Take a trip for love

Is Valentine's Day an overblown hallmark event to buy cards, presents and spend a week's wages on a dinner for two? Yes.

But the idea of taking one day in the year to tell those who mean the most to you how much you love them is beautiful. So take the time out to say how you feel and do be romantic. But romance doe not mean spending a fortune on red hearts and it is not about showing off your love in front of others at a swanky restaurant.

Instead, today take the time to plan a romantic day, weekend or holiday. Planning something romantic is a perfect way to spend quality time together, have something special to look forward to and get away with your special someone.

Need some inspiration for a romantic trip?

IRELAND:

Glencar Waterfall, Co Leitrim

Glencar Waterfall, Co Leitrim

Ever heard of it? Want to know what it is all about? Take your romantic ass there, marvel at nature
and be inspired as the great Irish poet WB Yeats was. (Print off 'The Stolen Child')

Romantic tick, poetic tick tick.

Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

Why the cliffs? You are on the edge of Ireland the next land mass is America. Feel the breeze – hold on tight to your loved on and make some beautiful declarations! Ladies bring some hair spray and maybe a raincoat.

Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry

Yep, the mountain. The highest peak in Ireland. Climb past deep mountain lakes, along ice-carved ridges until you reach the breathtaking summit. If your partner is still with you (maybe stay together on the way up) take a look around the legendary landscape and pledge your allegiance to Ireland and to (insert name here).

A LITTLE FURTHER:

Paris, France

You cannot bypass Paris. It is the most romantic city in the world. It is beautiful, the buildings, the landmarks, the language (if they are not shouting at you!) Eat a baguette and cheese, climb to the top

Fiji island

of the Effie Tower and say “J'Adore.”

Venice, Italy

Smelly, yes. Dirty, yes. Wet, yes.

Still romantic. A mid night stroll, a gondola ride, share a pizza or pasta and sip some chianti. Bliss.

Fiji islands

Get away, really far away. Stop off at the beautiful and romantic Bounty/ Love Island, or just keep going – until you reach the last island. Then relax and tell your partner “if I was on a deserted island all I would want is you ...”

You are Welcome – now go forth and love!

Swallow your pride - book a B&B

You are in love and you want to show your other half how much they mean to you. 
Valentine's Day is coming up, you want it to be special but ... moths fly out of your wallet, the bank machine spits out your card and even the euro saver menu at McDonalds is a stretch. So what to do? 
Well before you resort to making your own card out of recycled newspaper and a red pen, how about swallow your pride and book a B&B somewhere romantic?
Okay, it is not a luxurious hotel with chandeliers and a valet service but a B&B will have something you never found in a hotel - genuine character.
 Oh and most B&Bs will look different, which is something hotels seem to forget when decorating - "How will we compete against our neighbouring hotel?" they ask. "Oh yes let's decorate the hotel to look exactly the same as theirs, then maybe vistors will mistake our hotel for theirs and choose us..." well that must be what happens!
So you are dreading the small talk over breakfast with the owners? Think they will have heard every creak in the bed, were counting every giggle and grunt?
Forget the movies, the reviews from the 1950s and your own silly notions. Irish B&Bs are in general modern, clean fresh and friendly, cost a hell of a lot less and usually give you some cosy memories of your break away with that important someone.


For an idea of where to break away for Valentines I suggest:
Glencar Waterfalls, Co Leitrim - If it was good enough for Yeats poetry it is more than perfect for a romantic walk and cuddle beside the powerful water cascades.


Aran Islands, Galway - Get away from the mainland and experience the authentic island treatment. Is tú mo ghrá ... try it where it counts.


Dingle, Co Kerry - Why do all those yankies love Dingle? Probably because it looks like Ireland 60 years ago in the movies with all the pretty scenery to go with it and good craic.


Drogheda, Co Louth - One of the oldest towns in Ireland, but one that has a mischief of youth about it, explore the Boyne Valley and your own adventure here.


Enniskerry, Co Wicklow - The Gateway to the Garden of Island - next door to Powerscourt Estate and the Sugarloaf mountains - escapism and romance!

For some ideas on nice B&Bs check out: http://www.bandbireland.com/