The Bride is Always Late: Irish Wedding Blog from WeddingDates.ie » valentine’s day

Happy Valentines!

Ciara Crossan — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:30:52 +0000

To all the loved up couples out there, Happy Valentines Day! I’m not sure couples need a day to tell each other that they love one another – they do that every day anyway right?! But, if you are giving gifts or celebrating the day – enjoy!

Valentines Day is a great excuse to tell someone you fancy that you like them, so I say to all the singletons out there, why not revive the school day traditions of sending anonymous cards to someone special. Remember the old cheesy poems we used to write in the cards?! What a lovely message to get in the post, that someone out there is thinking of you and thinks you’re great! A nice ego boost for anyone! So, g’wan, don’t take life so seriously and pop a little something off to that guy or girl that you have been secretly daydreaming about…! At the very least, you’ll put a spring in their step for the day!

Wishing you all a very special Happy Valentines,

with Lots of Love

From a Secret Admirer

xxx

Like this? You might also like:

Valentine’s Day, a perfect excuse for a romantic escape..

Outi — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:30:49 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I’m Outi and a new member of WeddingDates team, I came on board in the beginning of January. I’m from Finland (so please excuse the typos!) and at the moment I’m studying Tourism and Marketing. I got an opportunity to do my internship with Ciara and Paul and I didn’t think twice! I’m not married, so I haven’t got a chance to plan my own weddings yet, but so far I’ve had so much fun working with all wedding related projects in WeddingDates.ie.

Since I’m getting expert with the wedding hotels in Ireland, I’ve been gathering a little list off the best Valentine’s Day packages all around the country. The big day is already on next Monday, so it’s time to start thinking for special ways to celebrate it.. What would be more romantic than a little getaway with champagne and chocolate?

Here’s some of the best deals in Leinster:

Dublin

Radisson Blu st. Helens offers an accommodation package from €120 pps. Special Valentine’s Day treat is to get Superior Suite for only an additional € 50. Package includes chilled champagne and strawberries on arrival, handmade chocolates and breakfast in bed.

One night in Stillorgan Park Hotel with Champagne Breakfast to your room the following morning, dinner in the Purple Sage Restaurant and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in room on arrival for €99 pps.

Night in Portmarnock Hotel & Golf is only €79 per room. Enjoy St. Valentines Menu including a aperitif for €39,50 pp and treat yourself with Special Valentine’s Package in Beauty Salon & Treatment Rooms. It’s €100 including massage, manicure and mini-pedicure.

Offaly

Bridge House Hotel treats you with two nights Bed & Breakfast, a four course meal and spa treatments, rates starting from €319. With this price there will be also rose petals scattered and strawberries & cream waiting for you in the room.

Meath

1 night in a deluxe room in Ashbourne Marriott with full Irish breakfast for 2, complimentary champagne and chocolate on arrival for €125 pps. When you’re staying for a night and having both breakfast and 5 course dinner it is €139 pps.

In CityNorth Hotel Valentine’s Day B&B plus dinner packages starts from €72 pps.

Louth

Dinner for two, bottle of bubbly, chocolates, overnight bed with breakfast in bed in Crowne Plaza Dundalk only €79 per person sharing.

Kildare

1 Night dinner B&B any night over Valentines Weekend in Keadeen Hotel from €93.00 per person sharing, includes 4 course meal, glass of sparkling wine and chocolates.

If you’re in Munster or you would like to spend the Valentine’s day there, check these out:

Cork

In Radisson Blu you can enjoy two-night accommodation with breakfast buffet each morning for €149 pps.They’ll treat you with sparkling wine and chocolates and with one dinner.

Silver Springs Moran Hotel offers two packages: Stargazers Package for €90 pps. It includes overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, dinner for two & aperitif and a rose and homemade chocolate. Sweetheart Package is for €139per person, 2 nights including strawberries in your room on arrival, an evening meal and aperitif, a single red rose, homemade chocolates and full Irish breakfast both mornings.

The Maryborough offers a romantic dinner and a over night stay for €99 pps.

In Springfort Hall Hotel 1 night with breakfast is just €50 pps, one night B&B with dinner for €75 pps, and 2 nights B&B with dinner and a bottle of bubbly for €115 pps.

If you would like to experience a romantic escape in Trident Hotel, they are offering a seaview room with full Irish breakfast each morning plus a gourmet dinner on one evening in The Pier One Restaurant. Complimentary bottle of chilled Champagne and Chocolates on arrival! From €139.

Romantic night in Cork Airport Hotel with a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries, Italian themed dinner, late check out and Full Irish Breakfast for €75 pps.

Valentine’s day package in Celtic Ross Hotel includes overnight accommodation, breakfast in bed and dinner with a bottle of house wine for €79 pps.

In the county of Kerry,

Dromhall Hotel offers candlelight dinner and overnight stay with Full Breakfast €69 pps – two nights B&B from €99 and you’ll receive a free dinner for one night.

In Ballygarry House Hotel you can enjoy a romantic two night break from €129 pps. This romantic country house hotel package includes complimentary bubbly and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival.

Re-discover romance in Sneem Hotel, where you can stay 2-night for €169. That’ll include eg. sparkling wine, strawberries, candlelight dinner and late check out.

Valentine’s Weekend Special at the Kenmare Bay Hotel includes two nights with breakfasts & one dinner, and glass of wine and chocolates for €109 pps.

Few best deals in Ulster:
In Donegal,

Mill Park Hotel offers 2 Nights with breakfasts and one dinner for €129 pps.

Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa has two night backages with breakfasts and dinner and wine & chocolate treats for €99 pps.

In Connaught, see for the deals in Mayo and Galway:

Mayo

Mulranny Park Hotel offers 5 course dinner, glass of champagne, chocolates & rose for €39 pps. If you’ll both stay overnight and dine, its for €99 pps.

Night in Pontoon Bridge Hotel with breakfast, dinner and a bottle of wine for €150 per couple. Enjoy two nights Bed & Breakfast and Dinner on one evening with a bottle of wine for €210 per couple.

Valentines offer in The McWilliam Park Hotel includes 4 course meal, overnight accommodation and Full Irish Breakfast, and that’s only €99 per couple!

In Galway Claregalway Hotel treats you with Super Buffet Breakfasts, a four course dinner on one evening of your choice, a snipe of champagne awaits you both on your arrival with a red rose and chocolates all for only €139 pps, when you’re staying for two nights.

All of these offers are subject to availability. Please contact the hotel directly to make a booking.

Like this? You might also like:

Movie Date

Ciara Crossan — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:30:37 +0000

If you and your betrothed are planning on a movie date to celebrate Valentines toegether, then an obvious choice is Valentine’s Day, hollywoods guaranteed cinema-filler which is opening this weekend. Complete with an all-star cast and plenty of eye-candy for the girls AND guys (face it, that’s probably the only way you are going to be able to get your guy to go watch this with you!)

Check out the trailer to give you a flavour of what to expect…my fav quote is Jessica Biel at the end: “My closest relationship is with my blackberry…thank God it vibrates!!”

Like this? You might also like:

V-Day, D-Day!!

Ciara Crossan — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:40:27 +0000

So lovebirds…Valentines Day is almost upon us and undoubtably you will be pondering on what to give your loved on on this the “most romantic day of the year”. According to Wikipedia the U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association also estimates that, men spend on average twice as much money as women. I know there are plenty of men out there that read this blog too so hopefully I can provide some inspired ideas for loverly gifts for her!! Get yer wallets out gents!

Book Lovers:
Show her your romantic nature with the gift of Romance evocative photos by Chris Craymer. £31.50 from Waterstones.com

Say it with Flowers:

Tried and tested a bouquet of flowers will rarely be greeted with anything but glee by the lady in your life. Flowers.ie have a great selection of Red Roses. I particularly like the “6 Stolen Kisses” and at €35 is a reasonable price for a gorgeous gift.

Luxury Lingerie:
However gorgeous, lingerie will be wasted if its the wrong size – so check her bra and get it right fellas! Red is the colour requested by 95% of men, followed by pink or burgandy according to top retailer, which advises men to go for “pretty feminine and sexy” rather than practical! Get down to the lingerie dept. of your nearest department store and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from the sales people, you won’t be the first man to shop for undies for your partner so get over your blushes and go for it!

Scent for a Woman:
“Rose The One” the latest from Dolce and Gabbana is rosy, flirty and feminine. Available from all good department stores and will set you back about €45.

Like this? You might also like:

A Valentines Getaway…

Ciara Crossan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:30:45 +0000

In my job I am naturally in touch with tons of hotels around the country. So, I’m in a great position where I hear about all the great deals that are on offer. With Valentines looming, many of you romantics out there might be thinking about a trip away. This blog is not just for women, I know plenty of men read it too…so if you are planning on getting down on 1 knee and popping the question, a Valentines getaway could be an ideal place to do it!

If you are planning on proposing in a hotel over Valentines, do let the venue know as I’m sure many of them would be able to help you plan something special, rose petals on the bed, champagne delivered to your table etc. Everyone loves a good engagement story – so get them involved!

Here’s some of the best deals out there:

Kingdom Fit for a Princess…

Kerry has alot to offer the weekend visitor, from gorgeous national parks, mountains and lakes as well as historic towns and welcoming pubs, there is surely something for everyone in Kerry.

The 5 * Europe Hotel towards Dunloe, outside Killarney has Private Spa Suite rooms for €195 pps. This package includes spa treatment, private spa suite designed for two as well as complimentary upgrade to Lakeview bedroom with breakfast.
Closer to town, the Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney is offering a 2 night stay in a Deluxe Room and dinner for €250 pps. This also includes access to their Cloisters Spa, with hot tub overlooking the river. For the more indulgent couple, you can avail of the Chocolate Spa Ritual 1.5 hour treatment, including chocolate wrap and red wine jacuzzi for and additional €200 per couple!
The Kenmare Bay Hotel in the picturesque town of Kenmare is offering 2 nights and 1 evening meal wtih a bottle of wine and chocolates on arrival for €139.00 pps.
Why not take the train and hop out at the Malton Hotel in Killarney where you can get an all-out Cupid’s Package for €280 pps which includes accommodation in a Junior Suite, dinner, champagne and flowers AND a half hour massage.
Ballygarry House in Tralee will treat you to a Champagne Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for only €85 pps!

If you haven’t visited the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 then now’s your chance!

Cork was hailed as “sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” by the best travel guide in the world so what are you waiting for?

The Maryborough Hotel, near Douglas is offering 2 nights B&B with Dinneri n Zings restaurant including a complimentary bottle of house wine for €139 pps.
On the Limerick to Cork boarder, the 4* Charleville Park has one of the best deals around, €50 per room for the first night and 50% off the room for the 2nd night. That’s €75 per couple for the whole weekend!
Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig just outside the city center, is offering 2 nights for €170 pps and that also includes a 1 hour Swedish Massage and chocolate dipped strawberries when you arrive.
Where nothing is overlooked but the Lee, the Clarion Hotel in Cork will welcome you from 12th – 14th February for €120 pps for B&B or just an additional €40 pp for an evening meal included.
The Castle Hotel in Macroom will put you up for 2 nights with a 4 course meal for €130 pps.
The Trident Hotel in foodie paradise, Kinsale will have chilled champagne and chocolates ready for you on your arrival and you will get a romantic dinner in Pier One restaurant and 2 nights accomodation for €139 pps.
The ultra funky Cork International Airport Hotel will set you back a mere €95 pps for 1 nights accomodation in an Executive Room, a bottle of bubby and chocolate dipped strawberries and a 4 course meal. Perfect if you are planning on flying out somewhere the next day!
Idylic West Cork is a heavenly getaway and The Celtic Ross Hotel have put together a 2 night package with 1 evening meal for €139 pps. While away your weekend with a leisurely stroll to the beach, or just relax in the hotel leisure centre.

Celebrate in the Capital…

A great excuse for a trip to the capital, if you don’t get there often Valentines weekend is perfect with deals like these:

Clontarf Castle is doing a great offer of €99 pps for 1 nights accomodation and Table D’hote Champagne dinner for 2.
The Royal Marine Hotel overlooking Dublin Bay has a 1 night option with champagne & flowers in the room for €159 pps and stay over for a 2nd night for only €169 pps total!
The CityNorth Hotel in Meath will do dinner for 2 for €25 pp, stay overnight in the hotel for €84.50 pp and 2 nights for only €115 pp. You also get a nice lazy checkout of 2pm.
Carton House in Kildare is doing 1 night stays for €160 pp and 2 nights for €215 pp with chocolate strawberries and 4 course meal in the deluxe 4 star property.
U2 can have a good time at The Clarence – for the jazzy couple, they have a very special Jazz Valentines package with dinner in the Tea Room Restaurant for only €45 pp with live Jazz Trio. Accomodation rates start at €129.oo pps.

Heading West….

Voted the Best 3 Star Hotel in the country, The Claregalway Hotel just outside Galway city centre, is doing a deal for 2 nights with a 6 course meal for only €139 pps.
The Lynch Hotel Group are doing Valentines Nights in their hotels in Clare, Limerick and Mayo for only €105 pps.
Pontoon Bridge Hotel overlooking nothing except the lake will treat you to 1 night B&B with dinner and a bottle of house wine for €75 pps or 2 nights for €105 pps.
Renvyle House in Connemara will have bubbly and canapés waiting for you on arrival and you can relax over a romantic 5 course gourmet meal with piano accompaniment for €195 pps for 2 nights.
Sitting right on the River Moy, The Ice House Hotel in Ballina will treat you to a 6 course meal, & lazy breakfast while you enjoy strawberries and bubbly from your river-view room for €275 pps for 2 nights.
Wineport Lodge in Athlone is just the spot for a romantic candlelit dinner for 2 in their Lakeshore restaurant and will set you back €195 pps for 1 night with dinner and lazy checkout along with fresh flowers, choccies and bubbly in your room on arrival.

A Castle Escape?

Experience a truly romantic escape in Markree Castle in Sligo where you can take in lovely walks on the grounds, and enjoy a glass of bubbly when you get back. 2 Nights here with evening meal will set you back €180 pp and only €80 for 1 night B&B.
Waterford Castle does rose petal turndowns and lazy breakfast for €189 for a 2 night stay, pps.

The sunny South East…

While no one can guarantee sunshine, you can be guaranteed a good time in the South East with deals like these:

The Carlton Millrace in Wexford is doing a 2 night package with champagne and chocolates for €169 pps and for Valentines night only (Sunday night) you can stay there for a mere €65 pps!
The Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel in the heart of the town and overlooks the magnificent Kilkenny Castle will have sparkling wine and chocolates in your room when you arrive as well as 2 nights accomodation and dinner for €199 pps.
The Kilkenny Ormonde will host you for 2 nights with a 5 course meal and bottle of bubbly and box of chocs on arrival for €179 pps.
The family-friendly Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford will do 2 nights for €109 pps with evening meal.
5 star fabulous Lyrath Estate is going all pink with their champagne cocktail and a 2 night break there can be yours for €195 pps.
Funky Hotel Kilkenny will have a pianist tinkling the ivories and couples can enjoy a 2 night break there for €155 pps.
The Park Hotel in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford has 2 night packages for €129.00 per couple including evening meal and free room service.

Its not such a long way, to Tipperary!

The Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh will provide you with a bottle of Champagne with your evening meal for only €89.50 pps for 1 night stay or €109.50 for 2 nights.
Annebrook House in Co. Westmeath has a new restaurant in the cellar of their old house where loved up couples can dine and a 2 night stay costs just €129.00 pps.
The Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise package includes champagne, strawberries and dinner on a night of your choice for €129 pps for 2 nights.
Family-run County Arms in Birr, Co, Offaly is doing weekend breaks for €149 pps and they’ll also give you a €50 voucher to use for your next stay!

For a truely romantic break away in a home away from home….

Not a hotel-type? country Houses are also doing great deals for Valentines.

Snuggle up in front of a log fire at Ghan House in Carlingford with a 3 course candlelit dinner and 1 nights accomodation for €95 pp.
Horetown House in Wexford will do 2 nights accomodation, 1 evening meal and 1 afternoon tea for €247.50. This also includes a therapy of your choice!
Springfort Hall in North Cork is doing 1 night packages from €79 pps and €115 for a 2 night break pps.

All of these offers are subject to availability. Please contact the hotel directly to make a booking.

Like this? You might also like:

Valentine’s Contest: Win a Romantic Weekend Getaway

Sabrina Dent — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:45:50 +0000

We’re kicking off the first of our monthly newsletter prize draws in style with a fantastic romantic get away for two.

Prize: Escape to the luxurious, four-star Blarney Golf Resort Hotel & Spa. Enjoy two nights accommodation in a stylish guest room, a romantic gourmet dinner for two, and breakfast both mornings. It’s the perfect engagement get away!

All you have to do to enter is tell us what you really wish your partner would do for you for Valentine’s Day. Romantic, funny, off-beat – whether it’s candles everywhere and an intimate dinner for two, a hot air balloon ride in Paris, or getting your name inked on forever, we want to know what would sweep you off your feet and melt your Valentine’s knickers.

We’ll publish the best entries on the blog on Valentine’s Day, and pick one lucky winner of the grand prize romantic getaway. If you’d like us to publish your entry anonymously without your name, that’s fine – just tick the box to tell us so on the entry form. More than anything, we want you to be completely honest as we attempt to answer that age old question: What do women really want for Valentine’s Day?

Click here to enter, and good luck!

Like this? You might also like: