TRAVEL: Romantic breaks around Ireland

VALENTINE’S day is just a few weeks away, and what better way to say ‘I love you’ than going off for a romantic getaway.

An amorous holiday can do wonders for your love life and luckily enough there’s lots of dreamy destinations around Ireland offering everything needed for a beautiful break.

Let’s have a look at some of the loved-up locations where you can conjure up some magic.

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Enjoy a twinkling, sparkling, starry break with your loved one at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The stunning setting overlooking the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beach of Inchydoney, makes the perfect romantic backdrop in itself for your Valentine’s break, and the hotel has added in plenty of extras to ensure an unforgettable getaway.

These include two nights in a beautiful guestroom with your own private balcony and sea views; a candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant overlooking Inchydoney beach; a Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies; a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents; and Afternoon Tea for two. This two-night break costs from €358 per person sharing. See www.inchydoneyisland.com.

Ballynahinch Castle

The ‘When You Love Someone’ package at Ballynahinch Castle is a perfect romantic escape, spending two nights in a riverside room with four-poster bed, champagne and chocolates on arrival, and breakfast in bed both mornings.

Dinner for two will be served on one night in the handsome and atmospheric Owenmore Restaurant, the elegant series of rooms overlooking the river, with a remarkable Connemara marble fireplace where the log fire burns brightly. 

Relax over lunch in the characterful Fisherman’s Pub, spend time in the great outdoors and fresh Connemara air with enthusiastic and professional Ballynahinch guides on hand, or you can just explore the many trails and walks at your own pace, hand in hand, and later find one of the many bright corners, comfy couches and cosy nooks by the fire at Ballynahinch to while away the hours together.

A two-night When You Love Someone break with bed and breakfast, dinner on one night, and champagne & chocolates on arrival costs from €295 per person sharing.

See www.ballynahinch-castle.com.

Savoy Hotel, Limerick

The Savoy Hotel, where romance resides, is the perfect place to spoil that special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day. Allow the team at this handsome and polished Hotel to take care of your every need so that you can lose yourself in the polished luxury of Limerick City’s only 5-star hotel. 

It’s the little things that make a romantic retreat away at the Savoy extra special. Check into your deluxe room, where a bottle of bubbles will be waiting for you on arrival, enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner in The Savoy Restaurant with romantic tunes in the air from the hotel’s resident pianist, and following dinner return to a Valentine’s rose-petal turn down service in your room.

Wake up at leisure the following morning and enjoy The Savoy Hotel’s famous full Irish breakfast, served until 12 noon.

For those who wish to make their stay extra special, add to your romantic getaway with a special Valentine gift, including flowers on arrival, delicious chocolate dipped strawberries or an Alex Findlater & Co hamper filled with goodies delivered to your room.

This Valentine’s Day package costs from €240. See www.savoylimerick.com.

Delphi Resort

Nestled among the beautiful Delphi Valley, within 300 acres of forest and at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, the moment you arrive at Delphi Resort, you’ll feel as if it is just the two of you. 

Enjoy a two night stay in one of the beautiful bedrooms overlooking the majestic Mweelrea and Twelve Bens mountain ranges.

Spend your day exploring the landscape, unwind together in the luxurious Delphi Spa with a luxurious Thalgo algae bath and back, neck, shoulder massage and thermal suite experience while taking in sweeping views of the landscape from the relaxation room or simply cosy up together in front of the fire over a crossword.

Home to delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, make some memories over a three-course dinner by candlelight in the hotel’s 814 Restaurant.

Romance will be in the air with a trail of romantic gestures from Delphi Resort including delicious chocolates, luxurious robes and slippers laid out in your room. Costs from €245pps (for two nights). Visit www.delphiresort.com for details.