Proposal in Paris? Quell surprise! A ring in Rome? How romantic. Popping the question in foreign climes sure is lovely, but only a fool could totally write off the idea of a proposal closer to home. From tip to toe the Emerald Isle is awash with examples of natural beauty that are prime spots for a perfect proposal.
Take an amorous adventure with Her.ie as we pick our top 5 spots around the country for you to say I will…
North
The Giant’s Causeway, Antrim
Fans of legend and lore should adore this northern gem. The Giant’s Causeway is often referred to as ‘The Eight Wonder of the World’ and once you’ve seen it, you won’t wonder why. So the legend goes, the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhail built the causeway as a pathway to Scotland to face-off against a giant who had irked him. So far so furious, but Fionn’s plan to spook his foe only worked when his wife disguised him as a baby, leaving Giant eile thinking ‘Holy Crap, if that’s the child – what’s the daddy going to be like?’ and booting his way back, tearing up the pathway as he went. There’s an omen for married life and teamwork right there, so there is.
South
Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
The Lonely Planet recently stated that ‘everything good about Ireland can be found in County Cork’. Since there’s no chance you’ll ever hear the end of that from any friends you might have in Cork, may as well adopt a ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ sort of policy. And in fairness Cork is, well, a corker. Gorgeous beaches abound, the city is electric, and you could make sure you’ll have lots to talk about into your golden years but visiting the Blarney Stone together. Our pick of the bunch, though, is Fota Wildlife Park. Management actively encourages the idea of proposals at the annual Valentine’s ‘Romance in the Park’ event. All the cute and cuddly animals turn us to mush here at her.ie anyway, so we’d be putty in his hands!
East
Carmelite Church, Whitefriar Street, Dublin
We’re capital-bound for the next spot on our list. Dublin could have its own list as long as your arm of spots we’d happily be seduced by diamonds in, but we could only pick one. So how about this… As the taste for unique weddings grow perhaps your big day might not include a church, but the proposal still could. The patron saint of lovers, Valentine himself, has his final resting place in Dublin’s fair city. He’s to be found at the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street where his relics have rested since 1835. Who better to be in the company of when your beloved asks you to make him the happiest man in the world?
West
Cliffs of Moher, Clare
Hear the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the coast in this spectacular example of Irish natural beauty. The cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, and with good reason. Over 200m at their highest point, stroll along the cliffs and take the time to drink in the incredible view. Perfect as part of a romantic Clare getaway that could take in The Burren, Doolin and even the short trip to the Aran Islands. We say with the magic combination of ‘he and she, sunset and sea’ – sure you could never say no.
Midlands
Slieve Bloom Mountains, Laois/Offaly
The midlands get a bit of a raw deal in Ireland, with those of us on either side being so coast-conscious when it comes to hotspots. In fact, the centre of our fair isle is chock-a-block with beauty spots suitable for landmark moments. Here, we say the Slieve Bloom Mountains are a safe bet. Hailed as one of the most unspoiled and least-explored areas in the country, you could find easily find a little spot that’s truly all your own. Feel like you’re on top of the world, even before he gets down on one knee.
