A Romantic Journey through Ireland’s Ancient East with Irish Landmark Trust.
Are you looking for a unique romantic break? Why not take a journey with Irish Landmark Trust through Ireland’s Ancient East with a stay at two of our most romantic properties: Batty Langley Lodge in County Kildare and Salterbridge Gatelodge in County Waterford. This six-day itinerary promises a blend of history, culture, and romance, making it the perfect getaway for couples seeking a unique and immersive experience.
Days 1-3: Batty Langley Lodge, County Kildare
Nestled within the lush landscape of Castletown House, County Kildare, Batty Langley Lodge offers a charming and secluded retreat. This 18th-century Gothic-style gate lodge, with its unique architecture and serene surroundings, sets the stage for a romantic escape to remember.
Day 1: Arrival and tour of Castletown House
Check into Batty Langley Lodge and take some time to settle into your home for the next three nights. The lodge’s unique design and historical ambiance provide a perfect backdrop for your romantic getaway. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Castletown House and enjoy a tour of Castletown House. Book here.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at nearby Sherwood Lane in Celbridge. This cosy neighbourhood restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Day 2: Exploring Kildare
Begin your day with a visit to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. The stud tour takes about 90 minutes, but plan to spend up to 3 hours there so you can really take everything in. The 500-acre stud has a cool history and is home to some famous horses, like Stradivarius and former racehorse stars Lord Windermere and the Tin Man. After checking out the stud, wander through the Japanese Gardens, where art, philosophy, and nature come together to create a peaceful and relaxing space.To save time, think about booking your tickets to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens ahead of time by clicking here.
Once you’ve finished at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, make your way to Kildare Village for a tasty lunch and some shopping. This cute shopping spot has a great selection of boutiques and outlets with both local and international brands. Grab a bite at one of the village’s restaurants or cafes, then browse the shops for unique finds and deals.
For dinner try at Cliff at Lyons for a two Michelin star experience at Aimsir Restaurant.( 15 minute drive from Celbridge).
Day 3: Romantic walks in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Go for a romantic walk! There are a couple of great options for walking in Co. Kildare and Ireland’s Ancient East
Option 1: The Barrow Way
Take an invigorating walk along the River Barrow, starting at Lowtown, which is a 30-minute drive from Celbridge. The full stretch of the Barrow Way is 114km, but you can choose to walk as much or as little as you like – there’s no need to complete the entire route in one day. Enjoy the scenic views and fresh air as you stroll along the riverbank.
Option 2: Donadea Forest Park
If you prefer a woodland setting, head to Donadea Forest Park, just a 20-minute drive from Celbridge. This lovely mixed woodland features a lake and many historical features, including the remains of a castle and a walled garden. Take a leisurely walk through the forest, admiring the diverse flora and fauna, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Option 3: The Bog of Allen
For a unique nature experience, visit Ireland’s largest peatland, The Bog of Allen, located a 20-minute drive from Celbridge. Explore the fascinating landscape and learn about the ecological importance of this vast wetland. Take a guided tour or follow the designated walking trails to discover the beauty and tranquility of this special place. You could also enjoy a fascinating private walking tour of Celbridge with local guide Breda Konsadine. Book Here.
In the evening head to Avenue Café or Ely Winebar in Maynooth (10-minute drive) for a cosy dinner.
Days 4-6: Salterbridge Gatelodge, County Waterford
Bid farewell to Kildare and make your way to Salterbridge Gatelodge in County Waterford. This charming 19th-century gate lodge is nestled within the scenic Blackwater Valley, offering a tranquil and romantic setting. The drive from Kildare will take approximately 2.5 hours. Take the romantic route through the scenic Vee Gap, a breathtaking mountain pass offering stunning views of the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Day 4: Arrival and Exploration
Check into Salterbridge Gatelodge and head out to explore the nearby town of Lismore. Lismore is a ten-minute drive from Cappoquin and you could happily spend a day here as there is plenty to do. For example, there are a number of guided walks to choose from. Choose from the Lismore town tour, Lady Louisa walk, Motte and Bailey or St Declan’s Way.
Visit Lismore Castle. The castle itself is a private residence, but the seven acres of walled gardens are yours to explore. Enjoy a picnic as part of your visit to the Gardens. Teena, the castle chef, prepares freshly made cakes, scones and savoury snacks to include alongside apple juice from the orchard. You can also order a selection of delicious whole 9-inch round cakes to collect from the Gallery to enjoy back at the Lodge later on. Picnics and cakes are available each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from June until August 2023 and must be ordered and pre-paid at least 24 hours in advance. Place your order here.
Lismore has some nice independent shops. For those who wish for something handmade and unique Lismore Goldsmith is the jeweller to visit. It is run by goldsmiths Úna O’Dwyer and Moritz Schurmann and is located on the main street. They stock an extensive collection of fine jewellery ranging from diamond solitaire rings to precious gemstone pieces, most of which are handmade and designed in their in-shop studio.
Lismore is famous for its biscuits and beautiful buttery shortbread. You can purchase some of the delicious Lismore Food Company range at the Lismore Heritage Centre or Supervalu, in Cappoquin. Wild Oats are a local producer of soap, bath milks, oils and candles. They make carefully blended skincare and wellness products. These products are available to buy at the Lismore Heritage Centre.
The renowned Cork Restaurant The Farmgate has relocated to Lismore. We would highly recommend that you go here for dinner. They are open Thursday- Sunday. To book click here
Day 5: Discovering Local Treasures
We recommended visiting Cappoquin House (5-minute drive) where you’ll be welcome to tour the house and five acres of gardens. Alternatively, you could also visit Mount Mellary Abbey(10-minute drive), the first monastery founded in Ireland after the Reformation. Visitor tip – stop for a coffee in their lovely cafe!
Why not take some of the local walks in Cappoquin? There are four wonderful waymarked walking trails in Glenshelane. The Blue Trail (2 km, 45 mins, easy, blue) is looped on a flat gradient adjacent to the river and is suitable for all ages. The Green Trail (3.5 km, 1.25 hrs, moderate, green) is also a loop that will take the walker out a little further along the river. The Red Trail (9.5 km, 3.5 hrs, strenuous, red) is a long linear walk that takes you to the more remote parts of the forest, whilst the linear Grotto Walk (2.75 km, 1.5 hrs, moderate, orange) takes in the Scout Centre, the underpass under Lyre Bridge and the Grotto at Mount Mellary.
Head to Dungarvan for lunch, we recommend The Tannery Restaurant. To book CLICK HERE. Afterwards, explore the Copper Coast, which stretches for about 75km from Tramore to Dungarvan. This stunning coastal route takes you through secret coves, sandy beaches, historic sites, and great food spots in Bunmahon, Stradbally, and Clonea Beach. The Copper Coast is now a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised for its unique geological heritage. You can take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour to learn more about the area’s history and geology. The Copper Coast Geopark website provides information on various trails, attractions, and activities in the area.
Day 6: Discover Waterford and the Greenway.
Spend your morning exploring the Waterford Greenway, a stunning 46km route that hugs the coastline from Waterford City, through the Comeragh Mountains, and on to Dungarvan (just a 15-minute drive from Salterbridge). You can choose to walk or cycle the Greenway, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
The Greenway offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and outdoor adventure. Along the route, you’ll find plenty of pit stops, including cafes, restaurants, and picnic areas, making it easy to take breaks and refuel. Whether you decide to tackle the entire 46km or just a portion of it, exploring the Waterford Greenway is a fantastic way to spend your morning. Stop off along the route for lunch
After your morning on the Greenway, head to the Dungarvan Brewing Company for their brewery tour. This 90-minute interactive session will take you behind the scenes of the brewing process, where you’ll learn about the ingredients used and how the beer is made.
The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the brewery, explaining each step of the brewing process and sharing the history and philosophy behind Dungarvan Brewing Company. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of their award-winning craft beers and ask any questions you may have.
Celebrate your final evening with a special dinner at Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, offering a fine dining experience with spectacular sea views.
How to book
We hope this itinerary has inspired you to discover the delights of Batty Langley Lodge and Salterbridge Gatelodge. From historical explorations to intimate dinners and scenic drives, a six-night stay in these properties offers the perfect blend of romance and adventure.
To book your custom itinerary, contact our Bookings Office at bookings@irishlandmark.com or call 00353 (1) 670 4733. You can also visit our Properties Page to book directly, or check out our other heritage holiday homes.
Remember, the longer you stay, the more you save! Take advantage of discounted rates for extended stays and immerse yourself fully in the rich culture and attractions of Ireland’s Ancient East.
All information here is correct at the time of writing (Summer 2024). Please always check relevant websites for up-to-date information and booking details. Please note in high season it is recommended that you pre-book most activities and restaurants, especially in town and city centres.