Munster, Ulster, Leinster or Connacht. Whichever Irish province you have connections with, here are the best places for a Valentine’s proposal in each corner of Ireland.
Munster
The sweeping views of the Dingle Peninsula are unbeatable when it comes to romance. Driving over the famous Conor Pass can be precarious, but it has wonderful stopping off points and lake views before driving down the descent in to the busy streets of arguably Ireland’s prettiest village, Dingle.
If you are thinking of getting down on one knee, the Slea Head drive outside Dingle is an ideal spot as it was once described by the National Geographic Traveler as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’. Along the drive, the ancient church at Kilmalkeadar has an Ogham stone where you slot in your finger to signify a bond with your partner or make a vow.
Leinster
Did you know that the actual shrine of Saint Valentine is at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Whitefriar Street in the center of Dublin? This church features the real relic of Saint Valentine which was brought from Rome in 1835. All through the year couples flock to come and pray to Saint Valentine and to get a blessing for their lives together. If you are thinking of proposing, the feast day on February 14th is a wonderful day to do it but it is advisable to go early as it can get very busy. Celebrations in the church on the Saint Valentine’s day include a blessing of the rings – a unique way to begin an engagement.
Ulster
A wishing well, a mermaid’s cave and a castle... It sounds like the stuff of fairy tales but you’ll get all this and more by choosing the beautiful Antrim coastline, which is unbeatable for romance in Ulster. The scenery at Dunluce Castle will set the scene brilliantly. The castle is situated close to a headland that plunges down in to the sea and it is thought to be a possible inspiration for the CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
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| Dunluce Castle |
The limestone cliffs of the Whiterocks are rich in myths and legends and if you are planning to get engaged, why not stop off to make a Valentine’s wish at the wishing well and then stroll on to the mermaid’s cave. This is one of the most beautiful locations to propose in Ulster and the whole of Northern Ireland.
Connacht
The Sky Road outside Clifden, County Galway is the perfect place to get down on one knee. If you want to build up to the big question, this exhilarating drive covers over 11km so there will be plenty of time to pluck up the courage. This other-worldly location offers a huge choice of stopping off points. There’s the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel and magnificent views of Clifden. The 12 Bens provides a superb backdrop to the town and its church spires.
There are the ruins of Clifden castle and then you have the choice of taking the high road or the low road and by choosing the high road you will be able to see across to the islands of Inishturk and Turbot and the road then descends down to an area where there are beautiful beaches nearby.
All you need now is the ring! Which province will you propose in?