With Valentine’s Day (February 14th) swooping in as quick as Cupid’s arrow, it is a great time to think about some romantic gestures. Whether you areplanning a romantic getaway, seeking unique experiences to share, or searching for a thoughtful gift to surprise someone special, Ireland’s festivals, events and hotels offer endless choices.

And for those who prefer to give the gift of choice, vouchers for iconic destinations and events ensure your Valentine’s plans are both meaningful and memorable.

From indulgent dining to relaxing spa retreats and creative family-friendly packages, here’s a roundup of the best Valentine’s offers and experiences around the country in February 2025.

Set your heart racing at the  2025: Cork City Marathon Celebrate

With just four months until race day on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Cork City Marathon is embracing a heartfelt Valentine’s theme, encouraging runners to celebrate their training partners—whether they’re your significant other, best friend, or biggest motivator. Organised by Cork City Council, the marathon features three race distances—the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K—guiding participants through Cork’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks like Blackrock Castle and the Jack Lynch Tunnel and running together could be the perfect way to become ‘sole’ mates!

With new sustainability initiatives, enhanced amenities, and Corkonians’ signature enthusiasm lining the streets, it promises to be a memorable day for runners and spectators alike. Registration is open at CorkCityMarathon.ie. #CorkCityMarathon2025 #SoleMates #LoveToRun

Romance at The Imperial Hotel: A Luxurious Valentine’s Getaway in Cork

This Valentine’s, The Imperial Hotel in Cork invites couples to indulge in a romantic escape filled with timeless elegance and thoughtful touches. With over 200 years of history, this iconic city-centre retreat offers an enchanting setting for creating cherished memories. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast featuring fresh produce from the nearby English Market, a romantic dinner at Helena’s Restaurant, and the option to rejuvenate together at the award-winning Escape Spa, complete with bespoke couples’ treatments.

Ideally located on South Mall, the hotel offers easy access to Cork’s vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural scene. From stargazing at Blackrock Castle to intimate dinners and live entertainment at the city’s theatres, The Imperial is the perfect base for a romantic getaway. For more information or to book, visit imperialhotelcork.com or call 021 4274040.

Celebrate Love and Laughter This Valentine’s at Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

This Valentine’s, the award-winning Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny invites couples, friends, and families to create cherished memories in a luxurious and welcoming setting. Couples can indulge in a dreamy escape on the adult-only floor or a hot tub suite, complete with private terraces and romantic touches, while enjoying candlelit dining at Gulliver’s Restaurant or pampering spa treatments. For friends, the hotel offers stylish Galentine’s retreats with spa indulgence, bubbly, and afternoon tea, while its proximity to Kilkenny’s medieval centre adds to the charm.

Families are warmly included in the celebrations, with activities for children at the Jurassic Juniors kids club and on-site attractions like Jurassic Newpark, the eco trail, and the wildlife park.  Book now at newparkhotelkilkenny.com. Gift vouchers are also available from flynnhotels.com

Sweethearts at Sandymount 

Not all couples want to spend a romantic weekend away simply gazing into each other’s eyes. If you’re looking for a break this February that will also spark excitement and conversation – and won’t break the bank – check out The Sandymount Hotel in Dublin’s Sweetheart Package.

The Sandymount Hotel in Dublin’s Sweetheart Package, running for the month of February, includes chocolates and chilled prosecco in your room on arrival, breakfast, accommodation in a newly refurbished room, and a romantic 3-course dinner for two in the hotel’s Line Out Bar, where every couple will be presented a rose and a complimentary Hugo for Her or a Manhattan for Him Valentine’s cocktail. €150 per person sharing or €300 per night. The Sandymount Hotel is perfect for couples who crave romance without sacrificing opportunities for fun, exploration, and entertainment. Nestled in the heart of the leafy village of Sandymount, the recently renovated 4-star property is Dublin’s oldest independent family-run hotel. With a home away from home, yet stylish vibe, it is ideally located for couples seeking the best of both worlds — a tranquil retreat and easy access to Dublin’s vibrant attractions, with a beach and The Aviva Stadium on its doorstep, and Dublin’s city centre just two DART stops (10 minutes) away.

Wildly in Love at Wander Wild

Show your special someone just how wild you are about them with a romantic adventure from sunrise to starlight at Wander Wild Festival – Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival (4th-6th April).

A weekend of adventure, romance and wellness awaits couples in the breathtaking  26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park with opportunities to bond, explore, and create lasting memories amidst the natural beauty of Killarney. Say ‘I love you’ with a shared experience in the heart of nature that will last a lifetime. From the colourful first rays of dawn to the twinkle of the night sky, Wander Wild Festival delivers a host of activities designed to inspire love and connection including: Sunrise Dips and Lakeside Saunas, Climb Ireland’s Highest Peak, Be paddle partners on a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) adventure across the Lakes of Killarney, Forest Bathing & Yoga, breathe together in cool situations with a Wim Hof Method workshop in the lake, or a Cold Water Talk, enjoy Candlelight Yin Yoga, discover the sweet side of romance with a Cow to Cone Tour at Muckross Creamery, Intimate Night Walks through the National Park led by a knowledgeable park ranger, Cosy up with Fireside Chats with inspiring Adventurers, Catch the stars on a Dark Sky Night Hike. Go to  wanderwildfestival.com to book your ultimate love-filled adventure.

Cork Whiskey Fest

Raise a glass to the love of whiskey this Valentine’s season with the ultimate celebration of Irish spirits! The third annual Cork Whiskey Fest returns from 21st to 23rd March 2025, taking over bars and venues across MacCurtain Street, Cork City. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or looking to discover a new passion with someone special, this is the perfect event to share. Over three unforgettable days, indulge in expert-led tastings featuring rare and premium whiskeys and limited-edition releases. A festival highlight, the Brand Expo & Socials, will host 50 whiskey distilleries and brands over the two evenings, offering complimentary samples of their finest creations alongside complementary mixers and food bites- perfect for a date with a difference! This year, distilleries will also showcase their gins, rums, vodkas, and poitíns, adding even more variety to your experience.

With 20+ events on the lineup—including masterclasses, distillery tours, exclusive tastings, and plenty of craic—Cork Whiskey Fest is a must for couples who share a passion for flavor, as well as curious newcomers ready to ignite a new love for whiskey. Organised by Laurie O’Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast) and his wife Sonya, the festival is proudly sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait! Ssecure your spot by visiting corkwhiskeyfest.com or follow @thecorkwhiskeyfest on social media. Cheers to a weekend of whiskies, craic, and discovery—perfect for sharing with someone you love!

Food lovers delight!  APRIL 25-27:  Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan Co. Waterford

It is said that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach! So a gastronomic gift is especially thoughtful!  If you and your partner share a passion for food then delight your Valentine with plans to head to Dungarvan this April. Now in its 16th year, the Waterford Festival of Food has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most successful and well-loved food festivals. Held in the charming waterside town of Dungarvan, this community-focused event welcomes over 75,000 visitors for three days of food, fun, and connection. With over 80 events, attendees can explore a rich program that includes a full children’s schedule, tours and trails, cooking demonstrations, and dining experiences in unique venues. The festival’s markets are a standout feature, especially the quayside market on Saturday, and the renowned Festival Market in the town square on Sunday, the biggest in Ireland, featuring over 100 artisan stalls. This is a  true celebration of food, community, and creativity. Waterford Festival of Food invites everyone to gather at its table and share in the joy of food- so why not plan your weekend escape now or promise to buy them tickets to a gourmet event of their choice once the programme is launched! It will certainly give your Valentine something to look forward to and might just start an annual tradition! For more see waterfordfestivaloffood.com.