Spring blossom in Northern Ireland

The small white flowers of the hawthorn tree are backlit by the orange glow of a summer sunset — Hawthorn blossom | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Nothing lifts the spirits quite like the colour and beauty of spring blossom. From candyfloss-coloured cherry blossom to fairy thorn on country lanes, nature's own confetti spreads a simple joy from March to early June throughout Northern Ireland. Smell the sweet magnolia at Springhill, amble through the ancient apple orchards of Ardress House and discover other colourful seasonal blooms at Rowallane Garden.

Where to see blossom in Northern Ireland

Apple Blossom at Ardress House: The apple is at the core of County Armagh. Known as the Orchard County, its inland location protects its apple orchards from the cooling breeze of the sea. Every May, striking pink blossoms blanket the rows of apple trees. One of the best places to witness this spectacle is at Ardress in Annaghmore, a 17th-century house with a circular walk around the grounds.Visit Ardress House

Two girls wander along a grass verge under apple trees full of pink, spring blossom. — Apple blossom at Ardress House, County Armagh | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Magnolia blossom at Springhill: The magnolia tree at Springhill bursts into bloom around the middle of March with a striking display of large pink and white flowers. If the skies stay blue and the wind is low, these beautiful big flowers can be admired for at least a couple of weeks, giving off a sweet scent like white chocolate.Visit Springhill

Colourful spring blooms at The Argory: In springtime, there’s a whole spectrum of colour on display at The Argory: with the rampant blue trailing wisteria, blazing yellow Kerria and not forgetting the foxgloves and cowslips along the boardwalk.Visit The Argory
Mount Stewart in bloom: Take a stroll around Mount Stewart in Spring and discover the riot of colour and bountiful blossom to be found with every step.Visit Mount Stewart Garden
The fragrant Rowallane Garden: Blossom is not only beautiful to look at, it also supports a variety of wildlife. The array of colour on display at Rowallane Garden – from the Himalayan Meconopsis ‘Slieve Donard’ to the fragrant magnolia, there’s plenty to keep the bees happy.Visit Rowallane Garden

A close-up image of blue poppies backlit by the strong sunlight of the day — Blue poppies (meconopsis betonicifolia) in the garden at Rowallane in Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/Jerry Harpur

Tulips at Castle Ward: The restored Sunken Garden at Castle Ward blooms with thousands of colourful tulips, hyacinths and Osmanthus Fortuneii each spring. Head Gardener Andy Dainty based the design of the garden on an 1864 painting by Mary Ward, which saw the installation of 61 parterres, each filled with a variety of colourful plants.Visit Castle Ward

Share your #BlossomWatch pictures

In Japan, the act of viewing and celebrating blossom has been an ancient tradition known as Hanami. As part of our aim to help people connect with nature, we’re encouraging everyone who spots blossom this spring to pause and enjoy its fleeting beauty. Spread the joy by sharing a photo with #BlossomWatch.