Romantic Getaway in Western Ireland
by Emily M. Grey

There’s something magical about Ireland. In this land of Leprechauns, shamrocks, and spirits, anything seems possible. Given the right setting, the right moment, the right chemistry, a couple may fall in love or enhance a pre-existing bond.

With its windswept emerald cliffs, cosmic mountaintops, and lakes cloaked in a ghastly mist, western Ireland offers an idyllic background for romance. Myths, legends, and traditional homespun Celtic sagas, for which the nation is famous, add to the ambience.
Tempered by the warm Gulf Stream waters, the island’s relatively mild year round climate entices international visitors. A number of charming rental cottages and holidays homes offer convenience and comfort for lovers. Guests can cook meals in total privacy or dine in local dimly lit pubs renown for freshly harvested mussels and refreshing Guinness. Also on the menu are lamb, chicken and other delicious dishes and familiar beverages.

The Kerry Way
A must see in western Ireland is the beautiful rolling countryside of County Kerry. A fantastic way to view the spectacular seascapes, sheep farms, and other unspoiled rural tracts is by hiking a portion of the 135-mile-long Kerry Way. Open to the pubic year-round, this Waymarked Walking Route winds past mountain gaps, wildflower meadows, and some of the last primeval oak and yew forests in Europe. Tarred by-roads often link portions of this still developing trail. Landowners along this path are friendly. Signage on this track and throughout Ireland is in English and Gaelic.

Stone Age monuments, castles, and ruins characterize the diverse landscape.
Much of this footpath served as medieval routes, droving paths, and Mass Roads.
A gentle orientation is Dooks Beach, a sandy, rocky stretch where horse riders, joggers, and fishermen congregate. Chaffinches, cuckoos, and other birds call from pastures while oystercatchers stage on sandbars. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals may emerge from the brush.

Other ways to explore Killarney National Park and the dramatic ice-carved Black Valley along the Kerry Way is by bicycle or horseback. Or, fancy the idea of snuggling in a horse-drawn carriage, known as a jaunting car.

Depending on the course, bogs, freshwater streams, and stony stretches can be a bit slippery and muddy. Couples wanting to avoid these habitats should carefully plan their journey in advance.

An outing with Go Ireland is an informative and sure-fire way not to get lost or miss significant landmarks. This company offers one, two, or three-boot grade (easy, moderate, or challenging treks). The range is from generally flat to 1800-foot ascents and three to eleven miles per day. A guide identifies points of interest and entertains with enlightening stories. At the end of the day and during respites, hikers can stop for tea, purchase souvenirs, or listen to Irish music at various pubs.

Expect some showers. How else would Ireland stay so green? It is important to wear warm, layered breathable clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and bring sun protection. A daypack is handy for storing lunches, a camera, and binoculars.

Skellig Michael
If the weather is agreeable, a boat trip from the fishing village of Cahersiveen to Skellig Michael is worthwhile. Also located eight miles off the coast of County Kerry is Little Skellig. These two intriguing islands shoot up majestically from the Atlantic Ocean.

In the sixth or seventh century, monks colonized Skellig Michael. Until the thirteenth century, they fished, gardened, and lived in this remote paradise.

Now a UNESCO world heritage site, Skellig Michael draws thousands of visitors annually. To preserve its environmental integrity, only 150 persons are allowed on the island at once.
After walking a half-mile or so, wayfarers will discover 600 steep unrailed stone steps which lead to the apex. There one can duck inside low-ceilinged beehive-shaped cells where the monks dwelled. An unexcavated graveyard overlooks Little Skellig where seabirds, seals, and other aquatic life stage.

Sweeping vistas, whale sightings, and clean, salty air instill a feeling of spirituality. One can almost understand why these holy men chose such a unique, pristine home.

Valentine’s Day in Ireland
Valentine’s Day is observed in the capital city of Dublin in an unexpected way. To honor St. Valentine, known as the “Patron Saint of Lovers,” every February 14th a gold-bound casket containing the saint’s earthly remains is carried in solemn procession to the high altar of the Carmelite Church. There, a special Mass is dedicated to young people and those in love.

St. Valentine's Shrine in Dublin is between Aungier Street and Wexford Street. The church is a short walk west of St Stephen's Green, a popular downtown park where couples picnic and stroll hand in hand.

In Ireland, Valentine’s Day is celebrated like much of the world with chocolates, cards, and flowers. And like the symbolic red heart, the edible green shamrock is associated with amore.