By Ruth Cawley
With Valentine’s Day over, it is finally acceptable to stop acting like your partner is perfect and admit that they pissed you off on the day. Now is the perfect chance to get them to make it up to you with a trip away. The Oxygen.ie team has compiled a list of ideal outings that couples might enjoy.
Staycations in Ireland have grown in popularity since the Covid-19 pandemic and people began to appreciate the hidden gems in Irish rural areas and coastal towns. These types of getaways are considered the most romantic as they take you entirely out of the bustling cities and into remote, beautiful locations that you wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.
Enniskeen Estate is one such hidden gem in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland. Located only forty-five minutes away from Belfast, this glamping site offers package deals for overnight stays in its riverside cabins. Alternatively, couples can book daytime activities like the bestselling Electric Bike Picnic & Forest Spa package for up to five hours. Arguably, a more enthralling ambience can be found in the Twilight Spa & S’Mores package. This includes a campfire with access to the sauna and outdoor decking from which you can take in the mountain scenery after dark. The price of this package is £69 per person and lasts for approximately two hours in the evening. All experiences must be prebooked via WhatsApp.
On the banks of Lough Ree in Country Westmeath, Wineport Lodge offers an equally tranquil and restful break for guests. Couples may take advantage of the lodge’s lakeside location to participate in activities like kayaking, biking, and paddleboarding. There are romantic packages available which include access to Cedarwood Spa treatments, four-course dinners, and open-air hot tubs. The rooms are incredibly comfortable with many options for fine dining and sightseeing in the part of Ireland known as the Hidden Heartlands. Rooms are available to book at prices from 380 Euros, depending on the duration of the stay. Prices are typically higher for weekend bookings.
For those of a more southern persuasion, Cottages for Couples provides cosy cottages for intimate getaways in West Cork. These cottages have been renovated from old stone barns or stables into luxurious private spaces with every amenity you could need. The properties are located a stone’s throw away from the likes of Skibbereen, Baltimore, Bantry, Castletownshend, and Schull for sightseeing. Couples love to participate in local year-round activities like pottery classes, whale watching, kayaking, and cycling tours.
However, one of the most attractive experiences in this area is the bioluminescence swim in the Atlantic. This is a seasonal offer for August and September, so it is recommended to reserve spots in advance. It would certainly be a memorable experience that couples could embark on and remember fondly. Guests can avail of a 25% discount by booking through Cottages for Couples. These cottages can be reserved for short and long durations, but there is a two-night minimum deal on weekends.
Keeping with the coastal trend, Easkey Glamping Village in Sligo is a haven for nature lovers. With the added comfort of modern-day amenities, couples can enjoy Easkey’s lush scenery and peaceful ambience. Easkey lies upon the Wild Atlantic Way coastline and as such is renowned for its surfing community. Waves are strong and consistent in this area. Tourists also enjoy walking along the idyllic cliffs and visiting the local pubs. The town of Sligo is within driving distance where people can explore rich heritage sites and recreational activities. Strandhill is another village known for its surfing clubs and beautiful beaches. Couples could stay at Strandhill Lodge & Suites to be closer to the main town and make use of the Voya Seaweed Baths on the promenade.
Alternatively, couples looking to experience something more adventurous together should consider venturing further outside of Ireland. Travelling internationally in February can be an advantage as it falls into the off-peak season (October-April). This means you can essentially get travel packages for cheaper prices and destinations are often less crowded than they would be during the summer or around major holidays.
For couples, February is an ideal time to travel and partake in festivals across the world. Il-Karnival ta’ Malta runs from 28 February until 4 March 2025 and mainly takes place in St George’s Square. Nightlife in Malta is livened up with artistic and musical performances, masked balls, parties, and float processions through the towns. Love Holidays offers deals for hotels and flights to Malta starting from 229 euros per person.
The charming city of Prague provides a wonderfully romantic experience for couples who prefer a city break over a trip to the countryside. There are various must-see attractions like Prague Castle, walking along the famous Charles Bridge, and sipping hot chocolates at the ornately decorated Café Imperial. To learn more about Prague’s ancient history and culture, couples can explore join a medieval underground guided tour of the Old Town Hall and Angels Collage and learn more about the complex tunnel system beneath the city. More romantic attractions include watching the sunset together at Letná Park or indulging in a buffet dinner aboard an open-top glass boat on the Vltava River. Prague has many options for hotels and inns which are advertised on Booking.com for as little as 200 Euros for two adults.
With so many romantic rendezvous to choose from, this year’s getaways will build unforgettable memories for couples to look back on in the future.