When it comes to romantic getaways, Ireland oozes with fairytale romance.
From moss-covered magical castles to luxury properties in the lush countryside, these recommendations span from coast to coast with something for every couple.
Whether you’re traveling with your significant other for your honeymoon, a babymoon, or just heading to Ireland for a vacation, everything on our list will surely spark love in the Irish air.
On the culinary side, if you know us, anything romantic also has to have delicious dining options as well.
From morning until dinner, these locations all have fantastic culinary programs and options.
All of these luxurious accommodations offer free breakfast, from an expansive buffet in the dining room of a castle, to a curated picnic basket of breakfast foods delivered to your luxury glamping dome.
Learn more about these incredible places to stay in Ireland for couples:
Experience Five-Star Countryside Romance at Sheen Falls Lodge
For couples dreaming of a luxurious Irish countryside escape, Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, County Kerry, offers the kind of setting that makes you want to extend your stay.
This five-star Relais & Châteaux property sits on an expansive 300-acre estate overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Sheen River and Kenmare Bay.
Voted the Best Resort in Europe by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards: Ranked No. 1 Resort in the U.K. and Ireland, and a 2 Michelin Key hotel, Sheen Falls showcases its elegant accommodations, lush grounds, and peaceful waterfront setting, it’s an ideal retreat for couples looking to experience the romantic side of Ireland.
Sheen Falls Lodge has a wide variety of beautifully appointed guest rooms and spacious suites. We were blessed to stay in a Falls View Suite that overlooked the cascading waterfall.
We loved waking up to the sound of rushing water, enjoying a leisurely coffee together, and taking in the surrounding scenery before setting off for a day of exploring the grounds.
And when it comes to activities, you don’t have to leave the estate to find something memorable. The property offers a range of experiences, including horse riding, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, and scenic walking trails.
While we were there they even had a Gormleys Art exhibit throughout the entire property worthy of top museums of Europe. You can spend the morning enjoying the outdoors before returning to your room for some well-deserved downtime.
We encountered a cozy, Irish rainy day so we allocated time for their afternoon tea service with gourmet imported teas and champagne overlooking the stunning falls. The treat included salmon and ham that was prepared in their on-site smokehouse.
Foodies will also appreciate the dining options at Sheen Falls Lodge. The Falls Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience in a beautiful setting.
The meal showcased dishes like in-house smoked salmon, fresh truffle shaved over ravioli, caviar-topped lobster bisque and was one of the best meals we’ve savored all year.
We cover Michelin restaurants all over the world, and if they don’t get a star soon we will be completely shocked!
For couples who enjoy making dinner part of the destination itself, this is a wonderful place to slow down and savor the evening.
The lodge is also conveniently located just outside the heritage town of Kenmare, giving you easy access to independent shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Sheen Falls Lodge provides complementary luxury car service to the town center.
Its position near both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara makes it an excellent base for scenic drives through some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.
Spend a day exploring the surrounding countryside, stop in charming villages along the way, and return to the lodge for a romantic evening overlooking the water.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a honeymoon, or simply looking for a luxurious place to reconnect, Sheen Falls Lodge offers an unforgettable combination of Irish hospitality, beautiful scenery, and five-star comfort.
Old World Elegance at the Glenlo Abbey
Glenlo Abbey is the ultimate luxury in the Galway area.
Without question, it’s the best hotel to stay at if you are looking for a luxury hotel but still want to be near the active area of Galway, Ireland.
This estate and five star hotel is just a short drive to Galway city center where you can enjoy all the live music that the area is known for.
The Glenlo Abbey was built in the 1740s and covers an expansive 138 acres. The grounds themselves are stunning.
Upon checking in, you’ll be welcomed by cozy open fires in the reception area as well as in the bar and sitting areas.
The spacious rooms include a sitting area near the large bedroom window that overlooks the expansive golf course.
Or, if you’re looking for more space, choose a private, luxury lodge.
If spending time on golf courses isn’t of interest, consider booking one of the other unique experiences available through the Glenlo Abbey.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. You may want to take their bicycles around the trails of the jaw-dropping property or take a scenic boat trip on their lake.
There is even an on-property excursion featuring falconry!
Learn about the history of falconry at Irish castles and manor houses and snap a photo with a feathery friend.
During our stay, we decided to take a romantic excursion so we booked a horse riding adventure through the Glenlo Abbey.
A driver took us on a short ride to grassy pastures where we climbed atop our horses and took a scenic ride along the Irish countryside.
This romantic stay at the Glenlo Abbey isn’t complete without a meal at the award-winning restaurant.
The Pullman restaurant is actually a retired train car from the Orient Express and was featured in the movie Murder on the Orient Express.
The dining experience transports you back in time with old world glamor and exceptional service, which makes it one of the best places to celebrate a special occasion.
Even if you cannot stay at Glenlo Abbey you should make a reservation for the Pullman.
A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without a visit to Galway, and the Glenlo Abbey is the best place to stay in the area.
Experience Regal Luxury at the Ballynahinch Castle
One can not go to Ireland for a romantic vacation and not stay in a castle.
The Ballynahinch Castle is an awe-inspiring estate with a cozy, welcoming feel.
We were lucky enough to visit just a few weeks after the debut of their new, lakefront wood-fired saunas.
The saunas have a pristine view of the lake and Irish forest, but provide total privacy to those inside the sauna.
After booking a session, you’ll take a private golf cart through the forest to the destination sauna.
You’re provided with a basket with slippers, water, fruit, and towels, which provides a thoughtful touch.
These luxury saunas not only look beautiful, they make you feel amazing.
You can alternate between taking a cold plunge in the local lake or cooling yourself with the shower buckets of water once you start to feel too warm from the wood fired sauna.
After the perfect afternoon relaxing in nature, we headed to their Fisherman’s pub where we savored the best mussels we have ever tasted.
The Mussels come from the nearby Killary fjord which is located just minutes away from the castle, and it’s the only fjord of Ireland.
The portion was probably big enough for three people, arriving in a stock pot that should be used to simmer a large pot of soup.
The mussels tasted clean, fresh, with the essence of the local waterways and were complimented with a broth that had us sipping it from the pot at the end of the meal.
Their fries were also perfectly crispy and an essential complement to the mussels.
Although this is technically a pub, it’s super cozy and romantic in its own way, for a much more relaxed dinner.
If you’re looking for a white tablecloth experience, the dining room is more of a fine dining setting with a pre-fixe menu.
The complimentary breakfast is hosted in that dining room, which features breathtaking views of the lake.
Enjoy an expansive European breakfast buffet, complete with a sweet, roasted leg of ham, available for slicing.
Then order breakfast from their hot breakfast menu to enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast or a luscious benedict.
In your free time, spend time with an estate tour, a fishing excursion, wander the walled garden, or relax in your castle accommodations.
The hotel room was full of old-world charm, and our room even had a patio which overlooked the lake and trails.
We only had one night at the castle, but whenever we can make it back to Ireland we will need a few nights to just relax and enjoy the lush, manicured grounds.
Pamper Yourselves at the Ice House Hotel
For an incredible hotel experience in Mayo county, head to the Ice House Hotel.
Here we were treated to a lakeside seaweed soak, saunas, hot tubs, steam room, and incredible views of the waterway.
This hotel was once an actual ice house for the town, where fishermen would toss their fresh catch of the day down through a hole into the ice-filled room below.
The Ice House still celebrates the rich history by displaying that feature in their hotel reception check in area.
Today it is a destination spa in the town of Ballina, Ireland.
The spa suite guest rooms offer stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, framing the picturesque waterway like a mural for your hotel room.
Walking from your spa suite brings you through their full award-winning spa, which means your hallway is filled with tranquil scents and soft, relaxing music.
You’ll pass beautiful relaxation lounges and treatment rooms offering couples massage and facial treatments.
We wandered past all the rooms to bring ourselves to the outdoor thermal suites where a seaweed bath for two was waiting for us.
Two large tubs sitting next to each other were filled with fresh local seaweed, which offered incredible moisturizing benefits, much like an aloe plant.
We were served some complimentary raspberry gelato and hot tea and also had the option of adding on a glass of sparkling wine.
We cheersed our glasses as we took in the spectacular views from the seaweed bath and then ventured to the other thermal spa offerings.
You really don’t even need to leave the hotel as the restaurant is the top-rated dining establishment in the area.
They offer a menu featuring many different global-inspired dishes.
We enjoyed the oh-so-tender short ribs with Guiness and rosemary sauce as well as the Barbary duck that was served two ways: seared as well as confit and wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper.
Leaving the Ice House Hotel will instill deep relaxation and a romantic connection with your loved one.
Immerse in Nature at Finn Lough
When traveling across the border to Northern Ireland, you can’t immerse yourself into the elements more than at Finn Lough.
This luxurious nature retreat is far from “roughing it”.
In most instances where glamping is marketed as an artificially manufactured way to enjoy the elements, Finn Lough couldn’t be more opposite.
You are fully immersed in nature while at Finn Lough.
We were transported to a place of relaxation and serenity as we stayed in their premium bubble dome.
The transparent bubble walls showcased the forest of Northern Ireland as the leaves were starting to transition from lush greenery to a vibrant golden yellow.
Our private bathtub just called for a relaxing soak using their complementary Finn Lough milk bath as we could hear the birds chirping through the otherside of the dome, relishing in Ireland’s natural beauty.
The four-post bed had nearly a 300 degree view of the forest and on a clear night you could even see the night’s stars.
Finn Lough took great care in spreading the bubble domes and accommodations across the vast woodland acreage, so that you can relax in complete privacy.
However, the resort also fostered a sense of community with guests during moments of complementary coffee and mimosas at the lakeside dock cafe, around cozy fireplaces in the lounges, or at the nightly movie screening in the vintage cinema.
Many produce items are grown on site, which makes dining at Finn Lough fresh and local.
The mushroom toast had us begging for another bite and the sous vide chicken with XO sauce was masterfully cooked, creating some of the juiciest chicken we have tasted in years.
The biggest highlight from Finn Lough was their spa offerings, from a private hot tub soak on the shore to the Elements Spa Trail, be sure to read more about this in our article on Forest Bathing in Ireland.
It was such a memorable experience, we can’t wait to return to Finn Lough again one day.
Relax and Recharge at Galgorm
For couples who want to dedicate a portion of their Ireland vacation to relaxation, Galgorm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an incredible massive spa resort to consider.
Set along the River Maine amid peaceful woodland and landscaped gardens, Galgorm offers a countryside retreat where you can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a little indulgence together.
The biggest draw for many guests is the resort’s renowned Thermal Spa Village.
Rather than simply booking a massage and heading back to your room like a normal spa, you can spend time exploring an extensive collection of thermal experiences, including heated pools, outdoor hot tubs, saunas, relaxation areas, and refreshing cool-water experiences.
For a romantic retreat you can also book a private waterfront hot tub experience complete with fresh fruit and sparkling wine.
The riverside setting adds to the atmosphere, making it easy to forget about your everyday responsibilities for a while.
Couples can move between the different bathing experiences, find a quiet spot to relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings together.
For an especially romantic stay, consider one of Galgorm’s more secluded accommodations.
The Forest Den accommodations offer another way to combine rustic surroundings with upscale comforts.
We absolutely loved the waterfront private hot tub, outdoor shower, wood-fired sauna, and fire pit. There was even a piano on the terrace!
When you’re ready to venture out of your room, Galgorm also offers several dining options on site. We opted for delivery straight to our forest den the first evening and was amazed by the quality of the meal.
During the afternoon, we discovered The Conservatory for a high tea service overlooking the rushing river and stunning green grounds.
For a cozy sit-down meal, head to Gillies Restaurant to find burrata salads, grass-fed burgers, and perfectly cooked duck breast.
After a day of spa treatments and lounging by the water, having delicious food close at hand makes the experience even better.
What we love about Galgorm for couples is that you can make the entire stay about enjoying each other’s company and enjoying the natural environment of Northern Ireland.
You don’t need to pack your days with sightseeing or drive from one attraction to another. Instead, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, spend hours at the spa, indulge in a wonderful dinner, and retreat to your own private Irish sanctuary.
If you’re planning a Northern Ireland getaway and want a hotel that combines wellness, nature, and luxury, Galgorm is an excellent choice.
Experience the Ultimate City Getaway at The Mayson Dublin
If you can spring it, the Warehouse Penthouse at The Mayson is one of the most incredible hotel rooms in terms of layout and amenities that we have ever stayed in.
Imagine sitting in your private hot tub overlooking the Liffey River only to discover the ROOF IS RETRACTABLE!
The expansive patio features two sun loungers, an outdoor sitting area, an outdoor dining area and a wooden outdoor hot tub, filled with fresh water.
This entire area has expansive views of Dublin’s famous waterway and the retractable room opens up to fresh irish air and glistening stars in the nighttime.
The actual hotel room has contemporary design and floor to ceiling glass doors that open to that stunning patio, allowing you to bring the outside into your room.
The room feels like an entire apartment, featuring a separate living room, main bath area with a contemporary shower, and the bedroom which also features a jaw-dropping bathtub made entirely of glistening copper.
The tub comes complete with bath salts and a tub caddy with a champagne glass, just begging to hold your favorite book as you soak in the copper oasis.
Even if you do not stay in the Warehouse Penthouse, the hotel offers a close location to the river, plus great hotel amenities like a gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
The Mayson is a boutique hotel with a vibey, posh interior and even offers a rooftop restaurant on the top floor overlooking the Liffey River and Dublin City.
Be sure to read more about our luxurious Dublin getaway for more luxe hospitality recommendations.
Enjoy Urban Luxury at The Montenotte Hotel
If you’re looking for a romantic city escape in Ireland that combines luxury amenities with a vibrant dining scene, The Montenotte Hotel in Cork is a wonderful addition to your itinerary.
This independent hotel sits high above Cork City, offering beautiful views across the city and harbor. The property blends contemporary design with the charm of a transformed 18th-century residence, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy.
One of the things that makes The Montenotte stand out is its variety of accommodations. Couples can choose from elegant hotel rooms, spacious residences, or the Woodland Suites, which offer a more secluded escape with private terraces and views of the surrounding greenery.
Of course, a romantic hotel stay isn’t complete without great food and drinks, and The Montenotte delivers on both fronts.
During lunch time, head to their adorable Italian truck serving up gourmet pizzas.
Panorama Restaurant is a highlight, pairing seasonal dishes made with local Irish ingredients with panoramic views of Cork.
The restaurant’s stylish atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a special dinner, in fact, it was one of our favorite meals in Ireland. We loved the venison tartare, Irish scallops, and duck breast with poached pear.
The rooftop terrace is perfect for a relaxing breakfast or for enjoying cocktails together before heading out to explore the city.
While we didn’t have time to visit Bellevue Spa, we did take advantage of the wellness facilities. The hotel offers a robust fitness center, olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.
We love the idea of using The Montenotte as a base for exploring Cork’s culinary scene, visiting local attractions, and discovering the colorful streets of this Irish city before returning to a luxurious retreat above it all.
If your ideal Irish getaway includes boutique hotel style, memorable meals, cocktails with a view, and a stroll through the hotel’s Victorian gardens, The Montenotte deserves a spot on your list.
Our journey to Ireland exceeded all expectations thanks to the luxurious and unique accommodations that proved to be the best places to stay in Ireland for couples.
We can assure you that no matter your itinerary in Ireland, adding any or all of these hotels will act as the perfect base for your Irish destinations.
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