Why not book a Valentine’s getaway and discover the many ways to celebrate romance on the island of Ireland.
Where better to celebrate St Valentine’s Day than in the very city where the saint is buried. On a Dublin break you can visit the Shrine of St Valentine in Whitefriar Street Church and ask him for a blessing.
Afterwards take a stroll down Love Lane in the buzzing Temple Bar district of the city to see the street art and inspiring quotes from writers and poets written on the walls.
If your wedding is on the horizon, sign up for a workshop at Silver Works where you can forge your own wedding rings in the experience of a lifetime. Guided by expert tutors you can fashion your wedding bands in a choice of gold, silver or platinum. The four-hour workshop shows you how to choose a shape, a style and a finish, incorporate a twist or a curve in the precious metal and make the results uniquely yours.
If you would rather buy a ring that says I love you, why not head west to County Galway, the birthplace of the Claddagh ring, which is the quintessential Irish symbol of love and friendship. The ring is styled with hands holding a heart that wears a crown. The heart signifies love, the crown loyalty and the hands friendship.
In Galway City you can drop into Thomas Dillon’s, the original makers of the Claddagh ring since 1750 and the oldest jewellers in Ireland. As well as making a purchase there, you will be able to see some of the very first claddagh rings made as well as the world’s smallest claddagh ring set on the top of a tailor’s pin.
Wedding bands at Silverworks, Dublin City.
While in County Galway don’t miss a visit to Kylemore Abbey, said to be the island’s most romantic building. It was built in 1867 as a gift from Mitchell Henry to his wife and sits in gothic splendour on the edge of a lake.
For the ultimate romantic Valentine’s getaway, a stay in an Irish castle hotel is perfect and there are lots to choose from. Cosy up in fairy-tale Lough Eske Castle in rugged County Donegal, enjoy the epitome of luxury at multi-award-winning Ashford Castle in County Mayo or stay in Ballygally Castle in County Antrim on the stunning Causeway Coast.
And there are lots of other ways to celebrate St Valentine’s Day in Ireland, from a romantic walk along a golden beach to a gourmet meal in a top restaurant, a relaxed evening in a music-filled pub or a visit to world-class attractions.
However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day in Ireland, you’ll love it.
