Wild Atlantic Way Couples Guide

The cosy, plush double rooms in Maldron Hotel Limerick are simply made for a romantic break in Limerick City. Discover the best restaurants, pubs and sights in city, or explore the Wild Atlantic Way beyond – either way, romance is one the cards! Their special offers will help you sort out your perfect couples holiday.

Maldron Hotel Oranmore is situated just outside Galway City, and right next to the stunning scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether by car or public transport, reaching Connemara’s main sights is simple, and you’re promised a romantic retreat after a day out adventuring. With cosy double rooms and plenty of special offers, planning your perfect romantic holiday in Galway couldn’t be easier.

A short hop from Galway city centre, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road is affordable luxury at its finest. The special offers will ensure you find the perfect romantic break for yourself and your significant other, and their Deluxe and Superior rooms are finished to the highest standard. Explore Galway City, or the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way beyond – either way, romance is a guarantee.

Cosy yet modern, Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City is the perfect base for city-loving couples looking for a romantic holiday away. In the centre of Cork City itself, the hotel’s comfortable Executive Rooms are the ideal spot to get some rest after a day out at the city’s best bars, restaurants and attractions. Their special offers have something to suit everyone, so make sure to check them out when planning your trip.

The contemporary Maldron Hotel South Cork Mall boasts not only scenic views of the River Lee, it also has plenty of plush Executive and Deluxe rooms available, perfect for a romantic holiday in the heart of Cork City. This centrally-located hotel is also interconnected with plenty of roads and public transports routes, so exploring the county beyond is easy. Check out their special offers and start planning your love-filled couples trip to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Formerly known as Azur, Rossi’s Italian and Grill is the ideal spot for a special occasion date night in Limerick. Their menu is bursting with flavour and there’s a dish to suit everyone; with an extensive drinks list, chic interiors and famously friendly staff, Rossi’s is guaranteed to please and give you a date night out together to remember for time to come.

Modern restaurant meets cocktail bar, Cornstore uses all local produce in its dishes. With a lively atmosphere, eclectic interiors and a selection of deliciously imaginative drinks, Cornstore is a fun and romantic dining experience in equal measures. Book ahead to secure one of their outdoor terrace tables for balmy evenings.

Romantic date nights in Galway aren’t complete without a trip to Il Vicolo restaurant and wine bar. If you’re visiting when the weather is nice, make sure to ask for an outdoor table so you can dine surrounded by the beauty of the River Corrib. With a menu full of authentic Italian dishes and world-class wine, Il Vicolo is romantic dining at its finest. Don’t miss live jazz at the restaurant on Sundays.

Blending a community atmosphere with world-class dining, Ard Bia should be a must on your list when visiting Galway City. This small yet tastefully decorated restaurant is perfect for couples looking for a casual, cosy, memorable date night in Galway. Menus include Irish dishes with a global twist, and change daily based on seasonality, plus an impressive wine list.

Easily one of Ireland’s most famous burgers by now, Bunsen Burger’s Cork branch offers up their well known minimal menu of burgers and fries, done to pure perfection. With outdoor seating available, Bunsen makes for a wonderfully casual yet cosy meal for two. Make sure to try their creamy milkshakes for a sweet post-burger treat.

Specialising in local seafood and craft beer, Goldie is a romantic night out guaranteed to leave you with special memories. Easily one of the best romantic restaurants in Cork City, their menu is packed to the brim with freshly caught seafood incorporated into thoughtful, imaginative dishes, and they make their own craft beers in a tiny brewery just across the road from the restaurant, using only the purest ingredients. On top of that, their wine list is impressive, desserts are simply irresistible and the restaurant’s interior is charming and cosy. Ten out of ten!

The classically glamorous interiors and carefully crafted cocktails in House guarantee a special date night in Limerick city. Split between numerous bar areas, with the Amber Lounge night club-ready and waiting for dancing the night away, couples can choose between The Garden, The Wine Room, The Terrace and more for their date night, each with their own specially designed interiors and each boasting a range of tantalising cocktails, beers and wines.

The impressive interiors of The Copper Room are situated in what was once the underground caverns of a hanging garden in Limerick’s city centre. With copper-plated vaulted ceilings and walls and a candle-lit ambience, there aren’t many places more romantic than this cosy wine bar. Offering up small bites and a delectable selection of wines, The Copper Room is practically made for date nights out in Limerick.

With some of the most delicious wines and small dishes in the city, Tartare Cafe and Wine Bar is a date night you certainly won’t forget in a hurry. Offering a selection of carefully chosen natural and organic wines, Tartare’s chic yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for both a romantic date night and a casual glass of wine alike. Ask staff to recommend a bottle if you’re not sure: they never fail to pick the best of the bunch.

Tigh Nora gin bar is full of life and effervescence; this intimate bar is a great choice for couples looking for a fun-filled date night in Galway. With a myriad of gins to choose from (they even produce their own), make sure to pick the bartender’s brains before you settle on a drink – their knowledge is as vast as the gin selection! With a fantastic music selection, friendly patrons and a cosy atmosphere, a visit to Tigh Nora should be top of your list in Galway.

Dating all the way back to 1800, The Oyster Tavern has long been a favourite spot for a tipple amongst locals. With a full menu that sources local ingredients from the nearby English Market, The Oyster Tavern is certainly a great choice for a romantic meal too, but their cocktail list is simply unmissable.

One of the most unusual and intriguing bars in Ireland, Arthur Mayne’s is set in a perfectly preserved 120-year-old pharmacy. Original glass cabinets still house medicines from when the premises operated as a chemist, but instead you’ll be served a curated selection of small dishes and truly outstanding wines. In the very heart of Cork City, Arthur Mayne’s is the perfect spot for a drink or two to finish off your romantic night in Limerick – or to kick it off!

Not just for kids, the Terra Nova Fairy Garden is a beautifully romantic day out for adults, too. From the simply breathtaking beauty of the garden itself, to the tropical plants in the Thai House, to Bilbo Baggins’ own hobbit house, there’s plenty to do in this mystical garden. Situated near the scenic Lough Gur, the garden is said to have its own magical soul, and often fills visitors with emotion; definitely an unforgettable romantic day trip for two. Terra Nova is a 35 minute drive from Limerick’s city centre.

Dine amongst the flowers and leafy green trees of People’s Park in Limerick City. One of the most romantic date ideas in Limerick City, the centrally-located People’s Park is packed with scenery, from bandstands to lively displays of colourful flora. Stock up on local artisan food and beverages, grab a blanket and head to the park for a picnic for a romantic afternoon in the city.

There are few better ways to get to know a city than by strolling its streets for an afternoon. There are plenty of walking tours to choose from in Galway, so pick your favourite and block off some time either side for exploring by yourselves, or a romantic drink afterwards to rest your legs together.

Although Galway is dotted with shopping centres offering up the best in high street fashion, homewares and more, we recommend strolling the city streets to find local boutiques and specialist shops if you’re after a true Galwegian experience; it’s also one of our favourite things to do in Galway City for couples. Galway’s streets are home to some of the finest small businesses – you’ll find local craft shops, bookshops that have been much-loved for decades, and one of our favourites: Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold. Makers of the original Claddagh ring, you’ll find beautiful rings, necklaces and other trinkets for sale inside, but also be sure to explore the Claddagh Museum within the shop to see some incredible artifacts of Irish craft.

Although it may look like a castle form the outside, Cork City Gaol has housed some of Ireland’s most notorious criminals in the 19th Century. This well-preserved building hosts a full exhibition complete with lifelike wax figures and original features from the gaol – there’s even original graffiti left by prisoners on the cell walls! Not your typical thing to do for couples in Cork, the City Gaol is a fun day out for all couples, from history buffs to architecture addicts. You can also check out the Radio Museum which displays a smaller exhibition on the broadcasting station that was once also located in the building.

Situated amongst Charles Fort and James Fort, both built in the 17th Century, the town of Kinsale is a paragon of culture and community in Cork. Known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, Kinsale is sprinkled with colourful buildings, paved streets and captivating seafront walks – spot on for a romantic day trip! A 30-minute drive or 55-minute bus from Cork City centre, Kinsale is a must-see when visiting the county. Make sure to shop in one of the town’s numerous local boutiques offering the best in Irish craft; this coastal town also plays host to a huge range of watersports, so check out Oysterhaven Activity Centre and get out on the water!

Get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the Wild Atlantic Way on a horseback ride. Clarina Equestrian Centre offers pony trekking trips through the Limerick countryside, setting off from their centre just ten minutes outside the city and culminating at the breathtaking ruins of the Carrigogunnell Castle. A romantic afternoon that even Jane Austen would be proud of.

What better way to take in the wild beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way than from the most breathtaking cliffs in Ireland? The Cliffs of Moher can be easily reached from Limerick City Centre, and there are plenty of organised day trips if you don’t feel like driving yourselves. The trip takes around an hour and a half, and once you arrive you can not only view the cliffs and the impressive expanse of the Atlantic Ocean yourselves, you can check out the informative and architecturally stunning visitor centre, too.

One of the most unique things to do for couples in Galway, a float tank is truly a date with a difference. Take some time alone to rest, recharge and float your way to pure relaxation in one of Salt Float & Recovery’s world-class float tanks. Whether you need to rejuvenate yourself after days spent exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, or you’re just interested in having a brand new experience, we guarantee you’ll leave their private float rooms feeling like brand new people.

The Wild Atlantic Way isn’t only home to stunning scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes; some of the country’s best craft beer brewers are based on the west coast, and you can taste their delicious creations with Galway Craft Beer Tours. With options including everything from the compact Power Hour experience to fully private tours including insightful information on Galway city’s history, their experienced guides will ensure you leave the tour with a newfound knowledge of both craft beer and the fantastic city you’re in.

For couples who love a good scary movie, the Cork Ghost Tour is a memorable date night in the city. A walking tour with a difference, the Cork Ghost Tour will show and tell you all sorts of spooky tales from the city’s past – with a few surprises thrown in. If your other half isn’t sold on scary stories, don’t worry, there will be plenty of laughs, too!

See the city from a different perspective with a cruise around Cork Harbour. Ocean Escapes organise numerous different public boat trips in Cork, from dolphin watching to City Seafaris. For couples looking for the most romantic date ideas, the sunset boat trips are ideal!