There is always something special about getting away from it all as a couple and enjoying a well-deserved break. Even if just for an overnight stay or a long weekend, a short romantic break helps you both relax and focus on each other, especially if your daily routines are both very busy.
An opportunity to slow down and just enjoy each other’s company should be cherished, and by adding travel, you have a perfect setting without distractions at home. If you’ve been looking to book a romantic getaway and you need some inspiration, below are some destination ideas to consider, from classic city breaks to some ideal alternatives in Europe, as well as closer to home.
You can look forward to walking hand-in-hand across cobbled streets, enjoying coastal views, or simply discovering cosy cafés together, helping you create moments that stay with you long after you return home.
Before getting caught up in the romance of it all and deciding where best to enjoy a candlelight dinner, take a moment to think about the practical aspects of your trip. This is especially important if you are planning to book a surprise getaway for you and your partner at the last minute, as it can be easy to overlook the important parts.
If you are going abroad, be sure to check you and your partner’s passport validity. The last thing you want is to realise both are expired and need renewing only a few days before your trip. Ideally, check before booking and visit the Government of Ireland website to renew or replace your passport. Give yourself enough time for this to arrive too, as it may take up to 10 working days or longer.
Don’t forget to protect your trip away with travel insurance that covers everything you need, just in case of the unexpected. It can become expensive if you need medical attention while away in an emergency, or if you need to cancel or change your plans. Research and choose a comprehensive policy, such as those from providers like Staysure who cover emergency expenses and trip cancellations, so that you can enjoy your romantic getaway with added peace of mind.
A little preparation of these aspects will help protect the relaxed mood you are hoping to create, avoiding any stressful last-minute decisions.
Yes, it may feel too obvious, but few cities capture the feeling of romance quite like Paris. Even if you’ve been before, it still has that magic when exploring with a loved one. Twilight walks along the Seine, or enjoying a coffee and pastry in one of the endless tucked-away cafés, is always enjoyable.
If you can avoid peak times at tourist hotspots, you won’t feel too rushed and still be able to get good photos by the Eiffel Tower or when wandering through Montmartre that feels special. Paris is a timeless choice, and with flights from Dublin taking less than 2 hours, you can be there in no time, making it ideal for 2-3 night stays.
Over to England, and if a romantic getaway that has plenty of fresh air and outdoor space sounds idyllic, the Lake District is a peaceful and stunning choice. You can spend hours spending time together on walking trails or relaxing by the lakes, taking a romantic boat ride, or just cosying up together in a log cabin or one of the many picturesque pubs.
Only a short trip across the Irish Sea, it can be perfect for last minute adventure at any time of year. Just be sure to wrap up warm!
Along with Paris, Venice is always worth considering, as it feels designed for romance. The winding canals and historic buildings have so much character that you can’t help feeling romantic when enjoying a gondola ride together or wandering through the narrow streets and across the elegant bridges.
The evenings can be spectacular too, with the glow of lanterns and shimmering waterways next to many dining spots helping to create an intimate atmosphere. Like Paris, it can be tourist-heavy during peak times, but there is always somewhere quiet you can enjoy together for an unforgettable trip.
Scotland is full of stunning locations, but Edinburgh is a great choice for couples who want a romantic city break full of history and lots to do. Steeped in character, the Old Town and its cobbled streets feel like stepping back in time, and with the castle perched over the city, you can get fantastic views from all over.
It’s fun just to wander the streets together to see where you’ll end up, and after a day of exploring museums or climbing Arthur’s Seat for the stunning view, there are lots of romantic restaurants, pubs and bars to relax and indulge in. As another destination not too far from home, Edinburgh has all the ingredients for romance to blossom.
For something different and a little warmer, the Greek Islands have much to like when wanting a romantic break, and Santorini will not disappoint. Effortlessly romantic thanks to the whitewashed buildings, and the beautiful flowers during Spring and Summer, everywhere you look is postcard worthy against the backdrop of the blue Aegean Sea and volcanic cliffs.
Couples come here to slow the pace, whether that means lingering over a seaside meal or finding a quiet terrace to watch the famous sunset in the evenings. The island has a calm rhythm ideal for peaceful days filled with scenic walks and ocean views. It is the kind of place where time stands still, and while you may need to go for longer than a weekend, it’s a worthwhile holiday choice.
Bruges is another European city that just feels romantic when you arrive. Its quiet canals weave through the medieval buildings and are perfect for taking a stroll alongside or enjoying a canal boat ride. You even have the Minnewaterbrug, otherwise known as Lover’s Bridge, to stroll along hand-in-hand.
Café culture is perfect for date nights and easy-going meals throughout the day, with Bruges full of choice when you need to pause together and recharge whilst exploring the city streets. Add in artisan chocolate shops and intimate restaurants for the evening, and you’ve got everything you need for a long romantic weekend.
A romantic getaway doesn’t have to mean leaving Ireland, and if raw and natural beauty sounds perfect, visiting Connemara in County Galway is a wonderful alternative. You can escape it all into a peaceful setting that feels remote and untamed, where you can feel like it’s just the two of you for miles around.
You can take scenic drives, enjoy quiet beach walks or bike rides, and take in spectacular views together, staying overnight in a cosy B&B by the fire. Connemara’s peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time together.
Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired by the 7 destinations above, but there are many others to consider too. Part of the fun of planning a romantic getaway is choosing somewhere that is just right for both you and not just somewhere somebody else has recommended. If you’d rather stay closer to home, Ireland is blessed with many romantic destinations to rival Connemara, so why not seek out a corner of the country you’ve not been to before?
What matters most is creating space to enjoy each other’s company without the usual distractions. Enjoying relaxed evenings and small moments along the way often become the memories you treasure most, so with a bit of careful planning, you can have the perfect mix of romance and adventure.
You can look forward to walking hand-in-hand across cobbled streets, enjoying coastal views, or simply discovering cosy cafés together, helping you create moments that stay with you long after you return home.
Don’t Forget the Essentials While Planning Your Romantic Break
Before getting caught up in the romance of it all and deciding where best to enjoy a candlelight dinner, take a moment to think about the practical aspects of your trip. This is especially important if you are planning to book a surprise getaway for you and your partner at the last minute, as it can be easy to overlook the important parts.
Check Passports
If you are going abroad, be sure to check you and your partner’s passport validity. The last thing you want is to realise both are expired and need renewing only a few days before your trip. Ideally, check before booking and visit the Government of Ireland website to renew or replace your passport. Give yourself enough time for this to arrive too, as it may take up to 10 working days or longer.
Book Suitable Travel Insurance
Don’t forget to protect your trip away with travel insurance that covers everything you need, just in case of the unexpected. It can become expensive if you need medical attention while away in an emergency, or if you need to cancel or change your plans. Research and choose a comprehensive policy, such as those from providers like Staysure who cover emergency expenses and trip cancellations, so that you can enjoy your romantic getaway with added peace of mind.
A little preparation of these aspects will help protect the relaxed mood you are hoping to create, avoiding any stressful last-minute decisions.
1. Paris, France: Classic Romance
Yes, it may feel too obvious, but few cities capture the feeling of romance quite like Paris. Even if you’ve been before, it still has that magic when exploring with a loved one. Twilight walks along the Seine, or enjoying a coffee and pastry in one of the endless tucked-away cafés, is always enjoyable.
If you can avoid peak times at tourist hotspots, you won’t feel too rushed and still be able to get good photos by the Eiffel Tower or when wandering through Montmartre that feels special. Paris is a timeless choice, and with flights from Dublin taking less than 2 hours, you can be there in no time, making it ideal for 2-3 night stays.
2. Lake District, England: Scenic Serenity
Over to England, and if a romantic getaway that has plenty of fresh air and outdoor space sounds idyllic, the Lake District is a peaceful and stunning choice. You can spend hours spending time together on walking trails or relaxing by the lakes, taking a romantic boat ride, or just cosying up together in a log cabin or one of the many picturesque pubs.
Only a short trip across the Irish Sea, it can be perfect for last minute adventure at any time of year. Just be sure to wrap up warm!
3. Venice, Italy: Timeless Charm
Along with Paris, Venice is always worth considering, as it feels designed for romance. The winding canals and historic buildings have so much character that you can’t help feeling romantic when enjoying a gondola ride together or wandering through the narrow streets and across the elegant bridges.
The evenings can be spectacular too, with the glow of lanterns and shimmering waterways next to many dining spots helping to create an intimate atmosphere. Like Paris, it can be tourist-heavy during peak times, but there is always somewhere quiet you can enjoy together for an unforgettable trip.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland: History and Atmosphere
Scotland is full of stunning locations, but Edinburgh is a great choice for couples who want a romantic city break full of history and lots to do. Steeped in character, the Old Town and its cobbled streets feel like stepping back in time, and with the castle perched over the city, you can get fantastic views from all over.
It’s fun just to wander the streets together to see where you’ll end up, and after a day of exploring museums or climbing Arthur’s Seat for the stunning view, there are lots of romantic restaurants, pubs and bars to relax and indulge in. As another destination not too far from home, Edinburgh has all the ingredients for romance to blossom.
5. Santorini, Greece: Sunsets and Seaside Beauty
For something different and a little warmer, the Greek Islands have much to like when wanting a romantic break, and Santorini will not disappoint. Effortlessly romantic thanks to the whitewashed buildings, and the beautiful flowers during Spring and Summer, everywhere you look is postcard worthy against the backdrop of the blue Aegean Sea and volcanic cliffs.
Couples come here to slow the pace, whether that means lingering over a seaside meal or finding a quiet terrace to watch the famous sunset in the evenings. The island has a calm rhythm ideal for peaceful days filled with scenic walks and ocean views. It is the kind of place where time stands still, and while you may need to go for longer than a weekend, it’s a worthwhile holiday choice.
6. Bruges, Belgium: Fairytale Setting
Bruges is another European city that just feels romantic when you arrive. Its quiet canals weave through the medieval buildings and are perfect for taking a stroll alongside or enjoying a canal boat ride. You even have the Minnewaterbrug, otherwise known as Lover’s Bridge, to stroll along hand-in-hand.
Café culture is perfect for date nights and easy-going meals throughout the day, with Bruges full of choice when you need to pause together and recharge whilst exploring the city streets. Add in artisan chocolate shops and intimate restaurants for the evening, and you’ve got everything you need for a long romantic weekend.
7. Connemara, Ireland: Wild Coastal Romance
A romantic getaway doesn’t have to mean leaving Ireland, and if raw and natural beauty sounds perfect, visiting Connemara in County Galway is a wonderful alternative. You can escape it all into a peaceful setting that feels remote and untamed, where you can feel like it’s just the two of you for miles around.
You can take scenic drives, enjoy quiet beach walks or bike rides, and take in spectacular views together, staying overnight in a cosy B&B by the fire. Connemara’s peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time together.
Turning Inspiration into a Memorable Trip
Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired by the 7 destinations above, but there are many others to consider too. Part of the fun of planning a romantic getaway is choosing somewhere that is just right for both you and not just somewhere somebody else has recommended. If you’d rather stay closer to home, Ireland is blessed with many romantic destinations to rival Connemara, so why not seek out a corner of the country you’ve not been to before?
What matters most is creating space to enjoy each other’s company without the usual distractions. Enjoying relaxed evenings and small moments along the way often become the memories you treasure most, so with a bit of careful planning, you can have the perfect mix of romance and adventure.
(Photo credit: Max Sandelin)
