Share the Grá this Valentine’s Day with those you love
Want to treat the love of your life this Valentine’s Day or looking for a little romance? We’ve got lots of ideas to make your day extra special and to help you share the Grá this Valentine’s Day.
Romantic Irish locations that will take your breath away
If you’re looking for a romantic location for a Valentine’s picnic or maybe even searching for the perfect place to pop the question, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Ireland. We have some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, so there are plenty of romantic spots to choose from:
Get swept off your feet at the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare (not literally, we hope!). Get a sweethearts’ view of the Sugarloaf from Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. Hold hands (tightly) crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim and make all your wishes come true at the “Wishing Bridge” on the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Take a stroll down Love Lane
If you’re in the capital city this Valentine’s Day, Love Lane is well worth a visit. Just off Temple Bar, this quirky hidden gem is super-romantic. In an initiative called “Love the Lanes”, local artists were given the opportunity to paint murals and unleash their creativity on previously unloved lanes and the result is truly magical. Also check out Anne’s Lane for a totally Instagrammable umbrella canopy.
Have a heart-to-heart with St. Valentine at Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin
For a date with a difference, how about meeting the man himself? (Well, part of him anyway). 3rd Century Italian St. Valentine is the patron saint of love (as well as asthma and bees, for some reason). He was martyred on Feb 14th 269AD and his heart was sent to Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin, where it is kept in a golden box in his shrine. Why not pay him a visit? Nothing says romance quite like the preserved heart of a saint.
Watch a romantic Irish movie (preferably one that won’t make you feel ill!)
If you want to spread the love, you can’t beat a romantic Irish movie to get you in the mood. Admittedly, there are quite a few cringey ones (mostly due to questionable accents) – Far and Away, P.S. I Love You, Leap Year etc. – but they are still good for a laugh. If you’re looking for something properly romantic, though, Once has it all. A captivating story, a beautiful soundtrack and wonderful performances from Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.
Listen to some Irish love songs
We Irish certainly know how to do a love song and we’ve got plenty of suggestions, from cheesy to captivating, for your Valentine’s soundtrack. From Johnny Logan’s 1987 Eurovision-winning Hold Me Now, Chris de Burgh’s Lady in Red, Christy Moore’s powerful Ride On and Sinead O’Connor’s heart-breaking Nothing Compares to U2’s epic One or the Oscar-winning Falling Slowly (or the entire Once soundtrack) by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, you can’t go wrong with an Irish love song.
Find “the one” at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Still looking for “the one”? In the words of Bono, if you “still haven’t found what you’re looking for”, don’t worry – there’s still hope!
Long before Tinder, pre-swiping right, even before the internet, there was Willie Daly, Ireland’s legendary matchmaker. Willie has been making matches for over 45 years and has set up an impressive 3,000 marriages. He attributes his success to his “Lucky Book”, which is a 150 year old collection of love profiles passed down through 3 generations of matchmakers in his family, and promises that those who touch it will be married within 6 months.
You can seek Wille’s advice at the annual Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, which runs for the month of September and is dedicated to helping single people in rural Ireland to find love.
Buy a gift to show you care
Even the most Valentine-phobic among us will still be secretly touched by a thoughtful gift. From hopeless romantics to jokers, we’ve got something to suit everyone. Check out our exciting selection of Valentine’s gift ideas on carrollsirishgifts.com.
Grá-shaped gifts
We’ve taken the guesswork out of Valentine’s gift shopping with a delightful range of Grá-shaped gifts. Who doesn’t love a heart?
Irish Chocolates
For sweethearts with a sweet tooth We’ve got a tempting selection of delicious Irish chocolates for that special someone in your life.
Irish Jewellery
Symbols of love Irish jewellery is rich in symbolism – from friendship and good luck to eternal love, so you’re sure to find the message that hits the right note.
Love yourself
Even if you don’t have a Valentine this year, you should still treat yourself to a bit of Grá with a pampering day or some delicious chocolates. We won’t tell if you don’t!
