How to turn the St Patrick’s Day buzz into spring sales to Ireland

From spectacular festivals to lively culture, comedy, music and dance events, on 17 March Ireland’s festive spirit shines brighter than ever, as communities get together to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. And celebrations beyond Ireland’s shores help turn the world green, as people get a taste of Ireland’s vibrant culture and welcoming approach.

Of course, the spirit of Ireland goes beyond St Patrick's Day. The island of Ireland is renowned for offering a famously warm welcome, and with its vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery there are compelling reasons to visit throughout the whole year. Spring is no exception, promising picturesque landscapes, cosy pubs alive with music and a plethora of attractions and experiences to enjoy.

Check out the new TTG Ireland Selling Guide

Here are five ways to inspire your clients to visit this spring, so they can discover why Ireland is the island that goes beyond:

1. Indulge the senses with Ireland’s foodie scene 

Food is central to contemporary culture on the island of Ireland, so where better for guests to start their adventure than by embarking on a foodie adventure? In Ireland, food is about more than just the taste. Visitors are promised delicious flavours, the freshest ingredients and the chance to enjoy recipes that have been handed down through generations. 

A farmers’ market is one of the best places to try the delicious produce that Ireland is famed for, and there are top farmers’ markets across Ireland. Friendly producers will delight in warmly welcoming guests and telling them the provenance of their wares. 

There are also plenty of food experiences to suggest, and expert guides can help uncover the foodie secrets of cities such as Dublin, Belfast and Cork. Often taking in local businesses and hidden gems, they’re a great way to meet the experts behind the island's famed food scene. In Derry-Londonderry, visitors can join a two-hour Foodie City Cycle, which focuses on quality local produce and showcases the historic walled city. 

2. Soak up Ireland’s stunning scenery

Spring is one of the most popular seasons to explore Ireland on foot, thanks to the longer daylight hours and milder weather. One of the best ways to soak up the scenery and explore the great outdoors is to join locals and visitors alike at one of the island’s many walking festivals, which boast an easy-going atmosphere. Join the fun at events such as the Bantry Walking Festival, the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival and the North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival. 

Thousands of people scale Croagh Patrick in County Mayo each year, which was visited by St Patrick in the 5th century and is now an important pilgrimage site. Pilgrims enjoy the camaraderie with fellow walkers along the trail, and visitors can also expect a friendly welcome on this moderate to strenuous hike, with incredible views of Clew Bay from the summit. 

The spectacular Mourne Mountains in County Down have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as a Unesco Global Geopark. While these mighty peaks can be admired by driving the Mourne Coastal Route, the best way to explore is on foot or bike.

3. Get immersed in nature 

Of course, visitors don’t have to lace up their hiking boots to explore Ireland’s stunning landscapes. Rolling green hills dotted with cute newborn lambs are the epitome of spring, and visiting a sheep farm is the ideal way to learn about life on a real farm. Many farmers lead sheep-shearing demonstrations, introduce the baby lambs and demonstrate their skilled sheepdogs at work. Options include BoPeep Valais Blacknose in County Limerick, Glen Keen Farm in County Mayo,  Killary Sheep Farm in County Galway, Glenshane Country Farm in County Londonderry and Kissane Sheep Farm in County Kerry.

Spring is also the ideal time to marvel at snowdrops, bluebells and crocus at some of Ireland’s beautiful gardens. Captivating blooms can be seen at Mount Usher in County Wicklow, Altamont Gardens in County Carlow and the Mount Stewart gardens and house in County Down. 

Over in County Tipperary, visitors can explore more than 1,000 years of history at the Rock of Cashel, where St Patrick converted King Aengus to Christianity in the 5th century. Today guests can explore the group of medieval buildings, surrounded by lush green fields and countryside. 
 

4. Embrace incredible music

Ireland has a deep connection with music, and there are so many ways for music fans to enjoy it. Encourage clients to visit a live music session in a pub, where they’ll be welcomed with warmth, conversation and traditional music that covers the whole spectrum of emotions. 

Those visiting in the summer can also soak up the vibrant atmosphere at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music. The 2026 event will be held in Belfast from 2-9 August, and the city will be bustling with street performers, intimate concerts, big-name acts and competitions.

5. Visit Ireland’s hidden gems

There are lots of unforgettable experiences to tempt your clients off-the-beaten-track in Ireland. Tempt them with craft brewery tours, adventurous cliff-path walks, tucked-away beaches, scenic photography tours, craft experiences and immersive historical tours. 

And one of the advantages of visiting the island of Ireland in spring is that the major tourist attractions are much quieter, meaning your clients can visit iconic attractions such as the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal, Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and the numerous Game of Thrones locations across Northern Ireland. 

Need more inspiration? 

To help you tailor an itinerary to your clients' interests and needs, use Tourism Ireland's trip ideas finder, which can be filtered by what they'd like to experience. 

Check out the new TTG Ireland Selling Guide