of Spring. Whether there is still snow on the ground or not, they often herald brighter, warmer weather coming, and many people venture out to see them.

I’ve found some great places to find the best snowdrops Ireland has to offer so you too can head and out and find the first signs of Spring.

Snowdrops are delicate white flowers that begin appearing between January and April. In January you might find snowdrops in snow, but as the colder weather recedes, you’ll find them starting to bloom in gardens, parks, and woodland areas.

If you are based in Ireland (North or South) and are wondering “where can I find snowdrops near me?”, then this post will help you discover the nearest place to see these lovely little flowers near you.

A portrait picture of some newly sprung snowdrops

Table Of Contents

Where to find snowdrops in Ireland

Snowdrops in Ireland (Republic of Ireland)

Whether you are searching for snowdrops in winter or the start of spring, below you will find places to see snowdrops in southern Ireland.

Altamont Gardens, Carlow

Address: Altamont, Tullow, Co. Carlow, R93 N882

Considered Ireland’s gardening crown, Altamont Gardens in County Carlow are one of the best places to see Irish snowdrops. A 16-hectare estate with both formal and informal gardens, if you want to see snowdrops in Ireland, this is one of the best places to visit. It is also worth paying a visit at any other time of year to view flowers, trees, and plants of other varieties.

A Snowdrop Festival is usually held at Altamont every year where visitors can view over 100 named varieties of snowdrops. Keep an eye on the Office of Public Works website for news about forthcoming festivals.

More information.

Primrose Hill House, Dublin

Address: Primrose Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Primrose Hill House is a regency villa attributed to the architect James Gandon. It has a political history and a frequent visitor to the house was Eamon de Valera. The house and gardens are part of the larger Lucan House Demesne.

The gardens are 2.5 hectares with a large variety of plants. The Spring Garden, which is open in February, is home to one of the finest collections of plants in Ireland and is where you will be able to spot the beautiful snowdrops. Members of the public can also visit during the months of June and July. The gardens are flanked by the arboretum and a pretty driveway with mature trees.

More information.

Woodville Walled Garden, Galway

Address: Woodville House, Woodville, Kilchreest, Co. Galway, H91 VEY2

Woodville House is home to a restored walled kitchen garden with a museum outlining the connections with Lady Augusta Gregory. It is also where visitors can see snowdrops during the snowdrop season. During the year, it is also worth visiting for its bluebell woods, Easter events, and more.

More information.

A picture of patches of white snowdrops in lush green grass

Bellefield House & Gardens, Offaly

Address: Shinrone, Birr, Co. Offaly

Listed as one of Ireland’s ten Best Gardens, Bellefield House is a Georgian farmhouse with stunning walled gardens and woodland areas. Alongside the splendid collections of plants, trees, and shrubs, visitors can find one of the largest snowdrop collections in Ireland. You can even stay at Bellefield House in the holiday cottages.

More information.

Hester Forde Garden, Cork

Address: 15 Johnstown Park, Johnstown, Co. Cork, T45 CC42

A private garden owned by Hester Forde, Cosheen Garden is owned and tended by Hester Forde who opens her garden to the public during snowdrop season. Visitors can view the flowers as well as purchase snowdrops and other spring bulbs. The gardens are also open to members of the public between May and September.

More information.

Blarney Castle & Gardens, Cork

Address: Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork

Another great place to see snowdrops in Ireland is the famous Blarney Castle in County Cork. One of the best places to visit in Cork, Blarney Castle is home to some stunning displays of snowdrops in late winter and early spring. The castle’s front avenue has a large display, and some of the borders are being developed with a collection of heritage Irish snowdrops combined with other plants. Blarney Castle and its extensive gardens can be enjoyed at other times of the year as well.

More information.

A picture of two newly sprung snowdrop flowers

Burtown House & Gardens, Kildare

Address: Burtown Little, Athy, Co. Kildare

Burtown House is an early Georgian house located near Athy in County Kildare and is surrounded by lush flower, vegetable, and woodland gardens and walks. In February the gardens come to life with 60 named varieties of snowdrops, and later in the year with daffodils, roses, peonies, and more.

More information.

Shankill Castle, Kilkenny

Address: Shankill, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 T8X7

Another place to see Irish snowdrops is in the gardens of Shankill Castle in County Kilkenny. Located just off the M9, this 18^th-century tower house was rebuilt by Peter Aylward, replacing the original medieval castle built by the powerful Butler family. The gardens open for snowdrop season during February on Saturday and Sundays until April when the grounds then open 7 days a week. During spring you can view spectacular carpets of snowdrops and other early spring bulbs.

More information.

National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Wicklow

Address: Kilmacurragh West, Kilmacurra East, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow

There is a beautiful blanket of snowdrops to be found at the Kilmacurragh site of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in County Wicklow. Located around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne house, this is a great place close to Dublin to see snowdrops in early spring. It is worth revisiting in late spring to see the daffodils in bloom.

More information.

A close up picture of some white snowdrops in spring

Coolcarrigan House & Gardens, Kildare

Address: Coill Dubh, Naas, Co. Kildare

If you are looking for some of the best snowdrops Ireland has to offer, then head to Coolcarrigan House and Gardens near Naas. A hidden oasis on the edge of Bog Allen, there are 15 acres of gardens and arboretums to explore. In early spring, the main avenue comes alive with snowdrops, followed by other spring bulbs later in the season. Make sure to return for seeing some of the best bluebells Ireland has to offer as well.

More information.

Huntington Castle & Gardens, Carlow

Address: Huntington, Clonegall, Co. Carlow, Y21 K237

At weekends during February, visitors in and around Carlow can visit Huntington Castle and Gardens to see Irish snowdrops in bloom. Normally closed from October to April, the owners open the gardens when the snowdrops appear for visitors to enjoy, but you should definitely make a return trip when the gardens are usually open as they are stunning. Make sure to join a castle tour as well during your summer visit.

More information.

Snowdrops in Northern Ireland

If you are looking for snowdrops in Northern Ireland, these are among the best places to visit to see these beautiful, delicate early spring flowers.

Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne, Derry

Address: Mussenden Rd, Castlerock, Coleraine, Co. Derry, BT51 4RP (UK)

As well as being one of the top places to visit in Northern Ireland, Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne is also one of the best places in Northern Ireland for snowdrops in spring. Venture through Bishop’s Gate and into the Black Glen where you will find these early spring bulbs in bloom in moist, shady areas. Make sure to pay return visits throughout the year to watch the changing seasons in the gardens.

More information.

A portrait picture of a blanket of white snowdrops in a woodland setting

The Argory, Armagh

Address: 144 Derrycaw Rd, Dungannon, Co. Armagh, BT71 6NA (UK)

Built in the 1820s, the Argory is a Neo-classical mansion under the care of the National Trust where you can go to see snowdrops in Northern Ireland. This wooded riverside estate is somewhere to see the snowdrops and enjoy the house at weekends during the season. There is also a playground and café for visitors and families.

More information.

Ballyrobert Gardens & Nursery, Antrim

Address: 154 Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, BT39 9RT (UK)

A great place to see snowdrops in Northern Ireland is Ballyrobert Gardens and Nursery. The Cottage Garden area is where their rare snowdrops bloom in early spring, while you can also find snowdrops in the Glenlinchy Borders and other woodland areas of the gardens. These same areas also have bluebells in bloom during late spring. Generally, the Cottage Garden and Nursery are closed from 1 October to 28 February, but you may be able to arrange to visit these areas by contacting Ballyrobert ahead of your visit.

More information.

Castle Ward, Down

Address: Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7BA (UK)

Another great place to go spotting snowdrops in early spring is Castle Ward, located near the village of Strangford in County Down. This 18^th-century National Trust property features 332 hectares of landscaped gardens, a fortified tower house, and more, and it is along its Laurel Walk that visitors can enjoy carpets of white snowdrops in early spring. There is plenty to see and do at other times of the year as well at Castle Ward.

More information.

A close-up picture at ground level of some newly sprouting white snowdrop flowers

Rowallane Gardens, Down

Address: Crossgar Rd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, BT24 7LH (UK)

Rowallane Gardens are a National Trust property in County Down where you can view snowdrops in spring. Started in the 1860s by Reverend John Moore, there is a total of 50 acres to enjoy with walled gardens, wildflower meadows, tea rooms, and more. At Rowallane Gardens, there are many varieties of snowdrops to see during the season and you can warm up with a cuppa from the tearoom after.

More information.

Springhill National Trust, Derry

Address: 20 Springhill Rd, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, BT45 7NQ (UK)

Among the best places to see snowdrops in Northern Ireland is Springhill, another National Trust property. A 17^th-century plantation house, the snowdrops at Springhill are in bloom typically during February. Although the house and visitor facilities are not open until March, the gardens and car park are open during this time to allow people to enjoy the carpets of white.

More information.

Castle Coole, Fermanagh

Address: Castle Coole, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 6JY (UK)

Castle Coole is a late 18^th-century Neo-classical mansion located in Enniskillen in County Fermanagh where you can see snowdrops in spring. Set in a 1200-acre wooded estate, there are plenty of opportunities to see snowdrops, especially along the Beech Walk and in sheltered areas under the oaks along the main drive.

More information.

A picture of some snowdrops against a woodland background

Final thoughts about where to see snowdrops in Ireland

These are among the best places in Ireland to see snowdrops during early spring. Many are also some of the best places to see bluebells in Ireland and are worth visiting at other times of the year as well. If you know of any other places to see some of the best snowdrops Ireland has to offer, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

FAQ about snowdrops

When do Snowdrops bloom?

Snowdrops flower between January and March, often appearing en masse and covering areas with a white blanket. They are the early sign that Spring is on its way. When they bloom is very much dependant on weather conditions.

What is the Snowdrops flowering time?

Typically, the flowering time is during February, but with a mild winter, they can flower as early as the start of January.

Are Snowdrops poisonous?

The bulb of Snowdrops is poisonous, not helped by the likeness of the bulb to that of an onion. Their poisonous properties mean they are not eaten by animals, such as deer, rabbits, or squirrels.

How do Snowdrops spread?

Snowdrops are not spread easily through pollen since they tend to flower during a time of year when there are few pollinators. Their bulbs can split when dormant and the result of this will be new sprouts once the plant starts to grow and flower. So, they spread via the splitting of their bulbs in the ground. Once you have one, it can and will multiply over time.

How long do Snowdrops last?

Typically, they will last between one to two months, depending on weather conditions.

Where do Snowdrops grow?

Wild Snowdrops are often found in woodlands and parkland, and some people will also plant them in gardens.

What does the term “Snowdrops in the green” mean?

This term refers to Snowdrops that still have green leaves and are in active growth. Planted in this state, they will develop more reliably dry bulbs in autumn.

Read more about visiting Ireland in Spring and things to do:

A picture of some newly sprung snowdrops flowers at ground level with text overlay saying Best Places to See Snowdrops in Ireland

A picture of blankets of snowdrops in the woods with text overlay saying Where to Go to See Snowdrops in Ireland

A picture of some snowdrops with text overlay saying Where to Find the Best Snowdrop Walks in Ireland

by Cath Jordan

Cath is an Irish expat and the founder of Travel Around Ireland. She and her husband both come from Dublin, where the rest of their family remains. They regularly return to the Emerald Isle to explore the country with their son as well as to visit family. Through Travel Around Ireland, Cath shares her local expertise and knowledge with travellers and visitors to Ireland. Find out more about Cath here.

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