Winter is a wonderfully romantic time in Ireland – from the crashing waves of the Wild Atlantic Way to the mysticism and storytelling of Ireland’s Ancient East.  If you’re planning to pop the question, you’ll undoubtedly have been doing your research to create the memories of a lifetime. After you make the decision on the ring, then the location will be paramount. The setting is all important in creating the best atmosphere for asking the most important question of your life!

Here are four creative choices for getting engaged during Winter 2017 in Ireland:

Ask Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Fanad Lighthouse, Donegal

One of the most novel ideas in the past number of years in telling the world about the beauty of Ireland has been the dreaming up of the Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching from Cork to Donegal all along the coast, this wild and stunningly beautiful route has huge choice when it comes to locations for proposals. A fun and innovative addition has been the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ passport – a beautifully produced document that features the top spots along the Wild Atlantic Way and each location can be stamped at the local post office when you visit the area. Why not present your intended with a copy of the passport to add to the intrigue? There are 157 discovery points along the way, in addition to 1,000 attractions and more than 2.500 activities. The best idea is to tailor your proposal and decide where you want to stop off on this 2,500km of coast road whether you plan a fireside proposal in a country manor or outdoors with a panoramic view.

Ireland’s Ancient East – Perfect Place for Proposing

Ballysaggartmore Bridge, Waterford

You’ll definitely add another layer of romance to any proposal if you choose to head for Ireland’s Ancient East. The east of the country has come alive like never before and pulsates with legendary tales. There are maps and itinerary ideas available with route planners around the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Ireland’s Ancient East is a fantastic choice for a winter proposal, as many of the routes focus on stories from the past and center around romantic big old houses and ancient sites. It really doesn’t get more romantic. While slightly more understated than the Wild Atlantic Way, there are beautiful and mystical waterside locations to pop the question and if you like going off the beaten track – then Ireland’s Ancient East is definitely an option to consider when planning this life-changing time. The food culture in the area has really come to the fore and is central to many of the inspiring itineraries that stretch through the counties.

Dublin – A Breath of Fresh Air

Ha’penny Bridge, River Liffey, Dublin

Why not consider Dublin for your proposal? Ireland’s capital city has recently been voted the World’s Second Friendliest City, the Second Best Place for Americans to Live and the city was the runner up for Europe’s Leading City Break Award. Dublin has been challenging perceptions over the last number of years and in addition to the traditional highlights of the city like the galleries and pubs and Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells and Trinity, the city is becoming known as ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’. Any of the beautiful coastal villages around Dublin could provide the perfect setting for getting down on one knee. You’ll be back in the city in around 30 minutes and ready to share the news with friends and family to begin the celebrations! One of the best things about Dublin is the quick access to stunning beaches and magical mountains and there is nature all around – just choose your canvas for getting down on one knee!

Pop the Question in the Natural Beauty of Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Northern Ireland is known the world over for its natural beauty. From mountains and glacial valleys to Norman castles and stunning coastal views, it has it all. From golf courses that are world class to Celtic and Christian monuments, the question is how do you choose the best spot to propose with so much choice available? The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge will give you photographs to remember for the rest of your life, or what about beautiful Belfast - ‘the Titanic City’. Fermanagh can also be fabulous with the Lough Erne Resort set in 600 acres or if you’re looking for the ancient mixed with the contemporary, why not think about Derry. A really original and different way to propose would be a night ‘under the stars’ at Finn Lough Forest, where you can sleep in a pod with 180 degree transparent walls and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature while staring at the sky and stars.

From wonderful walks to the friendliest of welcomes, from cosy pubs to stunning castles and manors – Ireland is definitely the most romantic country in the world right now to propose in. What are you waiting for?