Finding things to do in Ireland for couples is easy, given just how romantic the country is. From its cozy pubs and warm hearted people to its breathtaking scenery and countless love songs, Ireland is a dream destination for two.
There is even an Irish saying to remind you of the delight in sharing a journey together: “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been, and the memories we have made along the way.”
Ride the Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway
Waterford is a great city, but you need to see the beauty of the Irish countryside as well. The Waterford Greenway is a cycling—or walking—path through some idyllic landscapes.
The 30-mile route from Waterford to Dungarvan follows an old railway line, so has no tough gradients. It passes over 11 scenic bridges, three viaducts, and a 1,300-foot tunnel.
You pass the Copper Coast, River Suir, Comeragh Mountains, and many historic sites. Rent a bike to enjoy a stretch of it together, stopping at a pub or café on the way.
Surf at Tramore Beach
Tramore Beach
One of Ireland’s best beaches is Tramore Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand along the country’s southeastern coast. Its name comes from the Irish Trá Mhór for “great strand”.
Behind the beach are a set of impressive dunes and there are high cliffs to each side. A railway connection to Waterford City made Tramore a popular 19th-century seaside resort, with cliff walks and a golf course.
Those days of glory have faded somewhat, but the beauty of the beach remains undimmed. It’s now very popular with surfers and any couple visiting Ireland will have great fun learning to surf with the friendly schools here.
Explore the Viking Triangle
Christ Church Cathedral
The Viking Triangle is the heart of Waterford, rich in Viking, medieval, and Georgian history. Take a guided tour or visit its museums and other historic sites that Ireland is known for.
First stop should be the Medieval Museum, Ireland’s only museum devoted to this era. Nearby is Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, which has a museum of Viking history.
The treasures of the 18th-century Bishop’s Palace and magnificent Georgian Christ Church Cathedral are other must-sees. Finally, enjoy the many shops and cozy cafés of the area.
Buy Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal is a staple on wedding gift lists and an heirloom for coming generations. While you’re in Waterford, why not see the artistry involved in making it?
Taking the guided factory tour is one of the best things to do in Waterford, which takes you through the whole process, from blowing through cutting, engraving, and polishing. The showroom has an amazing collection of chandeliers, vases, and other artisan pieces.
Best of all, you might find something a bit special to take, or ship, home. Anything you buy can be engraved to make it a shared memory for you both.
Tour Curraghmore House & Gardens
Curraghmore House & Gardens
If the two of you want to imagine what it would be like to live in an Irish stately home, Curraghmore is one of the best places to visit in Ireland. This historic house and its grand estate has been home to the same family for over 800 years.
Sitting outside Portlaw, about 30 minutes from Waterford City, Curraghmore is surrounded by a wall that is 14 miles long. Inside are some of Ireland’s tallest trees and its oldest bridge, dating to 1205.
You can take a guided tour of the house and walk the gardens, where you will find the romantic Shell House. This 19th-century grotto is decorated with shells collected from around the world by ships sailing out of Waterford.
Admire the Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most dramatic historical sites, is about 90 minutes from Waterford City. Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, it has a history dating back to the fourth century.
Sitting atop a picturesque limestone hill with great views, the core is a set of wonderful medieval buildings. These include a 12th-century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and a 15th-century castle.
At the Rock’s foot is the Brian Boru Cultural Centre, a celebration of Irish culture including traditional music and dance. Nearby is Hore Abbey, a peaceful, ruined Cistercian monastery worth visiting if the two of you want a quiet respite. Visting here is one of the best things to do in Ireland for couples,
Play the Shandon Bells
St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s church in the heart of Cork is unique and not just in still having its original 18th century bells. It also lets visitors play them, allowing you to send a tune gently ringing out over the city.
Reaching the Shandon Bells—named for the church’s parish—involves climbing to the first floor of the bell tower. Here, you pull ropes to hit clappers striking the six bells, which are fixed in place.
Afterwards, a narrow, winding staircase takes you further up the bell tower for a panoramic view of Cork. You’ll be given headphones to protect your ears from the sound of others ringing the bells.
Graze the English Market
English Market
Cork’s English Market was founded in 1788 as an alternative to the former Irish Market nearby. It’s a colorful produce market, filled with stall holders who have been here sometimes for generations.
You’ll find plenty of fresh local produce, with much of it packaged for export. From salmon and sauces to specialty Irish cheeses and chocolate, there’s something for all tastes.
There are also several cafés serving up an Irish welcome along with tea and cakes. You can also fill up by sampling produce from many of the artisanal food stalls.
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney Stone, said to give you the “gift of the gab” if you kiss it. What couple can pass up the chance of being able to talk their way out of an argument? For this reason alone, Blarney Castle is surely one of the best places to visit in Ireland for couples.
This Irish castle dates to the 15th century, but now lies partially in ruins. There’s a great view from the top, where you have to hang upside down to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Afterwards, you can walk in the sprawling 60-acre gardens, which have ancient yew trees and druidic stones. A guide is needed to visit the Poison Garden, full of dangerous plants such as wolfsbane and mandrake.
Shudder at Spike Island
Spike Island
Spike Island, nicknamed “Ireland’s Alcatraz”, might not seem the most romantic destination for a couple. However, hearing its spine-chilling story told by an entertaining guide is among the most unforgettable things to do in Cork.
The island is reached by a scenic ferry ride across Cork Harbour from Cobh—pronounced “Cove”. Once landed, you can explore the 200-year-old Fort Mitchel, a massive Napoleonic-era fortress that later held thousands of prisoners.
The prison was notorious for its high death rate and harsh punishment blocks—which you can still visit. The storytelling guides bring all this dark history to life, with the island’s nature walks adding a more peaceful note.
Visit Kinsale
Kinsale
Wandering around the coastal town of Kinsale is one of the best things to do in Ireland for couples. About 30 minutes south of Cork City, it’s one of the country’s most picturesque towns, filled with brightly painted houses, quaint shops, and wonderful cafés.
It’s very walkable, with plenty of art galleries and a museum focusing on the Lusitania shipping disaster. The town is also the official start of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
The pretty harbor was once defended by two forts, the most scenic of which is Charles Fort. This was built in the typical 17th-century star shape and has spectacular views out to the Irish Sea.
Read: Ireland Travel Tips
Share Fish & Chips
Fish and chips
You might associate fish and chips with England, but Ireland has great fish and loves its potatoes. So excellent fish and chips are a popular, fun meal to share at any time—especially when you eat them with your hands.
Many restaurants in Cork have it on their menu, but there are several specialist take-out shops. Most of those are in the suburbs, where rents are cheaper, but nearer the center are Kiely’s and Eco Fish.
You’ll find Kiely’s on Maylor Street and Eco Fish across the River Lee on MacCurtain Street. Both have gluten-free batter options, made with rice flour.
Discover Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is Ireland’s oldest, established in 1932 to protect ancient woodlands, mountains, and the famous Lakes of Killarney. You’ll see Ireland’s only native herd of red deer here, as well as its largest area of ancient oak forest.
Also within the park is Muckross House, a sprawling 1840s mansion with many elegant rooms furnished in Victorian style. Indeed, Queen Victoria stayed here when she visited the Killarney Lakes in 1861.
Between walking the beautiful gardens or hiking through the park to see its lakes and waterfalls, there is plenty to do. Ancient Ross Castle, boat tours, and guided tours by horse-drawn jaunting car are other options for couples to enjoy together.
Go On a Pub Crawl
Pub in Ireland
When Belfast was building ships such as the Titanic, the city was full of pubs quenching the thirsts of hardworking men. Many of these watering holes are now lost but several survive to give a glimpse of that history.
The most famous stand near each other on Great Victoria Street: Robinsons Bar and the Crown Liquor Saloon. These 19th-century “public houses” are a delight in their ornate interiors and cozy atmosphere.
Among other landmark pubs in the city are the Duke of York, built in 1780, and Kelly’s Cellars, dating to 1720. Any list of Belfast’s best pubs also includes Maddens and Bittles, two bars which are ten minutes apart.
Discover Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast
Visiting Titanic Belfast is one of the best things to do in Belfast, as it stands beside the very spot where the ill-fated White Star liner was launched. The building’s distinctive hull-shaped exterior is the same height as the bow of the Titanic and her twin, RMS Olympic.
Six floors holding nine interactive galleries tell the story of Titanic’s construction, her maiden—and final—voyage, and subsequent events. You can visit recreated cabins, take a virtual ship’s tour, and stand above a detailed photo of the wreck as it is now.
If either of you have Irish ancestry, you will want to check the passenger list for relatives. Outside, you can tour the restored SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship.
Photograph the Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the great images of Irish tourism. Its mass of hexagonal rocks pouring off cliffs into the sea is a familiar sight from travel photographs.
On sunny days, this famous natural landmark is a fun place to scramble over together. On stormy days, it’s a place to capture your own photos of waves crashing over the rocks.
Nearby is the equally photogenic Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on a cliff edge. Touring the whole Causeway Coast is one of the best things any couple can do in Ireland.
Stroll in Glenariff Forest Park
Glenariff Forest Park
Glenariff Forest Park is at the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim, about an hour from Belfast. These beautiful green valleys are much celebrated in song, with Glenariff being the most picturesque.
The park covers diverse woodland and mountains but its heart is a rushing river and dramatic waterfall. Don’t go expecting Niagara Falls but rather, a very scenic Irish postcard view.
Much of the path follows a wooden boardwalk that winds through a tree-filled gorge, blooming with bluebells during spring in Ireland. The walkway was built in the late 19th century and Glenariff has been famous ever since.
Thrill to the Gobbins Cliff Path
Gobbins Cliff Path
The dramatic Gobbins Cliff Path was first opened in 1902 as a visitor attraction in the railway age. It clings to high basalt cliffs, passing over bridges, up stairs, and through tunnels cut into the rock.
You’ll be happy to know the path was completely restored in 2015 and is completely safe. It’s still a thrill to take this guided walk above crashing waves while enjoying views across the sea to Scotland.
There is also plenty of bird life such as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and guillemots. By the way, the name “Gobbins” comes from an Irish word “Gobán”, meaning “headland”.
Take a Black Cab Tour
The best way to see Belfast together, while learning about its troubled history, is in a “black cab”. These traditional London-style taxis can take up to five people in comfort, driven by a local guide.
Tours can include the Republican Falls Road, Loyalist Shankill Road, and the Peace Walls between them. The walls and many house gables have large murals representing political issues.
The drivers have local experience and give a balanced, yet personal take on past—and present events. After seeing physical reminders of the city’s “Troubles” period, you’ll also have a much clearer idea of its causes.
Belfast
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