Need a break away from it all?
So. Much. Same.
As we continue through August, and the last month of summer, many couples are still searching for the perfect break – a chance to escape from it all on a romantic getaway, leaving the kids behind with a babysitter and nabbing even a night away.
In a recent survey, over 40 percent of those planning a staycation in Ireland say they will take the break with their partner.
And if you haven’t ventured North, take the chance to escape on an adventure to somewhere new, getting away from it all without the epic trek. This is the perfect time for you and your partner to fall in love with Northern Ireland.
Just two hours from Dublin, Northern Ireland’s stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Whether it’s long walks across rolling landscapes or taking in the sea air along dramatic coastlines, there’s plenty of seriously romantic spots to enjoy together.
And to help you out, we have pulled together seven ultra-romantic getaway options in Northern Ireland for you, destinations guaranteed to make you feel all loved up again:
4* Killeavy Castle, Co Armagh. One-Night Romantic Getaway from £280
Set within 350 acres of farm and woodland located in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate offers a castle, boutique-style hotel and quaint gate lodge to choose from.
The package includes: one night’s luxury accommodation, full Irish breakfast, complimentary use of the spa thermal facilities (re-opening on the relaxation of restrictions for the spa and leisure sector), a stunning seven-course tasting menu, prosecco and chocolates in your room, and it is only a one hour drive from Dublin.
Visit www.killeavycastle.com
4* Galgorm Resort & Spa, Co Antrim: One-Night Dining Escape from £258
The Galgorm Resort & Spa, situated only 30 minutes from Belfast, is the perfect location to relax and get away from it all. With 163 acres of lush parkland and a unique Thermal Village & Spa that is the first of its kind in Ireland, guests will enjoy the tranquillity of nature and experience pure relaxation with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas.
Guests can unwind with an overnight stay, complete with complimentary mini bar, access to Thermal Spa Village where you can enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor spa facilities and a three-course evening meal in Gillies Grill.
Visit www.galgorm.com
5* Lough Erne Resort, Co Fermanagh. Luxurious Friday Stay with Fine Dining from £338
When it comes to luxury and romance, one of the stars of the show really has to be Lough Erne Resort (5*). The wooded setting on a 600-acre peninsula amidst Lower Lough Erne outside Enniskillen is stunning, offering views of both the lake and two renowned championship golf courses.
Here you can rejuvenate at the luxury Thai Spa or dine in the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette Catalina Restaurant run by the much-lauded chef Noel McMeel. While you are there, enjoy a picnic at Lough Navar Forest Walk or go for a hand-holding stroll around one of the county’s three National Trust properties – Florence Court, Castle Coole or Crom.
Visit www.lougherneresort.com
4* Grand Central, Belfast. Two-Night Weekend Wonder from £250
The Grand Central Hotel (4*) has an exclusive cosmopolitan vibe. It is conveniently located and perfect for exploring all that Belfast has to offer. It also has a 23rd floor cocktail lounge. The art deco nods, high ceilings and sense of space add a distinctive drama. The restaurant and bar feel bright at breakfast and mesmerizingly dreamy in the evening.
Offer includes: Two-night B&B, exclusive ESPA products, complimentary WiFi with access to over 7,000 digital newspapers & magazines.
Visit www.grandcentralbelfast.com
4* Corick House, Co Tyrone: One-Night In This Together from £135
Set among meandering streams and winding country roads in Co. Tyrone, the hotel offers guests the finest in tradition, hospitality, superb cuisine and lavish surroundings where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with breath-taking views of the valleys and mountains.
Package Includes: One-night B&B in a deluxe room, Pamper & Snack Box delivered to your room, access to spa & hydrotherapy pool, for £10 upgrade.
Visit www.corickcountryhouse.com
Bishop’s Gate, Derry~Londonderry: Two-night’s Stay Dine and Explore from £290
The exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic Derry city walls. Built in 1899, it blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building.
Offer includes: Two-nights B&B, three-course dinner in ‘The Gown Restaurant’ on one evening, walking tour with McCrossan City Tours, visit to the Tower Museum or the Siege Museum, shortbread and strawberries in your room on arrival.
Visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com
4* Salthouse Hotel, Co Antrim: One-night Romantic Escape from £254
A luxury eco-hotel, The Salthouse has 24 stylishly appointed bedrooms and suites, a soothing spa and laid-back bar and restaurant. Standing in its own private grounds surrounded by the natural beauty of the County Antrim countryside, overlooking Ballycastle, The Salthouse enjoys jaw-dropping views of the coastline to Fairhead and beyond. A place to spend time together, rejuvenate and discover your coastal calm.
Offer includes: B&B with complimentary use of the thermal spa (90 minutes), dining experience (allocation £25pp) and a bottle of prosecco with The Salthouse Luxury Chocolates.
Visit: www.thesalthousehotel.com
Visit www.discovernorthernireland.com to explore many more exciting offers, as well as ideas on activities to enjoy during your stay and fantastic places to eat and drink. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
