Top Couples' Getaways In Ireland For 2023
Above Image: Clew Bay, Westport, Co Mayo.
It's time to reignite that flame. Spend quality time together at any one of these romantic Original Irish Hotels.
Couples in need of a break should look no further than the lush green countryside of Ireland, where there are plenty of getaways on offer. Invigorate yourselves with a breath of fresh air on hillside walks or relax and unwind with soothing spa experiences.
We've hand-picked some of the most attractive hotel breaks for couples looking for a special weekend or break away to rediscover the magic in their relationship.
Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Co. Mayo – A Secluded Refuge
Knockranny House Hotel & Spa is a magnificent hotel proudly overlooking the picturesque town of Westport. This beautiful modern Manor House offers breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay's islands to the west and the Nephin Mountains to the north.
And if lush views aren't enough, at the heart of your experience, you'll discover the serene Spa Salveo, your tranquil space for the next few days. Indulge in dry floatation and switch off in the serail mud chamber for optimum relaxation. Explore the expansive thermal spa, and it will soon become apparent why so many reviews mention repeat visits. This luxury hotel boasts exceptional service and fine dining for a pleasingly affordable price in your home away from home.
Above Image: Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Co Mayo
Things to do
The idyllic Georgian town of Westport is home to plenty of attractions, including boat trips around Clew Bay as well as sea trampolining, kayaking, and surfing for adventure-seeking couples.
A packed calendar of music, food, and cultural festivals awaits you throughout the year. If you don't fancy strolling on the beach and watching the sunset over the magnificent bay, you can always soak up the atmosphere at one of the town's many beautiful restaurants or local pubs.
Image Above: Clew Bay, Westport, Co. Mayo
Mount Falcon Estate, Co. Mayo – A Heavenly Harbour
Mount Falcon Hotel, a Gothic Victorian Manor, nestles amidst a hundred acres of magical woodlands begging to be explored. With outdoor yoga and forest sound baths, you'll discover a world of complete relaxation.
Boasting a 9-bay golf driving range, leisure centre, spa, archery, private fishing facilities and more, this luxury hotel has something for every couple to enjoy. Featuring, birds of prey and experienced falconers, as well as archery and shooting on the menu, Mount Falcon has a wide array of activities available for the outdoorsy couple that wants to experience all nature has to offer indeed.
And, of course, after an exciting day among the elements, you'll want to take advantage of the luxurious spa, with its 17m heated pool projecting into the surrounding woodland—pure bliss.
Above Image: Mount Falcon Estate, Co. Mayo
Things to do
If you fancy venturing further afield, Mayo has a lot to offer. Worth a visit are the beautiful Ceide Fields, the ancient stone-walled farmland dating back six thousand years; truly an awe-inspiring sight for lovers of natural beauty and historical monuments alike.
Nearby, the rugged hill walks on offer at Croagh Patrick will afford adventurous couples a beautiful view over Clew Bay and its tranquil, sparkling waters. And if cycling is your thing, the Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland at 42km and, is almost entirely traffic-free.
The town of Ballina is not far up the road, where you'll find Irish whiskey tasting with exquisite food pairings at Connaught Whiskey Company. At Belleek Castle Museum, take a trip back in time to discover the exciting lives of the Knox-Gore family who inhabited its grave-grey walls.
Above Image: Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo
Randles Hotel, Co. Kerry - A Dazzling Escape
The very picture of elegance, this fully restored Victorian villa is located at a convenient walking distance from Killarney's town centre. At Randles, you'll taste the best oysters you've ever had with indulgent, freshly-caught seafood every night, perfectly paired with offerings from the nearby Killarney Brewery Company.
The hotel has an elegant Drawing Room, which offers a selection of delicious pastries and sandwiches for loved-up couples to share. Later, you can reignite the romance with a soothing skin treatment at the opulent Zen Day Spa, which uses only naturally pure products. Here at Randles, sleek decor and welcoming ambience combine to create a truly stunning getaway spot.
Above image: Randles Hotel, Co. Kerry
Things to do
Elsewhere at Killarney – if you can tear yourselves away from the hotel – there are mysterious islands and verdant valleys at which to marvel. Certainly a destination for every nature enthusiast, couples will find the Torc Waterfall especially enchanting as it cascades down rugged mountainous rocks.
And with its abundance of mature woodland, flora, and fauna, Killarney National Park offers a haven for stolen moments in each others' company. Nearby, Muckross Abbey was founded as a Franciscan friary in 1448 and has been reconstructed more times than can be remembered. Its central courtyard, with a lone, magnificent yew tree, is enclosed by a vaulted cloister. Muckross is the epitome of romance, as it is the resting place for Kerry Poets: O'Donoghue, Ó Rathaille, and Ó Súilleabháin. Piaras Feiritéar is also said to be buried nearby.
Above image: Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Ballyseede Castle, Co. Kerry - A Dreamlike Vision
A majestic fortress nestled in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballyseede Castle will take your breath away the moment you set eyes on it. Expertly combining elegance with, its rich legacy can be found amidst lush woodlands where food and services are nothing short of exemplary. Many words you'll hear whispered about the place include "dreamlike", "spectacular" and "absolutely magical" – so how could you afford to miss out?
Rekindle the flames of your romance as you ascend, hand-in-hand, up its elegant oak staircase to your beautiful room, which may well come with a four-poster bed. Fine dining is on offer at the restaurant, where smart casual dress is essential in surroundings renowned for serving beautiful, local, and seasonal Irish fare.
If a more informal setting is your thing, Pappy's Bar offers an all-day dining option, serving an extensive menu that you can enjoy near an open fire while you listen to the "Tall Tales of Tim" the barman.
Above Image: Ballyseede Castle, Co. Kerry
Things to do
A change of surroundings is always needed to savour precious moments with your beloved, and you'll find many moments to cherish along the Wild Atlantic Way. Its splendid beaches, rugged coastline, and mesmerising scenery have enchanted couples for generations.
Near Ballyseede Castle, the town of Tralee is famous for its Rose of Tralee International Festival. You'll even find a glass wall in pretty Tralee Town Park bearing the names of all the contestants in the festival's beauty pageant.
Meanwhile, the world-class Kerry County Museum has galleries on local history and a recreation of medieval Tralee. The town is also the home of the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Siamsa Tíre, which puts on a full calendar of Irish music and dance performances year round.
And who could forget Blennerville Windmill which stands as the dominant landmark in Tralee Bay – where the town of Tralee meets the Dingle Peninsula. It was authentically restored to full working order in the 1980s. It is the only windmill along Ireland’s Atlantic Way and is the largest working windmill in Ireland.
Book a staycation in one of Ireland's top hotels with your loved one now and revel in the memories for a lifetime.
Above image: Blennerville, Tralee, Co. kerry
ABOUT ORIGINAL IRISH HOTELS
Original Irish Hotels are a collection of unique, owner-run hotels, located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Open the door to the magic of unmissable moments with Ireland’s leading collection of independent hotels.
Our 55 hotels are dotted around the entire island of Ireland in must-see locations, from the Wild Atlantic Way, to Ireland’s Ancient East, the Causeway Coast, Dublin and the treasured heartland of Ireland’s midlands and lakelands.
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