Romantic Ireland

The Ireland of Romance

Romance means many things to many people and is different the world over.  In simple terms romance is best described as thoughts and feelings of love; whether that’s the excitement of young love or the wonder of a lifetime’s love.

Ireland is a romantic country. If you think Italian is the only true language of love just listen to the wonderfully emotive Gaeltacht that is now spoken in only a few very special areas of Ireland, mostly on the western most coast. It’s a language where ‘I love you’ becomes tá mé chomh mór sin i ngrá leat. And Ireland’s heritage and culture nuture romance, the folklore weaves fantastic stories, Irish music is evocative of times past and Irish poetry tells of love and hardship.

With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us couples everywhere, both young and old, are wondering how to make the most of this romantic opportunity. With our busy, bustling lives it’s often hard to remember to say ‘I love you’ to someone special and to tell people close to us that we care.  But there are many simple ways to put a little romance back into your life together and where better to celebrate in each other’s company but Ireland.

Here are some romantic ideas…

Spend a short break in Ireland’s capitol Dublin which is home to Saint Valentine’s shrine. Just the two of you can visit the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street where Saint Valentine’s relics have been held since the early 1800’s. And afterwards you can have a romantic meal for at the One Pico Restaurant in Schoolhouse Lane.

Take a midnight picnic on one of Ireland’s many beautiful and secluded beaches. Pack a warm blanket, champagne and glasses, strawberries and your favourite foods and head for a beautiful sandy beach, lit by moonlight.  There are many romantic beaches to choose from, all along the Irish coast, like Bangor beach in Down has a mile long sandy bay or the secluded Barleycove beach in County Cork.

Or if midnight isn’t the right time take a romantic stroll, hand in hand along the beach. Just as the holiday makers are leaving for their tea, and the sun is starting to set grab your coats and just set off together.

For many of us the age of knights in armour and damsels in distress is a romantic age. So why not re-live this chivalric past and explore an Irish castle together. Climb spiral staircases, stand in great dining halls and relax in the solar.  Ireland has many castles from the Norman stronghold of Killaghy Castle in Mullinahone to the spectacular Malahide Castle near Dublin.

Set a lovers trail of chocolate hearts or rose petals for your loved one to follow – only to find you waiting at the end.  Choose romantic woodland trails in Glenstal Woods in the Sleive Felim region or in Annagarriff Wood near Loughall.

There’s nothing more romantic than snuggling up together in front of an open fire. Light some candles, open a bottle of your favourite wine and have romantic food nibbles close to hand.  With the tradition of peat cutting across Ireland there are lots of romantic holiday cottages with open fires to choose from.

Share a breathtakingly beautiful view together. Many people would say that some of the most special moments in their life are when they have simple stood and looked out on an amazing view. Be that a cityscape or mountain range.  For your romantic break in Ireland you will be spoilt for choice.  The dramatic Giant’s Causeway; the stunning Mournes mountains in County Down, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare or the Ladies View, Ring of Kerry in Killarney.

Cook a special dinner together. It might sound like an everyday thing but planning, preparing, cooking and eating a favourite meal together is a romantic thing to do. Add to the atmosphere by playing your favourite music and sipping your favourite wine. Choosing a romantic self catering cottage in Ireland means there’s no fussy waiters, no rowdy parties or crowded tables; you can make your meal together special to you.

The ultimate romance, re-taking your wedding vows.  There are hundreds of registered venues in Ireland and to make it a real Irish romance why not have an Irish Wedding Blessing said to seal your vows. There are many to choose from but there are a couple of our favourites -   I have known many, Liked not a few, Loved only one I toast to you; or Here's to you and yours and to mine and ours and if mine and ours ever come across you and yours I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours as mine and ours have done for you and yours.

With Ireland’s fantastic coastline it’s no wonder that the Irish love their oysters. But for loving couples the oyster is the food of love.  Try fresh oysters at Auburn Lodge in Ennis or Moran’s Oyster Cottage at the Weir in Kilcogan

So may romantic ideas. This February, the month of Romance, why not surprise your loved one with a romantic holiday to Ireland.