With Valentine’s splitting the month in half (just like hearts), February is the most romantic month of the year. Wicklow is the ideal place to bring your partner for a romantic overnight, special meal, forest walk and much more. Wicklow in Spring is something special. Think crisp days and cosy evenings. Wicklow offers some stunning locations that have been chosen by many to get down on one knee and pop that special question! We have listed below a few romantic places for an unforgettable Wicklow proposal.
Lough Ouler
Ireland’s famous heart-shaped lake, Lough Ouler could quiet possibly be the best place in the World to get engaged! Take a hike around the Wicklow hills followed by a dip in the lake for the ultimate exhilarating day! The car park above Glenmacnass Waterfall is the ideal starting point for the 8.5km hike. Don’t forget your sensible shoes and your camera to capture the action! Warning, there is no marked trail to Lough Ouler and mountain navigation skill and mountain gear is highly recommended.
Photo @thomashorvat_
PS: I Love You Bridge, Wicklow National Park
Who can forget the stunning scenery from Cecelia Ahern’s rom com, PS. I Love you? The 2007 movie which starred Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Kathy Burke & Lisa Kudrow takes us over hills and down valleys across Wicklow as Holly and Gerrys love story continues after he unexpectedly passes away. The perfect pit stop for a special moment.
Photo ©d_aiwute
Piper’s Stones
“Above you are the stars, below you are the stones” – Ed Fitch, Pagan High priest.
For those with an interest in Pagan mythology, this Bronze age site is of particular importance. Believed to be the site of pagan ceremonies and sun worship almost 3000 years ago. Athgreaney Stone Circle or the ‘Piper’s Stones’ as they are more commonly known is just off the N81 just beyond Hollywood when travelling South. Legend has it that a piper and his damsels were caught dancing at a Ceili upon the hill on the Sabbath. A sacriligious act which resulted in them being turned to stone.
Also within the stone circle you will find a whitethorn tree, a common haunt of the fairy folk and place for offerings to be made and blessings to be bestowed. What better place to take your kindred spirit and ask the gods for their eternal blessings.
Devil’s Glen
Devil’s Glen just West of Ashford Village holds many a tale of lovers won and lost. There are conflicting stories of how Devils Glen came to be. Some will share stories of an iceberg ripping through the forest to create the Glen whilst the romantic amongst us will share the legend of Flora. The daughter of a powerful chieftain, Flora was renowned for refusing the many offers of marriage that were made. One such potential suitor was so upset and enraged by her refusal that he tore up the land creating the rugged landscape we now enjoy at Devils Glen.
Whether it’s the rushing sound of the waterwall or the peace and tranquility of the Seamus Heaney walk, Devils Glen is a super spot to immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time with your loved one.
Lovers Lookout – Beyond the Trees, Avondale
Take a trip up Ireland’s highest treetop walk and meander the gentle curving trail above the tree tops until you reach Lovers Lookout. From here you can gaze across the forest canopy of ancient oaks, spectacular spruce and the magnificent giant redwood trees whilst taking in a 360 degree view of Wicklow.
Russborough House
Russborough House is embedded with love. You can feel it in every detail of what is one of Ireland’s most beautiful Georgian houses. From the manicured gardens to the beautifully ornate architectural detail throughout the house. The unconditional love the Beits had for each other is clearly mirrored in Russborough.
Their love was never more evident than when Lady Clementine Beit on the occasion of her 50th Wedding Anniversary to Lord Beit, had a miniature golden snuff box depicting Russborough House commissioned for her true love.
Botanical Gardens, Kilmacurragh
If your favourite human is also a lover of all things floral, then the Botanical Gradens at Kilmacurragh might be just what you are looking for. During Rhododendron season (April/May), the ground is carpeted with a thick layer of deep pink and purple Rhododendron petals. Stroll beneath the dropping branches, heavy with blooms until you find the perfect spot to propose.
Rathgall Ringfort
Rathgall Ringfort remains one of Wicklow’s most unexplored hidden gems. Recent discoveries show it was a bustling centre of metal works, and possibly makers of gold love tokens based on the discovery of a beautifully ornate gold piece, 2cm long with a large green set at the centre which was discovered during an archaelogical dig in the early 1970’s.
Irish legend also raises the name ‘Labraid Loingsech’ High King of Ireland who it is believed the Fort could be named after. Labraid apparently was exiled to Europe where he became bodyguard to the King of France (Gaul). Rathgall can be translated as ‘Fort of the Gauls’ and some believe that Labraid may indeed have been buried there. A super spot to visit and start creating your own legends.
