Exploring the Republic of Ireland With Your Partner.
“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you. ”
– Irish writer Brendan Behan
If you’re anything like I am then you’ll also love getting away for a lovely romantic weekend somewhere in Europe. Kiss on the top of the Eiffel Tower or wander through Tulip fields in the Netherlands. Maybe you feel like you need to get further away for you to try something you’ve never experienced before?
I discovered a few years ago that there is no need to go far and wide although that is nice, there is a place right on our doorstep that has that special romantic spark people fly all over the world for. That place is the Republic of Ireland. I’ll take you through some of the most iconic romantic spots as well as some that are less well known.
10. Adare Manor, Co. Limerick
A bit more on the expensive side of things but worth every penny is Adare Manor, winner of the Virtuoso ‘Hotel of the Year’ 2018 award. The manor house as it exists today was the life’s work of two generations of the Dunraven Earls and their family, but its story reaches much further than that. Hundreds of years of history, creativity, and care lie behind the magical place we now know as Adare Manor.
It doesn’t matter if you are marking a special day, or just looking to make an ordinary day more special, Adare Manor is designed to be a celebration of life’s loveliest moments. With a bottle of champagne to share on arrival, three peaceful and pampering nights in one of their indulgent Deluxe Rooms, time to linger each morning over an elegant breakfast in The Gallery, every experience here stands out as something to cherish. As the crowning glory of your stay, share dinner by candlelight in their world-class Oak Room Restaurant, where Head Chef Michael Tweedie has prepared a menu featuring innovative Irish fine cuisine at its very best.
9. Hook Head
Hook Head is a Striped Wexford Lighthouse and a sight to behold. You can find it nestled quietly in the sunny southeast, hidden away from the rush and noise of cities and suburbia. This lighthouse is fairly tall, around 115 steps to reach the top in fact, but once at the top, you are witness to some of the most picturesque views in the Republic of Ireland, the North Atlantic and the world. So hold you’re loved one close, take a deep breath, and enjoy the natural splendour together.
8. Phoenix Park
In my heart, I am a city boy, and even abroad I love to explore the open spaces within cities. Even in the densest cities, you can find a lovely patch of grass to enjoy the sun, smells and sounds. So if you plan to visit Dublin, Phoenix Park is that place.
As you wander around the park with your partner you’ll spot herds of deer going about their daily lives, interacting with the vast wide-open spaces that make up this enormous park. Continue through and you’ll stumble across quaint ponds brimming with ducks and birds that are quacking and splashing, fighting for bread and other stupendous confectionaries such as other types of bread.
Wherever you end up in Phoenix park, the journey there will be memorable and worth it.
7. Glencar Waterfall
The Leitrim’s Glancar Waterfall is fairly close to Glencar Waterfall. It’s about 1km along a paved path and is suitable for all types of users. It provides a wonderful vantage point from which to view the waterfall which is particularly spectacular during wet conditions. 11km west of Manorhamilton, there’s plenty more waterfalls along your way but none as romantic as Glencar.
6. Powerscourt
Powerscourt is a place that feels as though it has been taken straight out of the Sound of Music. It is real, but it will leave you wondering how. Overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Powerscourt Estate is set in one of the most profound places in the Republic of Ireland and is bound to make you fall in love with it, as well as anyone you are with. Whether or not you have an appreciation for horticulture, you can’t help but be bowled over by the breathtaking setting. Travel on to the waterfall if you want to double the wow factor.
5. Muckross House
This Beautifully preserved victorian era mansion is located in such a location that it is a world-class setting in itself. Muckross House sits on the shores of Muckross Lake, the middle of the three Lakes of Killarney and makes for an ideal destination. There is a lot of land surrounding the estate to get lost in with your partner, but if you felt like something a bit more leisurely then take a jaunt around Muckross on a traditional horse and cart, or bring your bike or old runners to stomp around the lakes and trails in this Kerry attraction.
4. Titanic Museum
Although the Titanic crashed and sunk and equated to over a thousand lives lost, we thought that the titanic museum should make it into this list. The movie is rated as one of the most iconic love stories of recent times, which makes the titanic museum one of our most romantic places to visit in Ireland. Pro-tip, all either of you needs to do is to start humming a little bit of ‘My heart will go on and you can recreate the infamous boat scene we all (unfortunately) can’t forget.
3. Lakes of Killarney, Co Kerry
The three main lakes of Killarney, County Kerry occupy a broad valley stretching south between the mountains. The three lakes and the mountains that surround them are all within the Killarney National Park. This might be one of the most beautiful spots in the Republic of Ireland, and it makes the perfect lovers’ heaven, with green landscapes, mountains, and the most spectacular views.
The three main lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake – are nestled in a mountain-ringed valley that starts at the Black Valley. Ladies View, located on the N71 from Killarney to Kenmare, is an amazing stopping point to view the area. So boys, take your lady and you can both take in the spectacular views that you’ll hope to carry on with each other for a while to come.
2. Bunratty Castle, Co Clare
Question: what is more, romantic than a real medieval fortress?
Answer: Nothing
At Bunratty Castle each night there is a medieval banquet where you are treated like members of the medieval court along with singers and musicians. If you phone ahead, you can even get a minstrel to serenade your loved one while you offer her a ring or some other token of your love. In my case, it was breadsticks and red wine.
1. Cliff of Moher, Co
Clare In a few years, these cliffs may be labelled one of the Seven Wonders of the world due to their 394-foot high cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. If you manage to go on a clear day it’s a special place to be. You can look as far as the eye can see and you should be able to spot Galway Bay. There is nowhere quite as magical and what better place to pop the magic question to your special someone.
Yes, Europe is amazing, and Yes there you can see and experience some amazing things but nowhere in Europe is quite like Ireland. A short ferry away is a land of magic, history and adventure. Grab your loved one and get exploring.
