There’s something about Ireland that makes it an endlessly romantic place to escape to. Think wild Atlantic coastlines where you can slip into the sea together, candlelit evenings by a wood-burner, or wandering through centuries-old gardens when the crowds have gone home. Whether you’re dreaming of a remote cottage, a castle on the water, or a thatched hideaway by the beach, we’ve rounded up some of the most romantic places to stay in Ireland, each with its own unique blend of atmosphere, history and setting.
Courtyard Suite at Mount Congreve Gardens, Co. Waterford
If your idea of romance leans towards history and gardens, this suite in the west wing of Mount Congreve House is unforgettable. You’ll stay in a private part of the estate with antique filled rooms and Foxford Irish linens, and in the evenings, when the visitors leave, you’ll have 70 acres of world renowned gardens almost entirely to yourselves.
Take a quiet stroll along woodland paths, find hidden corners of the walled garden, or cycle the Waterford Greenway together, with miles of traffic free paths winding through countryside and along the river. In town, Waterford’s Viking Quarter makes for a fascinating afternoon of exploring the oldest city in Ireland.
Romantic highlights: After hours access to glorious gardens, slow breakfasts of pancakes or a full Irish, and cycling side by side through the Greenway.
Twig and Heather Cottage, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
On Ireland’s wild northern edge, Twig and Heather Cottage offers seclusion and drama in equal measure. The little 1930s stone house looks out over Lough Swilly, with sheep for neighbours and skies that change by the hour. Mornings can be for wild swims at Fort Dunree beach, afternoons for hiking windswept headlands or joining the surfers at Ballyliffin.
Inside, it’s pure cosy with a wood-burner to curl up beside, patchwork quilts, shelves of books and even a welcome basket with prosecco and local eggs. At night you can watch the weather roll across the lough or step outside for dark skies filled with stars. Buncrana’s pubs are close enough for live Irish music but far enough away that silence reigns at the cottage.
Romantic highlights: Watching storms from the armchairs and long evenings by the fire.
The Cottages, Bettystown, Co. Meath
If romance for you means sea air and sandy walks, these thatched cottages on Bettystown beach are idyllic. Hidden behind a gate and flower gardens, they open straight onto miles of golden sand, making it the perfect place for head clearing walks at sunrise or barefoot strolls as the tide ebbs away.
Each cottage is beautifully restored, with underfloor heating, roll-top baths, hand thrown pottery and homely touches like homemade scones waiting on arrival. The Boyne Valley is on your doorstep, rich with myth and riverside trails, and Dublin is close enough for a day trip if you fancy galleries, theatre or fine dining.
Romantic highlights: Falling asleep to the sound of waves and discovering Ireland’s ancient Boyne Valley together.
Green Cottage, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Tucked into a row of seaside cottages, at Green Cottage mornings begin with the sound of waves and end with stargazing on the garden bench. Walk down the lane to Sandycove for a dip in the sea (bracing in winter, blissful in summer) then wander the cliffs spotting seabirds or cycle to colourful villages nearby.
Inside, the cottage feels lived in and loved, with shelves of books, local art on the walls, and a wood-burner for evenings when you just want to stay in. You can cook together in the hand painted kitchen, or head into Kinsale for seafood, markets and lively pubs.
Romantic highlights: Wild swimming at dawn, cliff walks with Atlantic views, and evenings by the fire after fish and chips on the harbour.
The Castle, Castletownshend, Co. Cork
For something truly memorable, stay in a 17th-century castle perched at the water’s edge. By day, visitors come to explore its history, but by evening it’s yours alone, with thick stone walls, four-poster beds, bay views and all. You can sip drinks from the honesty bar in front of the fire or wander the gardens before dinner at Mary-Ann’s seafood restaurant up the hill.
The setting is as romantic as the building itself. You’ve got the quiet harbour village of Castletownshend, woodland walks leading from the front door, and kayaking trips that reveal secret coves and glowing bioluminescence after dark. You’re close to Skibbereen’s markets and Glandore’s sailing waters, but you may just want to stay put and live the castle life.
Romantic highlights: Sunset drinks on the lawn, wine dinners in the village, and waking up in a castle bedroom overlooking the water.
The Harrison, Belfast, Co. Antrim
In the heart of Belfast’s bohemian Queen’s Quarter, The Harrison is a love letter to the city’s past and present. A grand Victorian townhouse turned vibrant, art-filled hotel, every room tells a story. Perfect for a romantic city break, it’s surrounded by leafy streets, theatres, galleries and the Botanic Gardens, with four Michelin Guide restaurants just steps away.
Inside, the mood is indulgent yet relaxed. Each of the 25 bedrooms has its own character, with high ceilings, freestanding tubs, plush velvet chairs and walls lined with artwork and antiques. Order a continental breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit and good coffee to your room, or linger in the elegant bay-windowed breakfast room as the city wakes. In the evening, share a cocktail in the cosy bar before wandering out to dinner or a show at the nearby Lyric Theatre or Opera House.
Romantic highlights: Luxurious freestanding baths, candlelit cocktails before a night at the theatre, and waking to the sound of the city through tall sash windows.
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Beth Tingle
Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.