 | Did you know the tradition of honeymooning is actually derived from the ancient Irish custom of “month of honey”? It was used to describe the first lunar month after the couple was married and it was customary for family and friends to give the couple special goblets to toast each other with, and enough mead to last them through the first month of their marriage. |
While today it might be considered a bit excessive to drink mead for a whole month, it is not considered excessive to choose romantic spots to celebrate your honeymoon.
And what better place to visit than the country that actually invented the tradition – Ireland?
Dublin – yes there is more to Dublin than the St. Patrick’s Day parade and pub crawls. It can be especially great for people that love to travel but like to have urban conveniences at their fingertips.
If you love James Joyce follow his trail all the way to the Sandycove Tower so you are getting a bit of a culture, romance and wonderful Dublin skies. Not to mention shopping, great restaurants, pubs and cafes are never too far away.
Achill, Co.Mayo – if you fancy long walks along the shore line, some dolphin spotting, open skies and clear blue waters of Atlantic ocean, then you should definitely go to Achill. The largest Irish island offers plenty for romantics who are also dedicated nature lovers. And since there are signs that there was a settlement here as early as 4000 years ago, there is plenty of history to soak up too.
Connamara, Co. Galway – if you are in the mood for a honeymoon that resembles something out of Wuthering Heights then you should definitely consider region Connamara in Co. Galway. It might not be as bleak as Wuthering Heights, but if a small cottage for just the two of you and breathtakingly beautiful and rugged scenery sounds like your idea of heaven, this is the place to go.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare – if you always wanted to look all windswept and dramatic there is not better place then the Cliffs of Moher. Stunning and not to mention awe inspiring, the Cliffs of Moher stretch alongside the West coast of Ireland.
And just in case you’re feeling daring, you might want to take a peek over the edge.
Now that is one honeymoon experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Inistioge, Co. Killkenny – if you have watched the movie “A Circle of Friends” then you have seen Inistioge. A favorite romantic getaway for the Irish, the river Note circles the village and offers wonderful riverside walks or you can climb to the top of the hill and enjoy the views of the river and the valley from the Woodstock Estate. When you had enough nature for one day, retreat to one of the local pubs and relax your feet next to the fire.
So tell us dear readers, have any of you chosen Ireland as a destination for your honeymoon? Or even a romantic break? Know of a wonderful undiscovered romantic spot? We’d love to hear your stories.
And if you are looking for that special piece of jewelry, be it a Celtic wedding band, an engagement ring or just that unique something that will delight the one you love you can visit our Celtic jewelry store.
thanks Ciara for sharing this helpful post on Irish Honeymoon destinations. I am still little confused regarding Honeymoon destinations in Ireland as most of my friends considers other European countries a better place than Ireland! Is it so? I mean apart from Dublin, the other destinations are not that popular, I guess!
what do u have to say on this Ciara?
Hi Yogita, I suppose it’s a matter of opinion and depends on what you want in a Honeymoon, or any holiday. Dublin is great but it doesn’t have the beauty that you find in the Irish countryside. I’d recommend mixing it up between the city and the beautiful countryside and coastlines.