Romantic Ireland
Dublin
The capital and largest city in Ireland, Dublin offers plenty for couples. You can stroll around St. Stephen’s Green park, explore the iconic Temple Bar along Grafton Street or visit the Guinness Storehouse, where you can pull their own pint and take in some of the best views of Dublin. For visits to the Library of Trinity College, we will need to prebook your time slot.
Where to Eat: For those who wish to experience uniquely Irish food, The Hairy Lemon makes Dublin Coddle, an Irish stew. For a more upscale dining experience, The Saddle Room or No.27 The Shelbourne Bar at The Shelbourne hotel are great options.
Where to Stay: For an ultra-luxurious experience, suggest The Shelbourne, an Autograph Collection property. Located across from St. Stephen’s Green, it offers a world-class spa along with a historic presence (it’s where the Irish Constitution was drafted and signed in 1922). The Grafton, meanwhile, is a good option if you are seeking a more modern hotel with a boutique feel. Known as one of Dublin’s hip properties, it’s located in the heart of the creative quarter.
Killarney
Killarney is a beautifully quaint town southwest of Dublin that’s known for Killarney National Park — Ireland’s oldest national park, where couples can explore by foot, bike or even a jaunting car (a horse-drawn carriage).
Where to Stay: Situated on 6 acres of beautiful gardens right in the heart of Killarney town, the historic Great Southern Killarney was established in 1854 and still retains its original Victorian architecture. Couples will love the Wine Room, where they can try wines by the glass from the Enomatic wine-serving system — the only of its kind in County Kerry — as well as traditional afternoon tea service in one of the Victorian drawing rooms.
What to Do: You can go into the 15th-century Ross Castle inside the national park grounds, walk around the town, or go for a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry. In town, you’ll find great vibes and incredible food at Harrow, known for its steak, seafood and hand-crafted cocktails.
Dingle Peninsula
Dingle is vibrant, surprising and delightful in every single way, from the eclectic pubs and the colors of the painted houses to Michelin-recommend restaurants such as The Chart House. (Fun fact: Parts of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” were shot on the Dingle Peninsula.)
Where to Stay: An intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Dingle, Dingle Benners Hotel is the oldest hotel in the area and dates to the 1800s. The property offers honeymoon and other packages for couples, who can also opt to take part in its award-winning daily afternoon tea service.
What to Do: You should not miss Slea Head Drive, a stunning circular route that starts and ends in Dingle. This scenic tour takes travelers through Irish-speaking villages, historical sites, cultural landmarks and the Stars Wars filming location. For music and dancing, try The Dingle Pub, where you can dance with five-time world champion Irish dancer David Geaney.
The Burren
There’s no other way to describe this area than “otherworldly” — being in Burren will make you feel like they’ve escaped to another planet altogether. It’s home to some of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, and it offers much in the way of romance. Picture this: you are walking hand in hand along the trail of the dramatic cliffs in County Clare — a true fairy-tale getaway.
Where to Stay: For the ultimate couples’ experience, stay at Gregans Castle Hotel, where beautiful flowers are in bloom all around the property. The property offers a wonderful juxtaposition between the stark, rugged rocks of the Burren landscape and vibrant, colorful gardens and luxurious amenities such as gold faucets. (Note: If you are traveling by train, you must book ahead and arrange transport to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands. If you are driving, the coast is about 30 minutes from the hotel.)
Sneem
Along the Ring of Kerry just outside Sneem is Parknasilla Resort & Spa, a world of its own offering couples access to the sea and mountains. Focused on wellness and rejuvenation, the property features activities such as sea kayaking, golf, nature hikes, yoga, archery, cycling, tennis, wild swimming and an impressive nighttime guided walk along the property to experience the night sky reserve.
What to Do: With absolutely stunning views across 500 acres of land — along with access to islands, inlets and hidden beaches — there’s no shortage of adventures for lovebirds to have or new activities to try together here. Animal lovers will enjoy the hotel’s owl and falcon experience, while couples who love a puzzle will geek out over solving the Murder Mystery, a complimentary activity where clues are scattered around the resort.
Cong (Ashford Castle)
Another destination unto itself — and the ultimate couples’ playground — is the iconic, 800-year-old Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo. Located on a 350-acre estate along the Wild Atlantic Way, this Forbes Five-Star Hotel and former home of the Guinness family offers an ultra-luxurious experience.
What to Do: Partners can relax in the hotel’s award-winning spa or take part in more than 20 outdoor adventures, from clay shooting and falconry to ziplining.
Sample Group Tour
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Credits: Claire Zlobin, Travel Age West 2023