Valentine’s Day is only around the corner.
We here in JOE are romantic souls at heart and, with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve got our thinking caps on and are already planning on being legends to our better halves.
There is a palpable sense of real panic among men ahead of this annual festival of garage flowers and cheap chocolates. We are hoping these suggestions will give you some inspiration to maybe go that extra mile for your beloved.
If you’re single, there’s no better person to love than yourself, so pack a toothbrush and treat yourself to some much needed chill out time. Some of these selections will be a bit pricey, but you just can’t put a price on love.
Unless of course someone asks you to. In which case, run very fast in the opposite direction because what sort of a request is that?
Hilton Park, Monagahan
If that special someone in your life is a Downton Abbey fan, look no further than this stunning old country house situated on a 600-acre secluded private estate among the lakes of County Monaghan, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You can get your ‘Mary Crawley’ on large-style in this joint.
Pic via HiltonPark.ie
The principal bedrooms have four poster beds with vast eight foot long windows overlooking the lake and parkland.
Four poster beds lads? You will be king of the castle in no time, delivering this treat you romantic old softie you. It’s not overly expensive and they throw in a round of golf and some fishing too.
Delphi Adventure Resort, Connemara, Galway
What’s romantic about adventure we hear you cry? We can hear you.
Not an awful lot, unless you consider rolling around in a bed of rose petals as an adventure… but that’s enough about last night’s JOE Time with the candles.
Pic via delphiadventureresort.com
Yes, this is an adventure resort, but they have a lovely spa here or, as some people like call them, a wellness centre. They’re offering great rates for you and the partner to get away on a romantic break and avail of the luxurious pampering on offer here.
Have a massage, sit in a bath full of seaweed, enjoy the thermal suite and get all hot and steamy in the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Kerry
Situated at the edge of Kenmare Bay, there are fewer more idyllic settings in the country to impress that special person in your life. This is a bling haven so you’ll need a few quid, but it’ll be very much worth it when you are seen as the KING OF ROMANCE!
Pic via sheenfallslodge.ie
This place has a spa and is surrounded by woodlands and gorgeous cascading waterfalls. They offer luxury cottages and villas on the site and you are also on the edge of the stunning heritage town that is Kenmare.
An infinite amount of brownie points awaits you after this!
The Marker Hotel, Dublin
If you fancy a city break and like to be close to lots of people and buildings, this hotel can cater for both. Situated in the very plush redeveloped Docklands and with one of the most funky architectural designs, the Marker Hotel is a great place to bring someone.
Pic via themarkerhoteldublin.com
Like all groovy hotels, this too has a spa for you to relax in and eh… find yourself. The very cool roof-top garden has a bar which offers incredible views of Dublin city and on the ground floor there’s a cocktail bar.
This hotel has style and suaveness oozing from it and it will do wonders for your sophistication kudos with the other half.
Wineport Lodge, Athlone
Nestled on the side of Lough Ree, this luxurious lodge will have you feeling all gooey and loved up. You can get pampered in their treatment suites and they have a lovely big hot tub outside beside the lake.
You can feel like 50 Cent as you bubble your bits under the stars.
Pic via wineport.ie
Their rooms all have balconies which tip the water’s edge and with the king-sized beds, you will be, to put it simply… THE MAN.
Sit on the balcony like a big movie star and watch as the sun sets off the shimmering lake. Maybe stick on some Marvin Gaye and bingo, you are Mr. Love*.
*DISCLAIMER – You may or not be Mr. Love. Nothing is guaranteed, but your chances are hugely enhanced.
Old Boley Country House, Wexford
Perhaps you are a man who wants total seclusion from the outside world. You’re fed up meeting humans and just want to spend some quality time with your partner.
Fear not, this could be the place for you. This is a self-catering holiday.
Pic via oldboleywexford.com
The Bellfry, originally a granary, has now been converted to a beautiful, unique holiday apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Two bathrooms?! You’ll feel like a millionaire!
There’s a lovely terrace for you to chill on too and this could be just the place to absolutely get away from it all.
Martinstown House, The Curragh, Kildare
This gothic cottage is a sort of hybrid between a luxury hotel and a private home, embodying the best of both worlds, with all the simple luxuries and attention to detail that will ensure a comfortable stay.
If there’s one thing we like people paying, it’s attention to detail so we are quids in here.
Pic via HiddenIreland.com
The peaceful, tranquil surroundings will have you feeling all dreamy and perhaps a little amorous.
Being in The Curragh, you are in horse country so if you fancy a day out at the horse-racing, you won’t have far to go. The dinner is cooked by a Ballymaloe Cookery School trained chef, so file this nosh under ‘bish bash bosh’.
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