Spring Spectacular Hillsborough Castle

Last week I visited the Spring Spectacular at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, just a short drive from Belfast. According to their website, more spring bulbs than ever have been planted to create beautiful installations in an array of different displays. Of course, blooms can never be guaranteed due to the vagaries of the Irish weather. But since the weather has been so glorious of late, I thought I’d take a chance in the hope there would be a spring spectacular to see. I was not disappointed.

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A spring spectacular at the Castle

Tulips and cowslips filled the walled garden and swathes of daffodils lined the Yew Tree Walk to the castle. Wood anemones covered the shadier woodland areas. The magnolia, camellia and cherry blossom, all in full bloom, added to the spring spectacular. They looked stunning in the late morning sunlight against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky.

Some scenes from the spring spectacular – Cowslips, tulips, daffodils, magnolia and cherry blossom

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Beautiful spring displays

As well as the planting, lovely floral installations are dotted along the route through the gardens , adding another layer of spring loveliness to proceedings. Pots of spring bulbs greet you when you arrive, then again at the entrance to the walled garden and en route to the castle. It’s clear a lot of thought and effort has gone into making the gardens look their spring best. I’m sure that is appreciated by all the visitors.

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All in all, I spent a really lovely morning enjoying all the sights of the Spring Spectacular at Hillsborough Castle. It lived up to its name, the beautiful April weather helping to show the blooms and blossom at their spring best. I rounded off my trip with a visit to the cafe for a light lunch. The cafe is reasonably priced and as I’m a member, I get an extra discount too. Hubby bought me membership as a Christmas present and now I can go as often as I want ! The spring spectacular at Hillsborough Castle officially runs until May 5th, so still plenty of time to visit and enjoy the gardens in spring time.

Until my next visit, I’ll be in my own garden, enjoying the tulips I planted last autumn and sowing seeds in anticipation of a glorious summer (fingers crossed). I hope the weather is lovely where you are. I can’t remember an April as gloriously sunny as this one.

Thanks for stopping by,

Paula

Useful Links

You can find more information on opening times and ticket prices for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens here

Other posts from Typewriter Girl:-

Exploring Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in February

The Walled Garden at Larchfield Estate

Telltale signs of spring

A love of daffodils

The Sarah Raven ‘Renoir’ Tulip Collection