With hugs and kisses on hold this year, many couples are turning to Zoom dates and virtual dinners. Yet, the Island of Ireland offers timeless inspiration for future romantic escapes—from proposals at the Giant's Causeway and heartfelt 'I love you's at the Cliffs of Moher, to overnight stays in fairytale castles, recreating Titanic moments in Belfast, or pondering poetry from a land of saints and scholars. Romance awaits everywhere on this emerald isle.
Photo header: The Cliffs of Moher
Dublin: A Hub of Romance
The remains of St. Valentine himself rest in Ireland. In 270 AD, they were gifted by the Pope to Irish priest John Spratt, who brought them from Rome. Today, they're housed in Dublin's Whitefriar Street Church, home to a shrine visited by couples worldwide. Nearby, the charming 'Love Lane' in Temple Bar makes for an idyllic romantic stroll.
Even if a Dublin Valentine's visit isn't possible this year, carry on the tradition: lovers have filled the visitor's book at Whitefriar Street Church with tens of thousands of love letters and heartbreak pleas to St. Valentine—creating the world's largest such collection.
Love Lane, Temple Bar
The Iconic Claddagh Ring
Draw inspiration from Ireland's enduring symbol of love and friendship: the Claddagh ring. Featuring two hands clasping a crowned heart, it originated in the historic fishing village of Claddagh on Galway Bay in Ireland's wild west. Gifting this timeless emblem is a profound gesture of eternal devotion.
Dream Honeymoons
Ireland's landscapes, sculpted by nature and waves, set the stage for unforgettable honeymoons. Revel in coastal bliss, explore breathtaking trails, or unwind in luxurious country houses and lakeside retreats. The options for newlyweds are boundless.
