Love on the Emerald Isle: Most Romantic Places in Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher, an enduring classic. Visiting these massive and beloved cliffs is always a wondrous experience, but visiting with your true love is even better! Whether you opt to charter a boat to pass underneath the magnificent precipices, or you prefer to hike along the cliffs, setting off from the quiet Doolin village is perfect en couple!

A horse and carriage ride in a charming 19th century buggy through the wild beauty of the Gap of Dunloe in the heart of Killarney National Park – what could be more romantic than that? Stop off at the Wishing Bridge to make a wish with your beloved before continuing on to the elegant Muckross House, before listening the sound of cascading water at Torc Waterfall.

Stay in the elegant luxury of the newly-renovated Adare Manor, just reopened in 2018, to be pampered in one of the romantic places in Ireland to stay. If that’s not enough, stroll arm in arm with your other half through the adorable village of Adare, where cute thatched cottages house homey restaurants and snug shops.

For a truly unique and magical experience with your partner, do a moonlight kayak in Cork. From a dazzling sunset to a starry sky, this is lovely experience to share with your lover. However, to truly experience one of the most romantic places in Ireland, paddle through quiet, moonlit waters to marvel at the astonishing bio-luminescence (at certain times of year), emitted by thousands of marine fireflies lighting up the waves.

For a unique but romantic foodie experience, try oyster shucking and tasting in the mystical Killary Fjord. A region known for its seafood (and in particular, its shellfish), this is the perfect way to experience the magic of Connemara. And did you know that oysters are aphrodisiacs? The best time to experience their aphrodisiac quality is spring – which coincides well, as spring is also the best time for a seashore walk to see their different stages of growth!

For nature-loving couples looking for Great Outdoors romantic places in Ireland, a hike through the quiet backcountry may be just the thing! Head to County Sligo’s Ben Bulben Mountain for a blend of nature and legend – either the Gleniff Horseshoe for a gentle walk, or to Ben Bulben’s summit if you’re ready for a challenge. This magical valley is alive with stories and legends, but the one that springs to mind is the tragic love story of Diarmuid and Grainne, mythological lovers eternally pursed by an angry giant, who met their ends under Ben Bulben’s shadow in the real-world Cave of Diarmuid and Gráinne.

A beachside picnic is one of those experiences that always sounds lovely, but then when you arrive and must share the sand with hundreds of others, the moment loses its romantic appeal. So instead, for a truly romantic experience, picnic at a beach like Mayo’s Silver Stand, Derryclare or Glassilaun Beach in Connemara for a remote, quiet beach where you can listen to the waves, taste the salt in the air, and have the sand to yourself!

St Valentine’s shrine and final resting place of his relics in Dublin.

Okay, so bear with us on this one. While you’re in Dublin, pop over to the little-visited Whitefriar Street Church, founded in the 13th century. The reason couples need to visit this specific church? It’s the final resting place of St Valentine! Head here to pay homage to the patron saint of love before wandering Dublin’s lively alleys to the Ha’penny Bridge – a perfect place to share a kiss in the moonlight!

Due to its high latitude, Ireland enjoys remarkably long summer days. If you’re in Connemara with your spouse, a perfect way to spend a summer evening is to ride bikes along the aptly-named Sky Road. Not only can you and your loved one drink in impressive panoramas, but you’ll witness perhaps one of the best sunsets in Ireland on a lovely romantic getaway!

Too often today when we think of lights after dark, headlights and street lamps and storefronts come to mind. But for a decidedly more romantic experience, head to County Mayo, one of Ireland’s most rural open spaces, for a romantic getaway to experience Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park, showcasing some of the darkest and most pristine skies in the world. On a good, dark night, you’ll see up to 4,500 twinkling stars, a few planets, the Milky Way and the occasional meteor shower all without a telescope!

Discover the magic of ancient Glendalough monastic site.

Founded by St Kevin, the monastic site of Glendalough is a magical place tucked deep into the Wicklow Mountains. Long associated with learning and knowledge, today the site is part of a beautiful hike through Wicklow, where mystical lakes, sweeping valleys, heathery hills and rolling slopes come together to form the perfect hiking landscape.

Learn more about hiking in Wicklow here.

Dawn or dusk seem to be the best time to enjoy a beachside horseback ride. One of the loveliest places to enjoy horse riding is on Sligo’s Streedagh Beach, a long and wide sandy expanse perfect for admiring the sunset on the horizon on a simple but perfect romantic getaway.

For a trip tailored just for you and your loved one to the most romantic places in Ireland, send your request here.