Love is in the air. But the team here at Portwest don’t want you to let the crisp cold Irish breeze or rain put you off taking a romantic date this valentines!
We advise that you let the weather awaken your senses. Get out there together and explore our beautiful landscape. We guarantee you that the cold air will help bring you closer together and sharpen your senses. This weather can add to the experience as long as you don’t forget to wrap up well, in appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.
Once you are geared up, check out our list of the
6 Most Romantic Locations in Ireland;
- Love Heart Lake, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
- Diamond Hill, Co. Galway
- Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
- The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
- Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave, Co. Sligo
- Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
1. Love Heart Lake, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
First on the list goes to Love Heart Lake aka Lough Ouler, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow if you’re looking to take the ultimate romantic selfie.
Lough Ouler is Ireland’s famous corrie lake that looks like Cupid himself carved out a heart-shaped treasure at the base of Tonelagee. The name of the mountain however, is a complete contrast to something of such beauty; as it is derived from the Irish name ‘Tóin le Gaoith’ which literally translates to 'arse to the wind' in Irish!
This hike itself is not for the faint hearted. Getting there involves a challenging walk of approx 8.5km/3.5 hours, starting from the car park just above the Glenmacnass Waterfall.
If you and your partner are going to take on this trek together, please be aware that this is not a casual walk. You should research carefully, take safety precautions and dress appropriately. Under no circumstances should this be attempted in fog or inclement weather
2. Diamond Hill, Co. Galway
This one is for anyone who is thinking of popping the question to their outdoor loving partner this Valentines! At Portwest we couldn’t think of anywhere in Ireland more fitting to propose than on the top of Diamond Hill.
But even if getting down on one knee at the summit isn’t on the agenda this Valentines, the Diamond Hill Loop Walk is a captivating 7km trail through Connemara National Park. A perfect place for any couple looking to embrace County Galway’s spectacular mountain scenery. Embark on this loop trail, starting and finishing at the visitor centre, and be rewarded at the peak, which is marked with a cairn at the 445m, with the most breathtaking and rewarding views.
The trail is easily accessible and well maintained. It features wooden boardwalk sections through bogland, idyllic heath landscape. It takes around two to three hours to complete the loop, giving you plenty of time to pluck up your courage to get down on one knee!
3. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
Although this is a very popular tourist spot, with over one million visitors each year; The Cliffs of Moher stretch for about 8km, meaning you’ll still be sure to find a quite spot for some romantic alone time away from the throngs of visitors.
Rising 214m above sea level, The Cliffs of Moher tower above the wild Atlantic ocean and offers spectacular and breath-taking views. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, the Twelve Bens mountain range, the Blasket Islands in Kerry as well as Mount Brandon in Dingle.
It is believed the cliffs are over 320 million years old but it is only in more recent times that their unique beauty has been internationally appreciated, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
A rocky spectacle, with over 40,000 basalt rocks sticking up out of the sea, The Giant's Causeway is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ireland. Caused by an ancient volcanic eruption; it made our list not only as it is a deemed “a spectacular area of global geological importance” but if you visit at sunset be prepared to have your heart filled with the warmth of its beauty. The redness of the sun in the evening adds a warming tinge to the volcanic rocks, making this an incredibly romantic hike.
5. Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave, Co. Sligo
Ireland's highest cave comes with its own romantic, yet tragic, mythical tale. Diarmuid and Grainne were lovers fleeing the wrath of the great Irish mythical warrior; Fionn Mc Cool (The very same legend who is credited with building the Giants Causeway).
Grainne was supposed to marry Fionn but instead ran away with the handsome young warrior Diarmuid. It is said that the lovers had to sleep in a different place each night, as Fionn and his hunting dogs were always just on their trail.
The most famous of the places they are said to have slept is Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave in the Gleniff Horseshoe, Co. Sligo. Under the shadow of Sligo’s iconic landmark, Benbulben, this location made it to our list but just as the story goes, it’s a tragic location too.
The cave is only 400m from the roadside, but it is almost 400m of vertical climbing with no official route. The land you would have to cross is privately owned so we recommend that this is simply viewed from the roadside and that you choose to take a hike to the summit of Benbulben or you prefer a more gentle hike, check out the Benbulben Forest Walk.
The tragic part of Diarmuid and Grainne’s story here, is that this is the place where Diarmuid comes to face to face with an angry bull. A prophecy stated that a boar was the only creature that could harm Diarmuid and he died in the arms of his pregnant lover, under the shadow of the beautiful Benbulben while Fionn MacCool, who finally caught up on them, remained spiteful to his betrayal and refused to save him.
6. Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
Torc Waterfall is situated in another one of the most romantic places in Ireland – Killarney National Park. Along the famous Ring of Kerry driving route, or the equivalent Kerry Way walking route you will find Torc Waterfall.
To get here you will have to take a romantic hike up some steep climbs through through woodland to get to this stunning viewpoint.
Definitely a hike not to be missed if you’re looking to show your adventure loving loved one just how much you care about them.
So there you have it. Our top 6 most romantic places in Ireland. But no matter where you are in the country this Valentine’s Day; don’t let a little cold air stop you and your partner getting out on an adventure. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls that make Ireland such a fairytale destination. Start remembering what Valentine’s Day should truly be about - spending quality time together not just sitting around wishing for a happy ever after!
