Escape to Connemara's untamed wild beauty in western Ireland, an ancient land at the edge of the continent where lakes mirror the deep hues of stout, and where the lands reflect the green of the lucky shamrock, offering a canvas of romance and wilderness for your unforgettable getaway.
This romantic journey for two unveils a world beyond the conventional, inviting exploration and moments of serenity amidst wildly beautiful landscapes. Discover local flavours, wander breathtaking trails, experience the thrill of horseback riding, and indulge in a rejuvenating seaweed bath.
Whether it's your honeymoon, a wedding anniversary celebration, a romantic getaway, or even if you’re eloping, Ireland is a perfect destination for romance proving that this prerogative does not just belong to Paris and Venice.
Highlights
Connemara National Park
Irish Coffee for two
Clifden Castle
Day By day
Welcome to Ireland! Your romantic adventure starts by collecting your rental car from Dublin Airport where you embark on a picturesque 3.5-hour drive to Westport, (or choose from two other convenient airports: Shannon or Knock). Nestled between scenic mountains, Westport welcomes you to its charming streets, and is the ideal place to start your exploration of Connemara and its untamed beauty. Upon arrival, check into your exquisite ocean front hotel, marking the beginning of your romantic escapade! Unwind after your journey and later, step out to experience the vibrant atmosphere at Porter House, renowned for its traditional Irish music, making for an unforgettable evening! Overnight: Westport
Gear up for your first full day in Ireland with a delightful Irish Breakfast at your hotel! Choose between two morning activities based on your desired activity level. You can either join our knowledgeable guide to explore the pilgrimage site of Croagh Patrick, a 2-hour tour of deserted villages or embark on a guided walk in Achill Island, a hiking adventure up Croagh Aun mountain, reaching a summit of 688m. After your active morning, indulge in an unforgettable couple's experience! Ever tried a seaweed bath? Known for its detoxifying properties and benefits for skincare and circulation, this restorative treatment promises relaxation. Conclude your day with a memorable and romantic dining experience. For a gourmet dinner, venture to the Michelin-recommended An Port Mor restaurant, just a 25-minute drive from your hotel. Alternatively, in Westport, numerous fantastic traditional Irish restaurants await, offering an authentic Irish culinary experience. Overnight: Westport
Your Connemara getaway continues with a drive to Renvyle, on the way passing through the stunning landscapes of Killary Fjord, a long sea inlet reminiscent of the great Scottish lochs. Your next stop is Kylemore Abbey, a captivating Gothic Nunnery featuring meticulously restored Victorian rooms. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Abbey and Nunnery, delving into the significant historical events that shaped these remarkable buildings. Conclude your visit with a leisurely stroll through the impressive gardens, including the enchanting walled garden. After lunch, drive to Renvyle beach for a romantic walk. This expansive sandy shoreline offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll. For the brave (or fool-hardy) it's also a chance to take a dip in the bracing Atlantic Ocean. At your welcoming country hotel in Renvyle, relish a warm Irish welcome. Unwind by the open fire and soak in the picturesque landscape, letting the day's adventures melt away. Overnight: Renvyle
Next morning lace up your hiking shoes in readiness for your hike in Connemara National Park, just a 10-minute drive from your hotel. Meet your experienced guide and embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the top of Diamond Hill. At just 442m it’s a moderate hill in terms of height but due to its location, its summit affords breathtaking views over the beautiful and intricate Connemara coastline. Its unique appearance, characterized by a light-coloured rock resembling a diamond, along with its near triangular shape, distinguishes it—according to the Irish. There is also a great visitor's centre which offers exhibitions for you to discover and a cafe to refuel after your walk. There is ample information about the local wildlife and the best trails to explore. Overnight: Renvyle
Embark on a wild and secluded escapade, leaving the Irish mainland behind to stay overnight on Inishbofin Island. This small island offers a unique experience for remote and romantic walks, with a population of just 200 souls! Drive just 30 minutes to Cleggan and catch the 11:30 am ferry for an unforgettable adventure. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and then set off to discover this small island's wonders, first inhabited by monks in the 7th century! Dive into the authentic Irish island lifestyle by joining a half-day fishing expedition with a local angling expert. Who knows, you might reel in your very own dinner! In case you don't, savour a delectable meal at your hotel's fantastic restaurant for a satisfying end to the day. Overnight: Inishbofin
After a restful sleep on this Irish paradise, your romantic Connemara adventure continues with an exploration of the Inishbofin Westquarter Loop. This hike offers a plethora of captivating features, from the remnants of a historic fort to breathtaking views of the Dún More Cliffs. Encounter sea caves, arches, and the stone-covered Loch Bofin beach along the 8.5km trail, which takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Wander along grassy paths, quiet roads, and shingle beaches, all the while enjoying distant views of Inishark Island. After completing your hike, catch the afternoon ferry back to Cleggan. From there, it's a 15-minute drive to Clifden, where you'll check into the Irish Castle Hotel for an extraordinary experience. Explore the castle grounds and cozy up by the fire with a refreshing drink from your hotel bar. Conclude your day with a romantic dinner at the hotel's restaurant. For a touch of local Irish culture, head to Lowry’s Bar in Clifden, where live music is featured every night of the week. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and connect with the locals. Overnight: Clifden
Indulge in a hearty Irish breakfast at the castle, setting you up for an adventure-filled day in the rugged beauty of Ireland's wild west coast. Embark on a magical horseback ride at Mannin Bay, the rhythmic hoofbeats accompanying your trek through Connemara's vast and untamed landscapes. For those who prefer the water, opt instead for a serene kayak journey along the picturesque coast of Mannin Bay. The afternoon continues with a sporting theme as you opt for a tee off at Connemara Golf Club, a challenging course, surrounded by the wild beauty of Connemara’s green landscapes! Overnight: Clifden
Depart from Clifden and drive 1.5 hours to Galway to continue your romantic break. Drop off your bags at your hotel and set out to explore the romantic city of Galway! We recommend immersing yourselves in the rich cultural offerings, including visits to museums and galleries such as The Galway City Museum, Nora Barnacle House, and the Galway Arts Centre. After a delightful lunch, continue your authentic experience with a Whisky Tour of Galway. Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or simply eager to learn about the art of distillation, this is a fantastic way to spend a romantic afternoon. Later, savour a traditional Irish dinner. We highly recommend John Keoghs, setting the stage for a spectacular evening. At 8:00 pm, the enchanting Trad on the Prom - Ireland's Best Music, Song & Dance Experience begins! Be prepared to witness some of the world’s best Riverdance performers—a trip to Ireland would not be complete without this mesmerizing experience! Overnight: Galway
Start your day with a visit of the impressive Galway Cathedral. Be sure to look out for the beautifully decorated dome, attractive Romanesque arches, intricate mosaics, and rough-hewn stonework embellished with stained glass. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour Food Tour of Galway sampling the best Irish cuisine the city has to offer, while getting to know the bustling streets better with your excellent guide, who’ll provide historical insights as you go along. In the evening, visit Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club. Reviewed as a ‘must-see’ activity in Galway, you won’t want to miss this fantastic evening of laughter. Overnight: Galway
Today marks the final day of your romantic journey through the delights of Connemara. Drive back to the most convenient airport for your departure, with Shannon Airport just an hour’s drive away, or Dublin, which is a 2-hour drive. We hope that the wild romance of Ireland will remain among your most beautiful memories as a couple.
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Our Expertinsight
"Enjoy this wonderful itinerary which offers a cultural and relaxing emersion into Ireland! Our personal favourite not to be missed is the seaweed bath – not only is this super beneficial for your skin but offers a restful moment to unwind into your holiday! Another highlight must be Trad on the Prom Irish Dancing Performance in Galway! This is a mesmerising experience of traditional Irish dance and music and has won many awards! If you are feeling brave, have a dip in the sea when staying at Renvyle House Hotel, then recline by the fireside - perhaps with an Irish Coffee in hand to warm up!"
Emily, Local Expert
Testimonials
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a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.