Spring Blossoms at Adare Manor

As winter’s icy touch fades, the world begins its annual transformation. Spring is not merely a change in weather; it is a rebirth, a season alive with sound and motion, where nature’s hidden characters emerge to captivate our senses. It is a time of tender beginnings and awakening life that stirs the heart.

Sit quietly on the banks of the Maigue River, where the calm waters mirror the warming sun’s rays, and hot chocolate warms your hands. Here, you might witness the most vocal family of the season. The otters, industrious and playful, have claimed this serene spot as their morning playground. The parents work tirelessly, providing
for their mischief-filled young, who tumble and dart with unrestrained energy. Their playful cries echo with the excitement of carefree mornings, interrupted only by the sharp whistle of a mother calling her brood to order. At her command, their zig-zagging sprints turn to a straight line toward her side, a reminder that even in nature, a mother’s stern glance commands obedience. Then, with a sudden dive, the family vanishes beneath the rippling surface, leaving only the memory of their vibrant energy.

If you look carefully, you may catch sight of a pair of curious eyes watching from a distance. A flash of red and silent footsteps hint at the presence of the elusive fox. This master of survival moves effortlessly between the human world and her own, her fiery fur aglow in the morning light. She is a symbol of cunning and resilience, her movements a graceful dance of freedom. To follow her is to stray from well-beaten paths into the wild unknown. Yet, even this fleeting glimpse of her, as she disappears into the misty tree line, sets the heart racing. Her journey is a reminder of the untamed beauty that lies just beyond our reach, a beauty we are privileged to witness

As the fox fades into the wild, another visitor heralds the morning—the robin. This small, brave bird is often the first to rise, perched before the stars have fully vanished. With the largest eyes of all small birds, the robin’s gaze seems to pierce into our very being. There is something magical in its presence, as if it carries the whispers of a lost loved one checking in from beyond. Robins hold a special place in our hearts, symbols of hope and connection. Yet, they remain tantalisingly out of reach, ever wary of the human touch. In their cautious distance, they remind us of the delicate balance between our worlds

Beyond the resort’s stone walls lies a land steeped in history and natural wealth. Ireland, or Éire, meaning “Land of Abundance,” is a place of wonder and wild beauty. Though we have altered its wilderness beyond imagining, it falls to us to protect and restore it. The wild places enrich our souls, offering us far more than we could ever give in return. Let us cherish the emerald jewel that is our land and strive to keep it wild and free.

By Thomas Breen, Green Team Chair