Happy Valentine’s Day! Top 10 Romantic Places in Ireland.

Hi everyone and a very Happy Valentine’s Day from Ireland! I hope I find you all well and in the mood for some romance-Irish style. Today, we’re taking a tour of our favorite romantic places as voted for by The Irish Store Family. With our wealth of windswept beaches, fairy tale castles and majestic mountains, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to destinations for courting couples. Here’s our top 10. Enjoy!

Our Top 10 Romantic Places in Ireland

1. Kinsale, West Cork

Where better to start our romantic adventure than in Kinsale, the gateway to West Cork? Often called “Ireland’s Riviera” and “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland,” this picturesque town lives up to its reputation. With amazing restaurants, it’s the perfect place to share a romantic meal for two. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or wander through the charming, winding streets and find a cozy corner in one of its many inviting pubs.

2. Murlough Beach, Down.

Number 2 on our list takes us north of the country to Murlough Beach in County Down. This is the perfect spot for a romantic walk, with golden sands, rolling dunes, and breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains.

3. Ashford Castle, Mayo

When it comes to romantic fairytale settings, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Anglo-Norman house of Burke were the first to build a castle on this site in 1228. The estate was bought by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in 1852 and remained in Guinness hands until the family gifted it to the Irish government in 1939. Today it boasts being one of The Leading Hotels of The World and has hosted a memorable roll call of guests including John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara (the grounds of the castle were a location for “The Quiet Man”) and Princess Grace to name but a few.

4. Dingle Peninsula, Kerry

Next stop, County Kerry. The stunning Dingle peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and quaint fishing villages. Take a leisurely drive along the Slea Head Loop, where you’ll encounter awe-inspiring vistas. Then there’s the charming town of Dingle itself with a wealth of tradtional music and delicious seafood!

5. Glencar Waterfall, Leitrim

We head west now to County Leitrim for a visit to one of Ireland’s most beautiful waterfalls. We’re in Yeats country now, arguably Ireland’s best known poet and one of the last of the Romantic Poets who immortalized Glencar in his poem “The Stolen Child”

“where the wandering water gushes from the hills above Glencar” 

6. Gurteen Beach, Galway

No romantic trip around Ireland would be complete without a visit to the magical place that is Connemara in County Galway. Gurteen Beach in Connemara is a breathtaking haven of soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for swimming and sunset strolls.

7. Aran Islands, Galway

Next up, we’re taking a trip off the Galway coast to the iconic Aran Islands and home to our equally iconic Aran Sweater.  Inishmore, the largest of the islands boasts over 50 ancient monuments of rich Celtic heritage. Inishmann, the least visited of the islands gives a true feeling of getting away from the modern world and was a favourite retreat of Irish writer J.M.Synge. Inisheer, the smallest of the islands, has an irresistible charm and offers astounding views of the Cliffs of Moher.

8. Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal

We head up north to Donegal now to Slieve League, where you’ll be greeted by towering cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect place for a romantic getaway and discover the unspoiled beaches of Donegal and soak in the dramatic landscapes that have inspired romantic poets and artists for centuries.

8. Silver Strand, Malin Beg, Donegal

Nothing says romance quite like an Irish beach walk and we stay in Donegal for a visit to one of its finest. This perfectly formed horseshoe bay with its sandy white strand and irresistible blue waters is such a feast for the senses. Descend the many stone steps and find yourself wrapped in majestic cliffs with stunning Atlantic views.

9. Keem Beach, Mayo

We head down to County Mayo to stop off at yet another beach-we’re obviously big fans of the romantic beach walk at The Irish Store! This time it’s Keem beach on Achill Island. The beach provides the perfect centerpiece to the bay of the same name and is beautifully framed by cliffs on each side. An old coastguard station perches high on the western side. From here you can walk along the top of the cliffs towards Achill Head. More breathtaking Atlantic views await the loved up couple!

10. Powerscourt House & Gardens

We end our top ten romantic Irish places tour back in County Wicklow at Powerscourt House & Gardens. Arguably the jewel in the crown of The Garden of Ireland, the stunning gardens here were first designed in 1731 and cover over 47 acres. They were also voted no. 3 in National Geographic’s top 10 gardens in the world. There’s also a Japanese Garden, statuary and even a pet cemetery!

Thanks so much for dropping by and do share your favorite romantic places in the comments- we’d love to hear from you!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Ireland to all!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.