With Valentine’s Day fast approaching on Friday, 14th February, plenty of loved up couples in Ireland are in search of an unforgettably romantic location to pop a certain ‘question’. With a choice of scenic countryside, serene lakes, majestic mountain scapes and historic castles, Ireland has a host of romantic hideaways to inspire a proposal to remember or even to celebrate a special Irish honeymoon.
So if you are considering popping the big question on Valentine’s Day in Ireland then here are our top ten suggestions:
1. Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Scenic Killarney National Park is populated with mountains, lakes, traditional Irish cottages and some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. A horsedrawn carriage can take you around the park and conveniently come to rest at the cascading 60 foot high Torc waterfall… a true Irish natural wonder.
2. Whitefriar Church in Dublin
Each year on Valentine’s Day a multitude of couples make their own pilgrimage to the Carmelite chapel in Dublin City centre. The remains of St Valentine are resting peacefully inside the chapel and a visit to the patron saint of lovers has inspired many marriage proposals on the 14th February
3. Marble Arch Caves, Fermanagh
Utter the unforgettable words of ‘I Do’ amid a world of stalagmites and stalactites in these fantastic natural caves tucked in under the lush green Fermanagh countryside. Discovered back in the 19th century, these awe inspiring caves are quite literally like stepping into another world or dimension.
4. Standhill Beach, Co. Sligo.
Get swept away with the salty sea air and gentle lapping waves on a romantic walk along Strandhill beach in Sligo. Take a horse ride along the sand, check out the view of Mount Benbulben or unwind with an Irish seaweed bath together, one of Sligo’s specialities.
5. Inchydoney, West Cork
West Cork is synonymous with rugged natural beauty and picturesque Inchydoney is the perfect place for romantic hideaway. Enjoy a picnic on the grass covered hills overlooking the West Cork coastline and even carve the words ‘I love you’ in the sandy Inchydoney beach below and go for a couples massage in the award-winning Inchydoney Island Spa.
6. Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
John Ford’s classic “The Quiet Man”, which recounts the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara love story, is synonymous with the small village of Cong from the . In fact, the cast even stayed at the five star property. Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle is the perfect base from which to start exploring the romantic west of Ireland.
7. Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Co Wicklow
Romance will definitely bloom after a stroll through the gardens of Powerscourt House, one of Ireland’s finest country estates. The expansive gardens include 47 acres of manicured landscape and colorful flowers. Don’t miss Ireland’s highest waterfall, also on the estate.
8. Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare
On a clear day the view from Clare’s west coast is breathtaking – sweeping cliffs, the expansive Atlantic Ocean and the Aran islands in the distance. You might have to battle the Atlantic wind, but this will definitely be a proposal to remember.
9. Glendalough Valley and Tower
Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, the early Christian Monastic site of Glendalough is bliss to visit. See two lakes as well as a picturesque round tower. A walk through this gorgeous valley is guaranteed to inspire many to drop down on one knee.
10. Newgrange, Co Meath
In Irish mythology, Aonghus and Caer both flew to Newgrange and lived there in the form of swans. The Megalithic Passage Tomb is renowned around the world and dates back to 3200 BC and is the location for the Winter Solstice when sun lights up the inner chamber each year. Around 50 people are chosen by lottery to experience this ancient wonder in the flesh. Now that would be a truly unique Irish proposal.