In this post I will go over all the things to do in Ireland for couples. While the definition of romance differs from person to person, I think we can all agree on the fact that going on a romantic trip and walking hand in hand with your partner while gazing at the beautiful landscape is something that sure qualifies as romantic. Romantic gestures like giving flowers or buying a box of chocolates are in no way less important, but if you want to really sweep your partner off their feet, plan a romantic trip. If that sounds like too much work to be done alone, you have nothing to worry about; we are here to guide you. Although Europe is full of places that will take your breath away, there is something magical about the island country of Ireland.
The Emerald Island, Ireland, is nothing if not a lover’s paradise. With sprawling meadows that teleport you to a different world and stunning castles and cobbled streets that make you feel like you’re in medieval times, Ireland is a place like no other. It is the perfect balance of modern and ancient. With the rich Celtic culture still running and throbbing in its veins, Ireland has much to offer above and beyond what meets the eye. The unparalleled experience of going to this mythic place will only leave you wanting more.
There is no dearth of places to visit that will give you a modern experience, but what sets Ireland apart is the amalgamation of modern and ancient, the old-world charm that will create a vacuum once your vacation is done. It provides the perfect backdrop for a dreamy romantic vacation, with ancient castles and alluring coastlines. While my husband and I have traveled to a whole list of places, Ireland is something that has stuck with us. It wasn’t just the usual touristy destination where you keep hopping from one tourist hotspot to another and find hordes of people waiting in line. In places like that, you usually end up only glancing at things without really taking the time to soak them all up and enjoy every bit. But if you ask me, when you’re on a romantic trip, just you and your partner should choose places where you’re actually able to savor each other’s company rather than hopping from one tourist attraction to the next.
What made Ireland so special for us was how mysterious it appeared, with its vast expanse of countryside, the clear skies making the perfect background for breathtaking sunsets, and the massive castles setting testament to the rich history and culture of this place and the variety it had to offer for the both of us. So if you’re planning your romantic getaway, your grand honeymoon, or your anniversary, here are some things to do in Ireland for couples.
Things to do in Ireland for couples
- Spend your vacation in a castle hotel. The first and one of the best things to do in Ireland for couples who are there on a romantic retreat is to stay at a castle hotel. Ireland is said to have more than 30,000 castles, and some are still unaccounted for. While some of these were built by families to keep themselves out of harm’s way, a number of them were left in ruins, and a few of them were converted into beautiful hotels with sprawling lawns. Staying at one of these castle hotels is a fine way to start your romantic getaway. I wanted a royal treatment and wanted to feel like a queen, so staying in a castle hotel was on my priority list in Ireland, and it did not disappoint me. While modern hotels have a lot to offer in terms of advanced techniques, there is something so magical wrapped in the old-world charm of castles. This was like a fairytale dream come true. So make sure you enrich your experience by choosing ancient over modern and making your romantic getaway incredible.
- Pay a visit to St. Valentine in Dublin. We have all heard of St. Valentine, the patron saint of love and lovers. He has a whole Valentine’s Week dedicated to him globally. But very few people know that his relics are stored in the Whitefriar Church in Dublin. Since this isn’t a very commonly known fact, it skips the itinerary of most people, but while on a romantic getaway, don’t forget to pay the saint of love a visit and immortalize your love story. For my husband and me, this was a lovely experience since we wanted to go someplace quiet where we could sit and reflect and enjoy each other’s company away from din and St. Valentine was the perfect spot.
- Dine in a medieval castle: If staying at a castle hotel seems to burn a hole in your pocket, you have nothing to worry about. What I would suggest you do instead is take your partner to dine in a medieval castle. You can still get to experience that charm and lose yourself in medieval times without breaking your bank. The atmosphere they create will give you the complete experience of being in the Renaissance; the music, the performances, the food—everything will take you back in time and create a memorable dining experience for the two of you.
- Fly over the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher majestically sprawl over the beautiful Atlantic Coast. When you reach the top with your favorite person in the world, there’s nothing more you’d enjoy than holding hands and looking at the gorgeous view. The clear blue sky, the everlasting ocean in hues of blue and green, and the intoxicating salt breeze make for the perfect backdrop to fall in love with your partner all over again. You can make the experience even more magical by catching the sunrise or sunset from there. It is definitely one of the fun things to do in Ireland for couples, and I personally loved catching the sunrise from the cliff, taking in the gorgeous hues changing every few seconds, ushering in the morning in all its glory. It was definitely a delight to watch, and don’t forget to carry a picnic basket if you’re in the mood to catch the sunset. Having a glass of champagne with your partner overlooking the ocean while the sky changes color isn’t something you get to experience every day.
- Pay a visit to Portstewart. Getting to live in nostalgia with your partner is one of the greatest joys you can experience. Can there be anything better than reliving your childhood joys with your partner? I don’t think so! If you don’t know, Ireland is divided into two distinct parts: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the matter, let me just tell you that there are some fun things to do in Northern Ireland for couples. Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, is a great place to relive your childhood nostalgia with your partner. This port town has some really amazing amusement parks, where you can hop on your favorite rides, share candy floss, and get all crazy.
- Don’t miss out on the Dark Hedges: Have you been a follower of Games of Thrones? If you have loved the series as much as I did, you need to visit the Dark Hedges. This was shown as the road to the famous King’s Landing. It is beautiful, to say the least, with the trees lined on either side of the road and making a tunnel of sorts where you can steal a few kisses with your beloved. The place has become really busy, thanks to the popular show, so I recommend that you stay overnight in a nearby hotel and go there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowd and watch the sun rise, drowning the place in its glory.
- Take the long walk at the Cuilcagh Broadwalk. There is a plethora of things for couples to do in Ireland. If you’re a couple that’s all in for nature and adventure, I know just the spot for you. The added advantage of this place lies in the fact that it is so Instagrammable, you can’t help but click a million pictures. The Cuilcagh Broadwalk is more than 1.5 km long and situated on the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although you need to walk a whopping 5.8km to reach the Broadwalk, prep yourself and keep some snacks and water bottles handy. But let me tell you straight up: it is worth it. The landscape that staggers in front of you, with shades of green merging into the aqua sky, is sure to blow your mind away.
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway: You’ve probably seen this place a number of times as wallpaper, but witnessing it with your own eyes will leave you feeling amazed. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most iconic natural wonders of Northern Ireland and seems almost surreal. This is a natural phenomenon that emerged due to volcanic activity, although according to Irish legend, the Giant’s Causeway was created by a giant named Finn McCool, who wanted to get to Scotland. You can feel the absolute magic interwoven in this place while navigating it with your better half.
- Galway girl: If you are that couple who loves to explore art galleries, visit pubs, and walk through the cobbled streets, hand in hand, is your idea of a perfect romantic day, Galway is the place for you. This place is spruced with art galleries and still keeps the pub culture of Ireland alive.
- Visit Kinsale for some food coma. If you’re a foodie couple just like us, you’re going to love Kinsale. This place is also known as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland” due to its famous eateries, so be prepared for a treat (quite literally). Apart from the culinary experience this place offers, you’re in for a visual treat here. The brightly painted rows of shops in hues of blue, green, orange, red, and yellow are sure to give the rainbow a complex look.
- Have the famous Irish beer at Guinness Storehouse: You cannot call your visit to Ireland complete without a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. There are guided tours of this historic brewery, after which you can head to the bar and have a pint of freshly brewed beer, raising a toast to each other before calling it a day.
- Romantic picnic at Powerscourt Gardens: While picnics may seem old-school to some, I loved the experience of packing a picnic basket with some of our favorite gourmet snacks and finding an isolated spot in the Powerscourt Gardens, away from the din. You can have an incredible time in the company of nature, full of serenity and quiet intimacy. I made sure that we didn’t use our phones during the time we were there, so as to give more quality time to each other in one of the most enchanting places I had visited.
Thus, Ireland offers a platter of offerings when it comes to romantic escapades for couples who want to get away from the daily monotony of life and wrap themselves in the envelope of love. This island country offers you a vast variety of experiences, from a medieval feel to bright cities to fairytale castles. It won’t stop amazing you with its majestic beauty and magnificent allure. Ireland is rich in its culture, its history, and its scenic beauty and provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic holiday, whether you’re a newly married couple or an old one looking to rekindle that spark and feel in love again. Ireland is bound to give you memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. I know it did to me, making me want to go back there again, as you can’t have enough of it in one go. The landscapes, the countryside, and the iconic geological marvels that are nestled in this beautiful little country will not leave your memory for years to come.
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