Spring is Coming!

Spring is coming in Ireland and the daffodils are pointing the way! After the dull months of January and February, the drifts of daffodils are a cheery sight everywhere you look.

They are planted in clumps around trees, flower beds in gardens, drifts down major roads and even in flower boxes and can be found outside the shabbiest of cottages.

The pictures below are in the gardens of Merrion Square. This square is located between Trinity College and Leinster House, the home of the Irish Parliament. The square was laid out in 1762 - 1764 and is a great example of Georgian architecture. It is a haven from the busy traffic of Dublin and well protected and calm within the gardens.

The park was originally a refuge for victims of the 19th century famine. It came into the possession of the Catholic Church in the 1920's and the plan to build a cathedral never came to fruition. Archbishop Ryan gave it to the City of Dublin and the gardens were built in 1974. They are a tribute to the literary of Ireland, including the Oscar Wilde Garden, built opposite the house his parents owned.

Blossoms are appearing on the trees, leaves are still to come. Daffodils in many shades and styles abound, their heads bobbing in the wind and grape hyacinths and pink and blue hyacinths, snowdrops and other bulbs are planted throughout the park. Crocus, the harbinger of Spring are so welcome as they remind everyone that better weather is coming. Spring - especially March - is a time of extremely variable weather in Ireland, with gales from the Atlantic and showers, rain and lovely sunshine. That can all happen in one morning! Snow even fell last week!

Friday was Daffodil Day in Ireland, a great chance to support the Cancer Foundation of Ireland and add some cheer to the home as well!