TRAVEL: Our island of romance

VALENTINE’S Day is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than going off together for a couple of days to somewhere that you can really bond.

A romantic 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.

We’ve already taken a look at some in a previous edition but let’s have a look at a few more of the loved-up locations where you can conjure up some magic.

George Hotel, Limerick

This luxury 4-star hotel located in the heart of Limerick will put a Valentine’s Day sparkle in your loved one’s eyes.

Arrive to the boutique 4-star hotel and raise a glass of bubbles to true love as you indulge with a Valentine’s Day cupcake and take in the breath-taking city views from your deluxe room.

Explore all that Limerick City has to offer from retail therapy to cultural hotspots before returning to the hotel to kick date-night off in Da Vincenzo's, the authentic Italian eatery, gazing into each other's eyes over a traditional Bolognese – Lady & The Tramp style! 

 Return to your bedroom and relax and unwind before waking up the next morning to a delicious Irish breakfast with late check-out until 1pm.

Valentine's Day at The George Hotel starts from €180. For more information or to book visit www.georgelimerick.com or call 06-460400.

Ice House, Ballina

Melt hearts this Valentine’s Day and escape to the Ice House in Ballina, Co Mayo where contemporary chic meets traditional elegance on the banks of the River Moy.

Enjoy a one night stay in a luxurious river view room with chilled bubbles and chocolate treats on arrival, a leisurely breakfast, a romantic Table D’Hote dinner and an outdoor couples Seaweed Bath overlooking the River Moy in Chill Spa’s unique thermal garden.

At the Ice House Hotel it’s the little things that make a romantic break extra special. Snuggle up under cosy goose down duvets and Foxford Woollen Mills blankets, relax in the unique waterside hot tub and sauna as the sun sets over the river.

The Valentine’s Day package is available from February 14-17 and starts from €355 based on two sharing.

For more info visit www.theicehouse.ie

Rose Hotel, Tralee

Nothing says romance like candlelit meals, rose petals, chocolate and long lazy mornings spent in the company of the one you love.

This Valentine’s, The Rose Hotel in the heart of Tralee, has combined luxury with their warm and welcoming surroundings to give you a weekend of romance and indulgence. 

The Timeless Romance package offers the choice of one or two night’s accommodation with a freshly prepared breakfast each morning.

On one evening of your choice you and that special someone can sip on a signature rose cocktail before dining in the elegant surroundings of The Park restaurant or The Rose Room.

In your room, some romantic surprises await you including a rose petal turn down, chocolate covered strawberries and chilled bubbles.

On your final morning, finish off your romantic break with a leisurely lie in as all Valentine’s guest can avail of a 1pm late check out. For roses that just want to relax, the Timeless Romance package also includes a 50 minute treatment in Serenity Spa.

The Timeless Romance package is available from €200 per person sharing for a two-night stay including dinner on one evening, breakfast and a 50-minute spa treatment each. For further information visit www.therosehotel.com or call 066-7199100.

The Shelbourne, Dublin

You don’t even have to leave the city to have a five-star romantic break.

The Couples Concierge at The Shelbourne will help celebrate this Valentine’s Day by arranging any extra treats and surprises you might desire, whether that’s dinner for two or oysters and Champagne, breakfast in bed or chocolate dipped-strawberries, one of the in-house florists’ gorgeous hand-tied bouquets or a dozen red roses, or your choice of romantic movie to watch in your elegant room.

You might choose to arrange for your significant other to have a deliciously relaxing massage or pampering spa treatment, or one of The Salon at The Shelbourne’s renowned Hollywood Legends treatments, signature treatments inspired by legendary style icons including everything needed to get ready for that all important close-up, with a luxurious blow-dry and manicure accompanied by a chilled glass of Champagne. 

Couples Concierge at The Shelbourne for Valentine’s Day also includes access to one of the hotel’s most celebrated services – the hotel concierge himself, whose expertise can be drawn on to arrange show tickets, restaurant bookings, carriage rides or anything else that might be top of you and your loved one’s wishlist.

The only limit to the romantic gestures is your imagination.

Couples Concierge Valentine’s at The Shelbourne is available on Valentine’s Day itself, Thursday February 14, as well as the rest of Valentine’s weekend until Sunday February 17, and costs from €350 per Deluxe room and €480 in one of the hotel’s wonderful Parkview rooms including bed & breakfast and rose petal turndown, with additional extras at a variety of prices, designed specifically for each couple.

Visit www.theshelbourne.ie for details.