Top 5 Romantic Places in Ireland

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon and love is in the air! Your significant other will be expecting the usual, flowers, chocolates and a romantic meal. But why not go one step further this year? We thought we would explore the country to find those top romantic locations for the romantic season. Be it a stroll on a lush and peaceful beach, a visit to a 1000 acre national park with glistening lakes or even a proposal atop of Europe’s tallest sea cliffs. Ireland is the perfect place to say “I love you”. Here are our top suggestions for the all important weekend in no particular order.

Moll’s Gap

A passageway along the Ring of Kerry, Moll’s Gap is a 9.5 mile stretch from popular tourist towns Kenmare to Killarney. The route showcases the Irish countryside like no other. Along the way you'll come across amazing views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountains and Carrountoohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The Ring of Kerry is an amazing route to tour but Moll's Gap is truly breathtaking and will make anyone go weak at the knees. Moll's Gap is actually named after Moll Kissane. She ran an illegal pub here in the 1820's where she brewed her own Poitin. Her ancestor John still lives here and owns a sheep farm which you can visit along the way.

The Iveagh Gardens

It can be difficult to find a secluded and peaceful garden open to the public in the Capital City but the Iveagh Gardens is the perfect place for anyone planning a romantic weekend in the city. The great thing about this park is that so few people are aware of its existence! You’ll come across a waterfall which flows over rocks from each county of Ireland, a maze which is copied from the Hampton’s Court Maze in London, statues and fountains, a working sun dial, a Victorian rose garden and much more… it’s blooming amazing!

Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall

Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow is home to many romantic locations. It’s hard to pick one out of the bunch but we had to go with Powerscourt. Located at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the estate is home to a partially restored 13th Century Castle on 47 acres of well designed gardens inspired by Greek and Italian tradition. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m and just 5km from the estate. Powerscourt is a popular setting for weddings and proposals should, one get inspired!

Cliffs of Moher

The legendary Cliffs of Moher in County Clare tops the list of attractions in Ireland and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that it is one of the most romantic spots in Ireland. To be standing atop 702 ft cliffs looking out on what looks like the edge of the world is something truly special. The cliffs attract huge numbers each year so if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more peaceful, a quick detour over to the Napoleonic watchtower on Hags Head is the perfect alternative. From here you’re blessed with a full view of the Cliffs of Moher and the huge waves at the foot of the cliffs.

Dunluce Castle

You’ll find this romantic attraction along the Causeway Coast in County Antrim. Dunluce Castle is a historic castle ruins rich in myth and legend with stories of Spanish treasure, beautiful mermaids and lost soldiers to intrigue visitors. The castle's magical setting is said to have been the inspiration for the the dramatic Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis' Chronciles of Narnia.  It was also included in BBC Countryfile Magazine's top 10 romantic ruins.

So there you have it folks! Of course there are hundreds of locations throughout the country that have that romantic je ne sais quoi but we feel there's something extra special with our locations. Where do you plan on taking your loved one this Valentines season?

 Book your romantic stay 

Posted: 29 Jan 2015 by Niall McKee | with 2 comments

Tags: Ireland, Romantic Getaways