Follow your heart and, more than likely, you’ll find yourself in Northern Ireland. It’s got everything you need for a romantic weekend break. All, pretty much within touching distance. From luxury hide-away hotels to city-chic comfort. Not forgetting hand-holding strolls on the beach. Or candlelit dinners a deux.
Belfast – A city made for two
The Merchant Hotel (5*) takes luxury to new heights. Even before you dip a toe in the roof top hot tub. From here, you might just see the towering Grand Central Hotel (4*), a Belfast institution. Fabulousness springs from every inch of the imaginatively appointed Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*). The bold and quirky Malmaison (4*) sits in the Cathedral Quarter, while Ten Square (4*) goes all out on contemporary comfort.
Try dinner at the riverside Michelin-starred OX restaurant. Or go bistro, with a New York vibe, at local favourite James St.
Loving County Antrim
There’s a welcome guaranteed at the Galgorm (4*). Well, it’s not in Hospitality Ulster’s Top 100 spots for nothing. Its 163 acres of parkland seem to stretch forever and unlike the journey from Belfast – it’s just 30 minutes away. A romantic dinner in the River Room here is a must.
The restored 18th century stone buildings at Dunamoy Cottages and Spa (4*) (Winner Best Self Catering (Large) at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022) are a magical spot for couples in search of a quick getaway that won’t break the bank. And, what could be more romantic than a castle? The enchanting Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*), at the tip of the Causeway Coastal Route, has views all the way across the Irish Sea. Definitely worth a glance, if you can take your eyes off each other.
Losing your heart in Armagh
In Orchard County, you’ve got to wake up to the view of an apple orchard. Do just that at Crannagael House (4*). A self-contained apartment in the East Wing, it’s especially romantic in May when the blossom is out.
A regal experience awaits at the stunning Killeavy Castle Estate (4*), at the base of Slieve Gullion. You can’t help but fall in love with this Grade A listed castle. Or the modern comfort of its converted mill and coach house, and spa.
Newforge House (5*) a historic family-run country house, mixes antique and contemporary in six luxurious rooms. Local seasonal food is a star attraction here.
There are wonderful walks all around you and a number of golf clubs, for couples who like to stay and play together.
Romantic breaks in the walled city
Historic Derry-Londonderry, is home to some fantastic escapes. Go for penthouse glamour on the 7th Floor of the City Hotel Derry (4*), five minutes’ walk from the city walls. And there’s a warm welcome guaranteed at The Everglades Hotel (4*).
No getaway’s complete without a romantic dinner at, say, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant or foodie-favourite, Browns in Town.
Hideaways in County Down
Bay Tree Cottage cleverly blends New England style and stonewall cottage. Calm, refreshing and supremely comfortable, bedrooms are light and airy, with breakfasts lovingly cooked by owner Susan.
County Down is not short of cottage hideaways. Original wooden floors, beams and open fireplaces give Larchfield Estate Cottages their unique character. And, with a 600-acre garden of silent forests and peaceful riverbanks, it’s luxury indoors and out. Royal Hillsborough’s Arthur Street Guest Cottage (4*) does cute like no other – in a village of chiming church bells.
Inn love with a weekend break
The Old Inn at Crawfordsburn is a former coaching inn where travellers of old stopped for a night to rest themselves and their horses. They’d surely appreciate the luxurious four-poster beds and Victorian afternoon tea you find here today. Close to the stunning North Coastal Path, Belfast’s just a short hop away too.
Love a spa treatment?
The magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa (5*) used to be a Bishop’s Palace. So it knows a bit about stately elegance. Super-luxurious bedrooms and a beautifully appointed Spa area guarantee your comfort. And with 12 acres of gardens and woodlands, it’s pretty easy on the eye too.
You’ve heard the expression ‘between a rock and a hard place’? This is about as far away from that as you can get. The wonderful Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is very comfortably sandwiched between golden beaches on one side and Royal County Down Golf Links on the other. Inside, exquisite cloud beds make every night a dream. So you’re totally rested, even before you hit the award-winning spa.
Heart to heart in Tyrone and Fermanagh
Corick House Hotel & Spa (4*) lies in an area known for its standing stones and chambered graves. Though don’t let that put you off. Today this glamorous country house does history with a decidedly modern and romantic flourish. Not too far away, Lough Erne Resort (5*) has everything you could wish for, from a Thai Spa to a Faldo Golf Course.
Of course, should you wish to spend your romantic getaway in your own little bubble, it’s got to be Finn Lough. You’ll be at one with nature in a Forest Bubble Dome – transparent walls and a four poster bed, perfect for starry, starry nights.
Whether it’s the start of something special, a special anniversary or something extra special like a baby-moon, Northern Ireland loves a good romantic tale. Spend a little while here and you might just be inspired to write your own.
