In a world full of distractions, carving out a weekend just for two is a rare and wonderful thing.
Whether it’s an anniversary, a spontaneous escape, or simply time to reconnect, a couples getaway has the power to press pause on everyday life and create space for something more meaningful. The beauty of Ireland lies not only in its sweeping coastlines and rolling green hills, but in its quiet corners, its rich stories, and the sense of timelessness you feel when the pace slows.
A well-thought-out escape helps couples truly switch off, reconnect, and experience something special together. But the real magic happens when you choose somewhere completely out of the ordinary.
That’s where Irish Landmark Trust comes in. With one-of-a-kind properties like cliffside lighthouses, quaint cottages, and storybook gate lodges, we make it easy to escape the everyday and step into something extraordinary.
This guide will help you make the most of your couples weekend in Ireland, with just the right balance of planning, spontaneity and romance.
1. Choose the right romantic property
Where you stay sets the tone for your entire weekend, so choose somewhere that matches your mood and your connection.
Are you dreaming of a windswept lighthouse perched above the Atlantic, a fairytale gate lodge hidden among ancient trees, or a cosy stone cottage with nothing but birdsong and a crackling fire for company? Irish Landmark Trust properties are designed for moments like these – remote, atmospheric and rich with character.
Most of our homes are blissfully off the beaten path, perfect for couples who want to step outside the rush of everyday life and into something more intimate. Whether you’re watching the sea from a tower window or waking up to mist over a walled garden, these spaces invite you to slow down and soak it all in.
How do we know which property is right for us?
Think about what makes you both feel most connected. If your love language is quiet comfort, go for somewhere with soft lighting, old timber floors and a fire you can curl up beside. If you thrive on novelty and shared adventure, a lighthouse or medieval tower could be the ideal base. For natural beauty, many of our properties offer sweeping views, private grounds, or direct access to walking trails and coastlines.
Consider, too, how much exploring you want to do. Some couples prefer to be close to a vibrant town or scenic driving route. Others want complete immersion – no signal, no neighbours, just the two of you and the surroundings.
No matter what you choose, every Landmark Trust property offers something unforgettable. And because these stays are truly unique, they tend to book out quickly, especially for summer weekends, bank holidays and special occasions. If you’ve got a date in mind, don’t wait.
2. Create a flexible itinerary
A great couples weekend doesn’t have to be packed with activities from dawn till dusk. Instead, think of your itinerary as a gentle guide that gives you both something to look forward to, while leaving room for spontaneity and rest.
A Simple Weekend Framework for a Romantic Getaway in Ireland
To help you make the most of your time together, here’s a simple weekend framework designed to balance moments of connection, relaxation, and local discovery. This flexible plan leaves plenty of space to savour your unique surroundings and each other’s company.
Day 1: Arrival + Relaxing Dinner
Ease into your escape with a leisurely arrival. Take time to settle in, explore your unique surroundings, then share a relaxed dinner by the fire or at a nearby cosy restaurant.
Day 2: Local Experience + Downtime
Plan one meaningful outing — maybe a scenic drive, a visit to a local garden, or a romantic picnic. Then give yourselves space to unwind, whether that means curling up with a book or simply watching the light change over the landscape.
Day 3: Lazy Breakfast + Farewell Walk
Spend some time in the kitchen together, and enjoy a slow, indulgent champagne breakfast together (perhaps al fresco if the weather allows), then take a final walk near your property to soak in the calm before you head home.
Seasonal Ideas For Romance All Year Round
Every season in Ireland brings its own kind of romance, from misty spring mornings and golden summer evenings to crisp autumn air and firelit winter nights. Whether you’re drawn to wildflowers or whiskey tastings, planning your escape with the season in mind can make the experience even more memorable.
- Summer: Take advantage of our self-catering properties and wake your partner up with breakfast in a private garden or on a sunny terrace. Take golden-hour hikes or evening strolls where the light feels magical.
- Autumn: Explore forests rich with colourful leaves, visit apple orchards, then settle in for candlelit dinners with locally sourced food.
- Winter: Embrace cosy nights by the fire with hearty meals, try a local whiskey tasting, and enjoy brisk, frosty walks to clear your head.
- Spring: Spot wildflowers on nearby trails and take advantage of the longer daylight hours to explore new places together.
3. Book local experiences in advance
A bit of research before your trip can add colour and depth to your weekend. Knowing what’s nearby (and what’s truly special) helps you make the most of your time together without scrambling for ideas once you arrive.
Shared novel experiences can bring you closer together. Look for experiences that feel rooted in the local landscape or culture. Think beyond typical tourist stops and consider what will feel meaningful or memorable to you both.
Ideas to consider:
- Historic walking tours through old towns or ruins
- Horseback rides along the beach or through forest trails
- Visits to hidden gardens, artist studios, or open-air museums
- Exploring heritage sites or ancient landmarks in the area
- A reservation at a special restaurant, especially one known for local ingredients or a romantic setting
Many of these smaller, rural experiences fill quickly in summer, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Romantic Tip: Irish Landmark Trust Property managers are great at providing recommendations for nearby experiences. They often know the best hidden gems that will add to your weekend romance.
4. Build in time to relax and connect
One of the most romantic things about getting away together is the chance to pause. Without the usual distractions like work emails, streaming, and endless scrolling, there’s space to simply be in each other’s company.
At Irish Landmark Trust properties, that sense of stillness comes naturally. Whether you’re in a cliffside lighthouse or a storybook tower, the surroundings invite you to unplug and be present. Many of our homes are off-grid or have limited connectivity, not as a challenge but as a gift. It’s a different rhythm: slower, deeper, more intentional.
Think long lie-ins with no alarm, reading by the fire, or cooking a meal together in an old-world kitchen. Without constant buzz, the smallest things take on new meaning. A shared laugh, the scent of sea air, and the feel of old stone walls under your hand all add up to a romantic vibe that begs to be enjoyed by two.
5. Embrace the off-grid feeling with low-fi activities
Even the shortest trip can feel meaningful when you build in small, intentional moments to connect. These gentle rituals don’t take much time or planning, but they can shift the whole tone of a weekend by slowing things down, creating memories, and making space for closeness. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Create a “No Plans” Morning: Stay in your pyjamas, make a slow breakfast, and talk with no time pressure.
- Stargazing: Many Landmark properties are in dark-sky areas. Bring a blanket, lie back, and look up together.
- Read Aloud: Pack a book of poetry or a novel you love and take turns reading. It’s surprisingly intimate.
- Cook Something New: Try a recipe with local ingredients and treat dinner like a shared adventure.
- Leave Notes for Each Other: Hide little handwritten messages in your bags, the book you’re reading, or under the pillow.
- Play Games: Take some time to laugh and have fun together over a deck of cards or a lightly competitive board game.
Romantic weekends aren’t always about big gestures. Often, it’s the quiet hours that linger longest in your memory – the warmth of shared silence, the charm of an unfamiliar setting, and the joy of feeling fully seen.
Remember: These rare weekends are not about ticking things off a list. They’re about tuning into each other in a setting that feels entirely out of the ordinary. Don’t rush from one thing to the next. The most meaningful moments happen when you slow down.
A Meaningful Romance with Irish Landmark Trust
The most memorable couples weekends don’t rely on packed itineraries or luxury resorts (though you can do those, too!). Instead, they’re about presence: choosing somewhere special, slowing down, and simply enjoying each other’s company in a beautiful place.
With just a little thought and the right setting, two days can feel like a world away from the everyday.
So take a moment to imagine it: a lighthouse at sunset, a fireside dinner in a storybook tower, a garden breakfast with nothing on the agenda.
When you’re ready to make it real, we’ll be here.
Find your romantic stay today.
Want a Longer Stay?
Check out longer itineraries for utterly romantic landmark properties around Ireland and really get the chance to unwind and reconnect.
Romantic Getaways in Ireland – Common Questions:
Have questions about making your couples weekend in Ireland as romantic as possible? You’re not alone. See some of our most commonly asked questions below:
Where can I go on a romantic weekend getaway?
Ireland is full of beautiful, romantic places, but staying somewhere truly unique makes all the difference. Consider a lighthouse on the coast, a forest hideaway, or a historic gate lodge. Irish Landmark Trust offers romantic properties across Ireland, from Cork to Antrim, each with its own charm and character.
How do we choose the right property for our relationship style?
Think about what makes you feel most connected — comfort, novelty, nature, or history. Each property has its own mood, and our descriptions can help you find the one that feels just right for your weekend together.
What activities are there to do on a couples weekend?
Depending on your location, you can explore nearby gardens, heritage sites, or historic towns, take a scenic drive, go for a walk on the beach, or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. Many couples also plan a romantic dinner, cook together, read aloud, or stargaze in the evenings.
Why should I stay in Ireland for a couples holiday?
Ireland offers a sense of romance that’s hard to match: dramatic coastlines, atmospheric landscapes, cosy firesides, and centuries of history. It’s also close to home, making it easy to plan a short but meaningful escape. Staying in a Landmark property lets you experience Ireland’s charm in an unforgettable setting.
What should I pack for a romantic weekend getaway in Ireland?
Bring comfortable clothes for relaxing and exploring, weatherproof layers, sturdy shoes for walks, and something a bit special if you’re planning a nice dinner. You might also pack a favourite book to share, a board game, a playlist, and a few small surprises, like a handwritten note or treat for your partner.
What makes Irish Landmark Trust properties romantic?
Our properties are unique, character-filled spaces often set in quiet, scenic locations. From lighthouses on the coast to ivy-covered towers and cosy cottages, they offer the kind of setting that invites stillness, intimacy, and connection.
How far in advance should we book a romantic weekend?
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and summer stays. Many of our properties are one-of-a-kind, so once they’re booked, they’re gone.
Are Landmark Trust properties suitable for couples who like adventure?
Definitely. If you love exploring together, choose a property near trails, cliffs, or historical landmarks. Some stays — like towers or lighthouses — are adventures in themselves.
What if we want to do very little?
Perfect. These weekends are made for slowing down. Think lie-ins, reading by the fire, stargazing, or sharing a long breakfast with no rush. And without internet connection, you’ll have plenty of time to just be with each other.
