From beautiful romantic Irish poetry to Irish music, from the gift of Irish jewelry to a screening of one of the latest Oscar-nominated Irish movies, here are 6 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2016 the Irish way:
1. Visit St. Valentine
One of the most romantic things you can do when visiting Ireland is to go and visit the remains of the actual patron saint of love, St. Valentine. It is not very well known, but behind the walls of Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin there is a beautiful altar that actually contains the remains of St. Valentine. Couples and people looking for love flock to the church around St. Valentines Day where the remains are put on the high altar and there is a traditional ceremony of the Blessing of the Rings.
2. Go to an Irish Movie
It has been an astounding year for Irish film and in the lead-up to Oscars night on February 28th, why not celebrate this by going to see one of the Oscar-nominated Irish films that are hitting the headlines this year. There has been a record number of 9 nominations this year. Room, the film adapted from Emma Donoghue’s novel has been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and a host of other nominations. The film version of Colm Toibin’s novel Brooklyn, directed by Cork man John Crowley, has been nominated for Best Picture. As James Hickey, Chief Executive of the Irish Film Board put it: “The entire country should be very proud”
3. Give a Gift of Irish Jewelry
A gift of jewelry will be treasured on St. Valentine’s Day whether it is for him or her. There are some beautiful gift ideas at Rings from Ireland. The classic Claddagh whether it is a ring, pendant or a pair of earrings will always be treasured and the symbolism of a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands for friendship is perfect for conveying the Valentine’s Day message. There is quite simply, no more romantic piece of jewelry.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Ireland
Why not let the geography talk and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of Ireland. From a weekend in an Irish castle to a trip to one of the amazing sights of the Wild Atlantic Way such as the Cliffs of Moher or Newgrange, which is now part of Ireland’s Ancient East trail, there are so many ideas to choose from for a romantic day or weekend.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
5. Irish Poetry – A Romantic Twist
Irish poetry is one of the most romantic in the world and why not seek out the words of James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, J.M. Synge or any of the Irish poets to add some lyricism to your day. Even better, why not speak to the person that you love in the Irish language such as: “Is tu mo ghra” (You are my love); “Is tu mo mhuirnin” (You are my darling) or “Is tu gra geal mo chroi” (You are the bright love of my heart).
6. Serenade Your Valentine With Irish Music
Irish music is known for being particularly romantic and there are so many ballads and styles to choose from to tell that important person that you love them. From Luke Kelly singing Raglan Road or The Foggy Dew to the Dubliners' The Black Velvet Band or The Spanish Lady to the more contemporary Irish singers like Hozier, Gavin James, the Villagers or The Coronas, there is something to suit all sorts of musical tastes. Even better, book tickets for a live gig and hear the music together.
Give your Valentine’s Day an extra Irish twist this February and say I love you – the Irish way!