BackForests from a fairytale, breezy cliff-tops, and quiet, old-worldly towns, Ireland is the perfect country for a romantic escape.
Honeymoon, anniversary treat, or spontaneous getaway, all couples could do with a dose of escapism from time to time. For an alternative break this year, how about swapping the usual palm-framed oasis for the rugged coastlines and characterful towns of Ireland?
Why Visit Ireland?
Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) makes up most of the United Kingdom's neighbouring island, covering 26 of its 32 counties. While many travel experts and blogs refer to Ireland and Northern Ireland as one, this blog focuses solely on the Republic of Ireland, but check out our Northern Ireland page to delve into the magic of its counterpart!
Often lovingly called the "emerald isle", Ireland is a playground for lovers of nature, from mountains to beaches and cliffs to rocky coves. It doesn't take long from your arrival in Ireland to uncover the country's astonishing contrasts and heart-warming, friendly demeanour, a welcome which leaves a mark on the soul.
Often, trips to Ireland begin in its capital, Dublin city, renowned for encompassing as many historic sites as it does lively pubs. Just round the corner from the history-infused university, Trinity College, lays Temple Bar, a pub renowned for live music and never-ending hubbub. However, while Dublin rightfully owns its worldwide status, we'd like to highlight some of the country's lesser known spots, which blend fantastically with a tour of the capital.
During your tailor-made romantic escape in Ireland, expect stays in spa resorts, heritage hotels, and cosy cottages. Lap up the country's homely feel, a soft yet enlivening atmosphere which permeates its sweeping hillsides, grand lakes, and charismatic towns and cities.
See our best Ireland and Northern Ireland tours below:
Our top 8 romantic escapes in Ireland:
1. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
2. Connemara National Park, County Galway
4. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
6. Dún na Rí Forest Park, County Cavan
8. Wicklow Town, County Wicklow
1. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Dramatic cliff-edges, scenic drives, and rich heritage
Is there anything more romantic than the purity of nature? Not according to the Romantic poets. The Dingle Peninsula stirs a profound sense of awe, capturing that elusive moment in which emotion swells beyond words. The region is loved for its dramatic cliff-edges, where the quintessential vibrant greenery of Ireland's countryside meets the diamond blue of the Atlantic Ocean's most hidden bays. Whether you and your other half are newly-weds or expecting your golden anniversary, this pristine natural beauty will nourish your connection through the magic of shared wonder.
Dingle Town offers the perfect welcome to the peninsula, with rows of simple houses painted in bright colours, and a pretty port with a gleeful ambience. The village makes for one stop along the legendary Slea Head Drive, a route which showcases Dingle Peninsula's most enchanting scenes, another stop being one of Ireland's best kept secrets: Ventry Beach. Embark on this circular drive in the company of your loved one and uncover a romantic getaway that is both peaceful and awakening.
Another incredible place to visit on Dingle Peninsula is the Dun Chaoin Pier, seen in the image below, an idyllic spot which revitalises your soul with Ireland's powerful coastal winds and wild beauty. From here, the deep blues of Dingle Bay are just inches away, stretching far into the distance, blending with a moody sky.
Exposed brick cottages, cobblestone paths and gentle rivers are characteristic of a Cotswold village.
2. Connemara National Park, County Galway
Mountains, wildlife, picturesque walks
Another gem of immense natural beauty, Connemara National Park is the pride and joy of County Galway, encompassing around 3000 hectares of mountains, lakes, and more. Located a short drive from Galway city, the park makes a great addition to a romantic stay in the city, creating a trip which balances adventure and relaxation. Stay in extravagant properties like Glenlo Abbey Hotel, sinking into its compelling history before lacing up your walking boots for a soul-stirring journey through the wilds of Connemara.
A haven for keen hikers, Connemara National Park's pathways offer a satisfying range in difficulty, making it spectacular for both active couples and those who require more rest. Challenging hikes lead to magnificent viewpoints, some of which sit at the peaks of the "Twelve Bens", the park's majestic mountain range which reaches 729 metres at its highest point. Alternatively, the Connemara Cycle Route encompasses around 150km of looped trails, taking you to the park's rugged beaches, coastal viewpoints, and quaint villages.
Punctuating your expedition through Connemara are visits to the park's cultural markers, with highlights like the dreamy Kylemore Abbey and its pretty, walled gardens. Infused with 150 years of history, a timeline stamped with romance and tragedy, the landmark is a fairytale setting and an idyllic location for couples to become lost in each other's company.
Connemara National Park is dotted with old-fashioned cottages like this one, adding character to each beautiful scene.3. Cork City
Rich history, good food, friendly people
Ireland's natural beauty is endless, but the country's impenetrable reputation has arisen from something else: its people. Like many of Ireland's other wonderful cities, Cork is famous for its blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery, and its residents are proud of its global allure. However, what lives on most in the memory banks of visitors is Cork's remarkable spirit, where relaxed romance meets vibrant energy and an unfamiliar place quickly feels like home.
The gentle presence of the River Lee lies at the heart of Cork, shaping its unique geography as it splits into two channels, turning the city centre into an island. The landmark invites you on peaceful riverside strolls, the perfect way to round off an evening meal in one of Cork's terrace restaurants or traditional pubs. Following time getting to know the city's personality, around the family-owned stalls of its English Market and the 17th-century grandeur of Elizabeth Fort, relax in Fitzgerald's Park. Its glittering pond and pristine greens are framed by floral trees and shrubbery, a symbol of Cork's warmth and a place to indulge in life's simple pleasures, from feeding ducks to picnicking.
Just downstream from the city, County Cork brings more beauty to your couple's escape, with must-visits like Cork Harbour infusing your trip with with a timeless romance. The portside town of Cobh is renowned for its rows of colourful houses, known as the "Deck of Cards", with a maritime history which fills your coastal walks with riveting stories.
4. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Astonishing rural landscapes, homely hotels and wildlife spotting
A spectacle which overlooks the crashing Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher embody the climaxes of Irish natural beauty. Located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Clare, the cliffs rise to a mesmerising height of 214 metres and stretch to around 14 kilometres in length, opening up a treasure trove of opportunities for adventurous couples. The rugged terrain encompasses challenging trails, scenic roads, spectacular viewpoints, and sheer drops into the fierce ocean, with plenty of places to stop and delve into Irish culture along the way.
From your homely Inn, golf resort, or boutique hotel, the tumbling cliffs are just moments from your doorstep, where hiking excursions arm-in-arm are crowned by a warming meal by the fireplace. For couples who love being in the great outdoors, there is no better place for a romantic getaway. Choose between incredible trails like the 'Doolin Cliff Walk', an easy route which spotlights the nearby Aran Islands, the 'Coastal Trail', a 20km walk of narrow pathways and flagstone steps, and the short and sweet 'O'Brien's Tower Walk'.
If you're lucky, find the ultimate cherry-on-top in the region's best wildlife sightings, as seabirds like the puffin and razorbill are within camera's reach.
O'Brien's Tower is one of the most famous places to visit at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare.
5. Inishowen, County Donegal
Wild untouched beauty, hidden gems, and magical waterfalls
Inishowen is the largest peninsula in Ireland, protruding off the north-end of the country in a performance of magnificent natural beauty, comprising of beaches, bays, cliffs, and more. The region beholds a world of discovery for couples compelled by the feats of nature, with a selection of secluded, homely hotels and resorts to provide a soft landing for these adventures.
Begin with Inishowen's most famous landmark, Malin Head, famous for its appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. With unmatched views of the far-stretching ocean, following a steady and scenic drive, Malin Head makes for an unforgettable stop on your romantic trip for two. The region invites you to become lost within Ireland's most remote and rugged landscapes: take Five Finger Strand, a striking beach with towering sand dunes, and Glenevin Waterfall, a 12 metre cascade tucked into the forests of Clonmany. Hikes and treks end in secluded spots which ooze with an intrinsic serenity - there is nothing more romantic!
For those couples drawn to the human history of Ireland, Inishowen homes cultural gems both new and old, a highlight being the legendary Grianán of Aileach, both a viewpoint and age-old treasure. The ancient stone fort perches on a hilltop, manifesting a history of almost 4,000 years and views over pretty bays like Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. For a peer into the nearer part of Irish history, visit Doagh Famine Village, an open-air museum which keeps the tragic tales of the Great Famine alive.
Five Finger Strand is one of the most famous beaches in Inishowen, a romantic spot for couples on vacation.
6. Dún na Rí Forest Park, County Cavan
Mysterious folklore, magical forests and historic gems
A trip to Dún na Rí Forest Park feels like entering a magical realm, where the air is invigorating and golden light filters through a canopy of emerald-green treetops. For lovers of fantasy and fairytales, the County Cavan park is a place of dreams, with its own folklore to tantalise your imagination as you wander through its enchanting woodlands. The park is an off-the-beaten-track destination, a well-kept secret for curious couples to uncover.
The shimmering River Cabra winds its way through the park, while meandering pathways weave through the surrounding 229 hectares of forest, crossing tranquil waters over wooden footbridges such as the "Rabbit Bridge". Norway spruce trees and oaks tower above, stepped in hundreds of years of history and guarding a delicate ecosystem. There are certain checkpoints in the forest park which form part of an intricate web of folklore, like "Sarah's Bridge", built in 1801 in memory of Sarah Mountmorris, who is said to have drowned in the river below following a shock marriage proposal.
Manmade structures are scattered around Dún na Rí Forest Park, like Cabra Cottage and the Ice House, relics which tell stories about the famous Pratt family, previous residents of the land. One of the most famous landmarks is Cromwell's Bridge, said to have been built during the Norman invasion of the 12th century. This oral archive of ancestral stories enriches your journey with captivating mysteries, enlivening the forest as you walk through it.
7. Achill Island, County Mayo
Roman history, great architecture and Bridgerton filming spots
Whether you're seeking a break from demanding work schedules, the constant needs of family life, or the relentless tide of world events, a remote escape in Ireland offers the perfect sanctuary for couples. Achill Island is a brilliant option for a secluded stay, accommodated by one of its family-run B&Bs or boutique hotels with panoramic, coastal views. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast perfected by a warm atmosphere, and step out onto some of the best beaches in Ireland.
The most famous scene on Achill Island is Keem Bay, a postcard-worthy beach where steep, green slopes lead to soft, white sands and turquoise waters, an ideal location for a summer break between June and September. Pack a picnic and soak up the sun before exploring the island's charming towns and scenic drives, perhaps heading to the nearby city of Westport for a stroll up its buzzing high street. If you are renting a car during your trip to Ireland, routes like the Atlantic Drive or Western Greenway are a feast for the eyes.
Meanwhile, while the plentiful pub gardens around the island may be enough for some, history buffs are drawn to the fascinating history of the still and quiet Deserted Village. Encompassing around 100 stone cottages, some of which have become ruins, the archaeological site transports you back as far as the Medieval times. While a somewhat somber experience, a trip to the site makes room for time to reflect with your better half, a moment perfected by the rolling valleys which encase you.
Keem Bay is one of the most popular places to visit on Achill Island, County Mayo. 8. Wicklow
Coastal towns, ancient landmarks and beautiful scenery
South of Dublin, this beautiful town and the rest of County Wicklow is where Ireland's ancient history and soul-stirring coastal beauty converges. With an abundance of historic landmarks to explore, and sprawling forests and mountains to hike, Wicklow exceeds all expectations as you set off on your romantic Ireland escape.
The town itself has stylish hotels, trendy eateries, homely pubs, and plenty of shopping to keep you comfortable before you embark on the Wicklow Heritage Trail, an adventure which takes you back as far as the arrival of St Patrick in 432 AD. Learn about the Normans at the ruins of Black Castle, which overlook the crashing Atlantic Ocean, traverse the town's religious heritage at the Abbey Grounds, and relive the patron saint's landing on Travilahawk Beach. Don't depart from Wicklow without experiencing its beaches and its immaculate harbour, uncovering hidden rock pools, dipping into the cooling waters, and taking romantic sunset strolls.
The rest of the county proposes a range of adventures to fit your desires. The ancient ruins of Glendalough, a 6th-century monastery, is an eye-opening introduction to Ireland's ancient east, nestled into a sweeping valley near two majestic lakes. Tracing northward up the fringes of Wicklow Mountains National Park, a haven for hikers and trekkers, Powerscourt Estate's grand mansion house and enchanting gardens feel like a walk through a Jane Austen novel.
Powerscourt Estate has magnificent grounds, perfect for a sunny day in the company of your other half.
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