Valentine Adventures in Amorous Ireland

There’s no shortage of ways to dance with romance on the island of Ireland

by Shrutee K/DNS

9^th February 2018 : Ireland’s rolling green landscapes, fairy-tale castles, famous poets and ancient mythology make it one of the best places in the world to spend time with your squeeze. For those wanting to light the spark of romance this coming Valentine’s Day, here are just five inspiring ideas.

Drop in on St Valentine’s shrine

Celebrate 14 February by dropping in on the patron saint of lovers himself in Dublin. Yes, it’s true, there is shrine to St Valentine’s shrine in the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church. It contains relics (some of the remains) of St Valentine, brought to the city a long time ago. On St Valentine’s Day, there is also a Blessing of Rings ceremony at the church for those about to marry. After visiting, take the five-minute walk to Love Lane, a narrow alleyway in Temple Bar dedicated to love.

Check out a poetic waterfall

Irish literary giant W. B. Yeats, who penned some fine love poetry in his day, used to visit Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim as a young man. He found it mystical and inspirational – and you will too if you bring your sweetheart or partner. Lovers regularly propose here, and the surrounding lake and woodland make for great romantic walks and picnics.

Create a Titanic romance

Remember the scene at the prow of the Titanic when Jack (Leonardo Di Caprio) shows Rose (Kate Winslet) how to fly? Strike your own pose around Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, or sweep your lover down the attraction’s grand staircase. On Valentine’s Day, spend a night to remember watching a drive-in 20th anniversary screening of TITANIC: The Movie under the stars on the exact spot the famous ship was designed, built and launched from.

Spend the day at a fairy-tale castle

Romance comes as standard at Kylemore Abbey in County Galway. Known as Ireland’s most romantic castle, this fairy-tale destination was built in 1867 as a lover’s gift. A destination of grandeur and breath-taking beauty, couples can’t but fall for the gothic romanticism of the architecture, Victorian walled gardens and lush woodland walkways, all steeped in love, legend and history.

Dazzle your lover in a lighthouse

A great way to mark 14 February is to book a stay at the historic Blackhead Lighthouse that once guided great ships on their journeys out of Belfast Lough. Perched on the edge of a cliff, this magical setting on the County Antrim coast is decked out in antiques and has charm by the bucketful. With luck, you’ll witness romantic sunsets or cosy up in a storm.