Make Your Valentines Day Special In Ireland
The Feast Day of the Patron Saint of Love and Romance the 14th of February is just two weeks away – so for a romantic getaway break to remember, why not escape to the wonderful island of Ireland? There is so much to see and do, with several locations to enjoy and discover together.
We have identified five wonderful areas that you will both love so much it will be like a second honeymoon! Read on for more…
Visit Dublin City and Saint Valentine
Why not take a trip to Ireland’s Fair City and as part of it visit the Saint Valentines Shrine? The Carmelite Church on Aungier Street is the resting place of Saint Valentine’s remains – they were donated in the early 19th century by Pope Gregory XVI to boost Catholicism in the city.
A mass is said in this church every Valentines Day and the relics of the Saint are placed on the altar of the church. It is fair to say that Saint Valentine has been claimed by the Irish – after all his final resting place is here in Dublin for nigh on 200 years!
There is so much to browse through in Ireland’s capital city for your Valentines weekend break. Famous buildings are plentiful, from Trinity College (home to the Book of Kells) to Dublin Castle and there is plenty of shopping to be enjoyed on Grafton Street.
You could spend the day trawling through the famous streets of Dublin, home to literary greats from Joyce to Behan. Round off your weekend by staying in a luxurious hotel!
Visit County Clare
Clare is a county of many contrasts, from the rugged coastline of the west and north that contains the karst rock region of the Burren and the majestic Cliffs of Moher, to the plains of mid Clare that include the cosmopolitan County town of Ennis, and the east of the county, with the wonderful Lough Derg making the boundary between Clare and Tipperary at Killaloe.
For a romantic Valentines Break to remember, why not book a cruise on the River Shannon at Killaloe and venture north on a peaceful cruise through the pleasant waters, passing pretty villages such as Mountshannon and Williamstown on the Clare side and Dromineer, Garrykennedy in Tipperary, and all the way up to the larger town of Portumna in County Galway.
The views are majestic here. If you are into traditional Irish Music and culture, then you are well advised to head to North West Clare, to the wonderful village of Doolin, a short distance from the world famous Cliffs of Moher, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Visit County Kerry
Like Clare, Kerry has much to see and do, and plenty for a Valentines Weekend! You could venture west to Dingle and check out the rugged scenery of the coastline there, where much of the film “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed. One of the best picks for a romantic break in Kerry is the charming town of Killarney, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The town has everything, from charming shops, to wonderful accommodation outlets, pubs and restaurants and a wonderful National Park that allows you to walk for hours upon hours together. The scenery outside the town isn’t half bad either – with wonderful lakes, stunning mountain ranges and the wonderful “Ring of Kerry”.
Visit County Wexford
A Valentines weekend in County Wexford can be just what the doctor ordered! A relaxing break in some of the most stunning scenery that you are likely to see! The county itself boasts over 100km of coastline offering golden sandy beaches, and offering an escape route from the stress and noise of urban living.
If you are interested in heritage and culture, then a visit to Wexford is for you! What could be better than discovering Irish heritage at The Irish National Heritage Park where you can learn about the history of Ireland? By visiting New Ross you can re-enact life on an Irish emigrant ship to the USA on a specially recreated ship called “The Dunbrody”, and the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
At Hook Head you can take a romantic trip to visit the world’s oldest operational lighthouse. You see, a romantic break in Wexford can educate you whilst you enjoy the sights and sounds!
Visit County Galway
A visit to Galway City and County is well recommended as part of a Valentines weekend in Ireland. The city has much to see and do, with a vibrant nightlife and remarkable restaurants. A short drive outside the city will take you to the wonders of the wilds of Connemara.
For peace and tranquillity, this is the place to go. Surrounded by nothing but mountains, wonderful lakes and magnificent beaches, you will be spoilt for choice in getting the best out a romantic getaway break in Connemara in West Galway.
There is so much to explore by taking in a Valentines break to Ireland. In order to get the best out of your trip to Ireland, your best bet is to secure a good value for money car rental. For the very best deals in car hire, check out our Car Hire Ireland page.
Have you been to Ireland for Valentines Day before? Where did you celebrate the romantic occasion? Please let us know your thoughts – we would love to hear from you!
