8 Alternative Gift and Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day


Explore the Art at the 5 Star Merrion Hotel

Book a tour and take a stroll around The Merrion Hotel’s superb art collection. The collection includes more than 90 works from the 19th and 20th century. The tour, which includes a carefully scripted audio-guide, will take visitors through each of the works of art in turn as well as some of the history of the hotel itself and the buildings.

After your tour, why not indulge in The Merrion Hotel’s fantastic Afternoon Tea. The chefs take their inspiration from the works of art around the hotel and incorporate elements of the designs into their intricate pastry creations.

 

Dine aboard the Orient Express at Glenlo Abbey

Take a trip back in time at Glenlo Abbey and dine aboard two original carriages from The Orient Express. A truly unique dining experience which will transport diners straight back to the 1930’s and 40’s, when the Orient Express was the most luxurious train in all of Europe. One of the carriages – named Leona, was used, along with others in the original Murder on the Orient Express film from 1974

Guests can enjoy fabulous views of Lough Corrib while enjoying the finest of locally sourced Irish cuisine, all while knowing that they are dining aboard a piece of history.

 

See a Movie at Bushmills Inn’s Private Cinema

For a cosy night in, why not enjoy something on the silver screen at Bushmills Inn? This intimate cinema is perfect for escaping from it all and enjoying a film in a comfortable, glamorous environment. Showing old-time family favourites as well as the latest releases, guests are sure to find something to suit. 

What’s a trip to the cinema without a bit of indulgence? Why not enjoy a fabulous dinner in Bushmills before settling down to enjoy the film? Popcorn is, of course, included.

 

Enjoy a couples' Spa treatment at Hayfield Manor

Relax your body and mind, and revive your soul at Hayfield Manor’s Beautique Spa. Hayfield Manor is a stunning 5 Star Hotel in the middle of Cork city. Spend an afternoon lounging beside their stunning indoor, heated pool, de-stress in the jacuzzi and detox in the sweltering sauna.

Hayfield Manor are offering a very special offer for couples, just in time for Valentine's Day. Designed for two - couples can enjoy a 60 minute Hot Mineral Body Boost Massage in Hayfield’s Duo Suite followed by delicious hot chocolate and other sweet treats.

 

Take a Cookery Course at The Tannery

The Tannery in Dungarvan run cookery courses at the weekend throughout the year for up to 14 participants. If you and your significant other have ever considered learning to cook, in a relaxed, friendly environment then this might be the perfect place to start your culinary journey.

Whether you’re a budding MasterChef, or just a casual cook, there are courses to suit all levels of experience. Learn to prepare the perfect Sunday lunch, how to cook cuisines from around the world, or how to throw the perfect dinner party.

 

Lose Yourself in the Glorious Gardens at Liss Ard Estate

The 150 acres of gardens, ponds and forest offer an experience that has been described as one of space, perception and peacefulness. The stunning estate at Liss Ard has been meticulously planned to reveal a collection of garden rooms, the lakeside walk, the waterfall garden, the woodland garden, the water garden and arboretum and the wildflower meadow.

James Turrell's magnificent Sky Garden is a unique construction which is restricted to hotel guest only. His design allows, either in daylight or at night, for the viewer to truly experience the sky at that particular moment in time without any distractions or impediments. The artist's intent is that the crater be entered by two people who would then lay toe-to-toe on the steon plinth to view the perfectly framed sky

"Against the soft green background of the grass and the closely cropped top edge of the Crater…no distractions remain to draw the viewer’s eye" 

 

Enjoy a Literary Lunch at Chapter One

Soak up some culture in Dublin city followed by a literary lunch. Parnell Square, in Dublin 1, would seem an unlikely location for a cultural excursion, but here, far removed from the main hustle of the city, visitors can find not one, but two fantastic museums.

The Hugh Lane Gallery features a superb collection of art including works by Francis Bacon, Jack B Yeats, Augustus Renoir and Edouard Manet, and just up the road, the Dublin Writers Museum features exhibits and artefacts from some of Ireland’s literary greats, from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde. It is a true celebration of Irish authors and poets.

Take a short stroll downstairs from The Dublin Writers museum to the basement of number 18 and find Michelin Star Restaurant Chapter One. Serving the best of modern Irish cuisine, stunning cocktails and beautiful, carefully sourced wines. Lunch at Chapter One is the perfect conclusion to this cultural day trip.

 

Ride off into the Sunset at Castle Leslie Estate

In beautiful Co. Monaghan, couples can enjoy an equestrian adventure at Castle Leslie Estate. Offering everything from one hour lessons to 5 days hackathons, beginners and experienced riders alike will find an excursion to suit.

Enjoy the tranquillity of being outdoors and the stunning natural surroundings of the estate and beyond. After surely working up an appetite, choose from either fine dining in Snaffles restaurant or the more relaxed atmosphere of Conor’s Baron the estate for the perfect round off to your romantic afternoon.