Ireland is a land of lakes, mountains and rivers and they are surrounded with mythology. A riverside proposal is a romantic and timeless location to ask the big question. We look at the four most romantic riverside locations to propose in Ireland.

Ha’penny Bridge, River Liffey, Dublin
One of the most iconic symbols of Dublin, the Ha’penny Bridge (officially called Wellington Bridge) is right in the center of the city and a very popular place for proposals. The bridge has become such a romantic stopping off point that many couples have been attaching ‘love lock’ padlocks to the bridge and throwing the keys in to the River Liffey to symbolize their unbreakable love. The name of the bridge came about, as when it was assembled on site in May 1816, citizens of Dublin enjoyed ten toll free days to walk across, but after that it was considered a convenience and was paid for in ha’pennies. The bridge is a wonderful place to propose, as there are plenty of bustling bars, hotels and restaurants nearby to celebrate in afterwards.

Ha’penny Bridge, River Liffey, Dublin

Powerscourt Waterfall River Walk, Wicklow
It doesn’t get more romantic than the River Walk at Powerscourt Estate, Co. Wicklow. The main pathway was laid back in 1868 by the Viscount of Powerscourt so that his family could enjoy the serenity of the River Dargle. Your proposal will be even more dramatic because this location is also where you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall (121m), the Powerscourt waterfall and the surrounding 3km of pathways and secret woodland trails will give you plenty of time to pop the question before going back later to celebrate in the nearby Powerscourt House or high-end hotels or the romantic Enniskerry village.

Powerscourt, Wicklow

Gougane Barra, River Lee National Park, Cork
In the south of Ireland, the famous River Lee rises at Gougane Barra flowing through dramatic and beautiful scenery for over 50km before it reaches Cork Harbor. There is even a tiny island at the lake at Gougane Barra, connected to the shore by a causeway and it was said that Saint Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork founded his early Christian monastery and then moved down the River Lee to establish a monastery which is now Saint Finbarr's Cathedral in the city. This is a special and very romantic place and a chance to also explore the magnificent beauty of West Cork.

River Nore Valley Walk, Kilkenny
Kilkenny, otherwise known as the Marble City is well worth considering as a romantic place to propose. The River Nore is one of Ireland’s most beautiful and along with the River Suir and River Barrow is known as one of the Three Sisters. The River Nore Valley Walk is truly beautiful with cycling and walking tracks along the famous riverbank with a full 10k out and back through the scenic village of Bennetsbridge home to Nicholas Mosse pottery – a good stopping off point for lunch either before or after the proposal!

Kilkenny Castle