Best snowdrop walks in Northern Ireland

Snowdrops at Castle Ward

Whether you spy them on a woodland walk, riverside ramble or garden stroll, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring is on its way. Breaking through the frosted ground, these pretty little flowers flourish in the cold so take inspiration from this hardy little bloom and embrace the elements on a winter walk.

Part of the Amaryllidaceae family, snowdrops (Galanthus) grow in well-drained, fertile soil and habitats that provide full or partial sunlight. This hardy perennial plant can survive more than two years in the wild and can be spotted growing in abundance from late January through to March.

Here's the best spots to find a carpet of them to saunter around in the late winter months. 

Snowdrop walk at Springhill

Snowdrops at Springhill 

The delightful display of these pretty winter flowers seen across the lawns, alongside pathways and under trees at Springhill are a credit to the Head Gardener, John Boyle who over the last 16 years has spread the bulbs from a small stock of snowdrops 'hidden' in a small area of the woodland. Snowdrop plants will be available to buy, lovingly cultivated at Springhill. Snowdrop plants are available to buy, lovingly cultivated at Springhill.

Explore Springhill
Snowdrops at Castle Coole Fermanagh

Snowdrops at Castle Coole 

Castle Coole has been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency due to its rich parkland habitat and associated species. During winter the Beech Walk at Castle Coole finds itself carpeted in snowdrops.

Snowdrop walks at Castle Coole
Snowdrops at Castle Ward County Down

Snowdrops at Castle Ward 

Meander along one of the trials or stay close to the house and explore the lawns that are filled with snowdrops during early spring.

Snowdrop walks at Castle Ward
Snowdrops at Rowallane Garden

Snowdrops at Rowallane Garden 

Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gardens and see how many different varieties of snowdrops you can spot. When little else in the bulb world has woken up the snowdrop will defy the cold damp soil.

Learn more about snowdrops
Snowdrops at The Argory

Snowdrops at The Argory  

This year the ranger team have been busy planting 3000 daffodil bulbs and 1000 snowdrop bulbs which will be starting to breakthrough in early February with the promise that spring is on its way. Choose to go self-guided or join one of our guided walks.

Snowdrop walk at The Argory

 

Did you know…

  • There are 20 recognised species of snowdrop.
  • Snowdrops are threatened because of the uncontrolled collecting of plants from the wild. Some species of snowdrops are listed as vulnerable or even endangered.
  • The scientific name for the snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis. Name is coined from the Greek words "gala", which means milk, and "anthos" which means flower. Second part of the name, "nivalis", originates from Latin language and it means snow.
  • Snowdrops have a naturally occurring substance in them called galantamine. This is sold as a medication for Alzheimer’s disease under the name of Reminyl.
  • Snowdrops are seen as a symbol of hope, consolation and purity