Romantic Getaways Ireland: 21 Indulgent + Unique Weekend Breaks For Couples

When it comes to romantic getaways Ireland boasts everything from cliff-side escapes to quirky, adult-only stays!

There’s a booming industry that revolves around weekend breaks in Ireland for couples, with new accommodation providers opening their doors regularly.

Below, you’ll find a collection of great Irish getaways, each of which has:

• One: A romantic setting
• Two: Great on-site facilities (e.g. spa)
• Three: Plenty to do nearby

The best romantic getaways Ireland has to offer

One or more of our team has stayed in (and loved!) each of the weekend breaks in Ireland for couples listed below.

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Enniskeen Estate

The outstanding Enniskeen Estate in Down is easily one of the best places to stay in Ireland for couples and you’ll find it beside Tollymore Forest Park – a walkers paradise!

At Enniskeen, your first option is to stay in the ‘Doe’s Den’ – a private, luxury cabin with an outdoor hot tub located in an area frequented by wild deer.

The second is the ‘Kingfishers Residence’ – another luxury cabin where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of Tollymore river or kick-back in your outdoor hot tub

If you’re looking for weekend breaks in Ireland with a bit of pampering, there’s also a forest spa here, complete with chill out spaces, waterfall showers and a sauna.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Newcastle, County Down
• Adults only: Yes
• Hotel facilities: Sauna, foot spas, waterfall showers + relaxation terrace
• Nearby activities: The Mourne Mountains
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

2. The Cliff House

Waterford’s Cliff House in Ardmore has a reputation for being one of the finest luxury hotels in Ireland – it’s the most scenic, anyway, with an enviable location that gazes out over the beautiful Ardmore Bay.

The magic of the Cliff House is how they blend sea views with every section of the hotel – if you check into a sea view room, you’ll see and hear the ocean right from your bed.

As you dine in the Michelin star restaurant, you’ll watch the sun drop over the horizon. When you chill in the spa, you’ll feel like the pool is about to tip into the sea.

With just 39 rooms, it’s one of the smallest romantic hotels in Ireland in this guide, but by God it punches well above its size.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Ardmore, County Waterford
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Spa, Michelin Star restaurants + rooms with stunning views
• Nearby activities: Ardmore Cliff Walk
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

3. Ballynahinch Castle

Few weekend breaks in Ireland for couples boast a setting as fairytale-like as Connemara’s Ballynahinch Castle, which overlooks the 12 Bens Mountain range.

Set on 700-acres, the current castle was built in 1754 and, despite undergoing plenty of changes since then, guests will feel like they’re stepping back in time.

Spend the morning walking the hotel’s woodland trails, the afternoon sat by the fire in the Fisherman’s Pub and the evening eating in the Owenmore while gazing out over the river.

There are many castle hotels in Ireland, but few can go toe-to-toe with the experience offered by Ballynahinch.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Connemara, County Galway
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: 700-acres of woodland trails, walled garden, cosy pub + excellent dining
• Nearby activities: Connemara National Park
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

4. Belmullet Glamping

Romantic glamping in Ireland has been a thing for a while now, but there aren’t many glampsites that offer seclusion and views like these pods on the Mullet Peninsula in Mayo.

One of the beauties of this place is that you don’t have to worry about shared kitchens or bathrooms – you’ll find both inside the pod along with a queen size bed and widows facing out towards the scenery.

On dry evenings, you can sit back by the fire pit while toasting marshmallows and watching the sun drop. This corner of Ireland is overlooked by tourists, so it’s rare to not find it nice and quiet.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, explore on foot and sample a unique couples getaway in Ireland, look no further, 

The need-to-knows

• Location: Mullet Peninsula, County Mayo
• Adults only: No
• Pod facilities: Ensuite bathroom, kitchenette + patio
• Nearby activities: Blacksod Bay, Dun na mBó + endless beaches
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

5. Wineport

One of the better-known romantic hotels in Ireland is perched on the shores of Lough Ree in Westmeath. Wineport is arguably best known for its outdoor tubs, which you can see above!

The spa at Wineport also boasts a wide range of treatments and an infinity plunge pool! However, it’s the rooms here that steal the show, with the Lakeview Suites offer glorious views over Lough Ree.

You can also admire the lake from afar from the comfort of the Glasshouse Restaurant. If you’re looking to chill and do very little, grab a book, a coffee and kick-back on your balcony overlooking the water.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Glasson, County Westmeath
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Infinity plunge pool, hot tubs + wide range of treatments
• Nearby activities: Portlick Forest, Athlone Castle + Tullamore Distillery
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

6. Lough Eske

Arguably one of the top spa hotels in Ireland, Lough Eske has a lake-side setting with the convenience of being a stones-throw from Donegal Town.

The current castle dates back to 1861 and, despite the many refurbishments over the years, it has managed to retain its old-world charm.

Guests can relax in the spa area, book-in for treatments, explore the large grounds or enjoy a drink in the cosy Father Browne’s Bar.

However, it’s the food that makes this one of the best romantic getaways Ireland has to offer – the award-winning Cedars Restaurant provides a fine-dining experience that you’ll remember for years to come.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Lough Eske, County Donegal
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Spa, pool, gym, thermal suite, hydro pool and excellent dining options
• Nearby activities: Donegal Town + Rossnowlagh Beach
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

7. Killarney Glamping

Another of the adults-only weekend breaks in Ireland for couples is Killarney Glamping at the Grove, located a short spin from the National Park.

There’s a big emphasis on privacy and relaxation here. Throw in the views of the Kerry Mountains and you’re in for a treat (oh, and Killarney Town, with it’s many pubs and restaurants, is under a mile away!).

Accommodation wise, there are several options, including glamping suits and large lodges. There’s also new luxury cabins tucked away in the site’s lower meadow that offer both extravagance and seclusion.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Killarney, County Kerry
• Adults only: Yes
• Facilities: Kitchen, BBQ area + decked patio
• Nearby activities: Killarney National Park
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

8. Glenlo Abbey

One of the more unique romantic hotels in Ireland is the gorgeous Glenlo Abbey, situated within a 138-acre estate a short drive from Galway City.

Guests to Glenlo can expect opulence at every turn thanks to the hotel’s carefully decorated interior, with furnishings that’ll transport you back in time.

Glenlo boasts countless dining options, a luxury spa and impressive grounds to ramble around. One of the highlights of Glenlo is the Pullman dining experience.

The restaurant is set inside two original carriages from the Orient Express that have been carefully restored and that offer views of the grounds.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Bushypark, County Galway
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Countless dining options, a luxury spa + driving range
• Nearby activities: Wildlands, Salthill Prom and Connemara
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

9. The Ice House

If you’re looking for weekend breaks in Ireland for couples that do the spa-side-of-things very well, Ballina’s Ice House Hotel is worth considering.

Located a short spin from Sligo on the majestic Mayo coastline, the Ice House is best known for its award-winning Chill Spa that overlooks the River Moy.

The spa is home to chill-out areas, outdoor jacuzzis and seawood baths where you can watch the water drift by from the comfort of the bubbles!

There’s also rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that make that most of the view! You won’t find many romantic hotels in Ireland like this!

The need-to-knows

• Location: Ballina, County Mayo
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Impressive spa and a range of suites and dining options
• Nearby activities: Enniscrone Beach, Ceide Fields + North Mayo Coast
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

10. Glasson Lakehouse

Located just over the water from Wineport is the equally brilliant Glasson Lakehouse. Here you’ll find an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs (cost €40…) and a golf club.

The thing that steals the show here are the rooms – each has been kitted out with funky decor and some offer views out across the lake.

Before dinner, tip into Tom’s Fish & Tackle – a cosy little sheebeen style bar – before heading into Bonnie’s for a feed!

If you’re looking for active romantic breaks in Ireland, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards and lake boats and hit the water.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Glasson, County Westmeath
• Adults only: Encouraged
• Hotel facilities: Golf club, heated pool, outdoor hot tubs and on-site activities
• Nearby activities: Lough Ree and Portlick Forest
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

11. Oaklane Glamping

One of the more romantic places to stay in Ireland is Kenmare’s adults-only Oaklane Glamping where guests can enjoy breath-taking views of both the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Kenmare Bay.

These custom-built cabins were built in 2022 and boast large windows that not only fill the space with natural light but that also take in the scenery.

Inside, guests will find a luxurious double bed, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom. One of things I like about Oaklane is the combination of seclusion and accessibility.

You’ll feel like you’re staying in the middle of nowhere, but you’re only a 20-minute walk from the heart of Kenmare Town.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Kenmare, County Kerry
• Adults only: Yes
• Facilities: Kitchenette, coffee machine and a bbq grill/fire pit
• Nearby activities: The Ring of Beara
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

12. The Lake Hotel

Few romantic hotels in Ireland offer views like the outstanding 4-star Lake Hotel in Killarney, which has a rich history spanning over 100 years.

Boasting an extraordinary setting on the shores of Killarney’s lower lake, this hotel is best-known for it’s leisure centre (yes, that’s a jacuzzi with views of the mountains!).

Guests can absorb the stunning vistas from many of the hotels rooms and from within their Castlelough Restaurant.

The fact that it’s so close to the town and the start of the Ring of Kerry Drive make this a great option for an active couples getaway in Ireland!

The need-to-knows

• Location: Muckross Road, County Kerry
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Several dining options and a wellness and fitness centre
• Nearby activities: The Ring of Kerry
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

13. Cottages for Couples

Although there’s plenty of treehouse accommodation in Ireland, few compare to Cork’s ‘Cottages for Couples’ and, in particular, their ‘Treehouse 1’.

They sum it up best themselves, stating that the accommodation has been ‘specifically designed for couples – and quite unashamedly – with romance, comfort and indulgence in mind’.

Built from sustainable materials, this treehouse has everything from a kitchen and a shower to a dining area and luxury fittings.

However, the magic starts on the decking area where there’s a Canadian hot tub that overlooks the West Cork countryside.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Skibbereen, County Cork
• Adults only: Yes
• Facilities: Kitchen, bathroom, shower, TV, hot tub + more
• Nearby activities: Lough Hyne and Liss Ard Sky Garden
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

14. Monart

Arguably one of the most exclusive romantic hotels in Ireland, Monart is one of a tiny number of adults-only spa resorts in Ireland.

Located in Enniscorthy, the hotel has 68 deluxe rooms surrounded by 100 acres of countryside, woodland walks and lakes.

Guests can expect Michelin recommended dining and a large spa complete with Finnish sauna, steam room, salt grotto and hydrotherapy pool.

If budget isn’t an option and you’re looking for romantic getaways in Ireland to mark an occasion, you won’t go wrong at Monart.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Enniscorthy, Count Wexford
• Adults only: Yes
• Hotel facilities: Large spa, Michelin recommended dining and 100 acres
• Nearby activities: Enniscorthy Castle, Curracloe + Wells House
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

15. Ballyfin

Another lavish country house retreat, the Ballyfin Demesne is at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in an area steeped in history and natural beauty.

Guests can expect to be papered in five star luxury with first class service. Start your morning with a saunter around the grounds, followed by a treatment in the spa or a dip in the indoor pool.

When you’re ready, a drink awaits in the hidden Cellar Bar. Round off your evening in the restaurant which is set in a room fit for a King and Queen.

The need-to-knows

• Location: Ballyfin, County Laois
• Adults only: No
• Hotel facilities: Spa, indoor pool, bar, restaurant and on-site activities
• Nearby activities: Endless walks in the Slieve Blooms
• Prices and photos: Click here to view

16. Cabu Cabins

Cabu offers one of the more unique romantic breaks in Ireland, courtesy of its prime location in Cavan’s Killykeen Forest Park.

Set on the shores of Lough Oughter, famous for its mysterious castle, Cabu set the world of romantic getaways in Ireland alight when it launched a few years ago.

Guests can can book into one of several cabins, each of which varies in shape, size and experience. However, despite the uniqueness of the accommodation, it’s what’s on the outside that counts here.

There’s a nature spa, complete with hot tubs, saunas, spa treatments and Japanese baths. There’s also a club house with a licensed bar!

One of our final romantic getaways in Ireland is the brilliant Armada Hotel over at Spanish Point in Clare. You’ll find it overlooking the sea in a quiet corner of West Clare.

Having stayed here recently, the best compliment I can pay the Ardmada is that there is no ‘one’ thing that made it a standout-stay – they do everything well, from check-in to food.

When we stayed here, the weather was terrible, but that ended up making the location more enjoyable, with the wind bashing against the windows and the waves clattering against the coast.

The hotel has a snug bar (Johnny Burke’s) and there are several excellent dining options, including the Ocean Bar.