We are all now enjoying the beautiful sunshine of june and we will update you on this in the coming days.

May is such a beautiful month to be in Ireland as the countryside is magnificent and perhaps looking its best. Most of the trees have come into leaf and with very many different shades of green – the horse chestnut being the first (though a little later this year due to the inclement weather – there I have mentioned that ‘W’ word already but then we talk about the weather all the time here in Ireland). The hedgerows are almost in full bloom with the hawthorn cloaked in their splendid white blossoms and shortly the blackthorn will follow. The swallows have returned to delight us with their acrobatics, the bats are out of hibernation, but no blood sucking ones here in Ireland!

The evenings are bright until 9pm or there abouts so if you are on an escorted tour you can enjoy a stroll out after dinner, before you enjoy an evening of entertainment in one of our good pubs or at the theatre or concert. If you are staying out in the countryside you can enjoy a truly night sky without the city light pollution.

May Day in Ireland was an ancient festival to welcome the summer and to protect the family and livelihood of the farm from supernatural forces. It was a festival celebrated with flowers, fires and dancing and had strong links to the same holiday celebrated throughout northern Europe. In modern times most large towns and cities throughout the country run festivals during the May bank holiday weekend. Ask Mary for more information if you are visiting during this weekend.