Love is Definitely in the Air around Ballyhoura this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, love is definitely in the clean, country air of Ballyhoura, and there are plenty of romantic places to stay and things to do in the heart of this gem of a tourist destination, tucked away in the heart of rural Munster.

Longueville house mallow


Ballyhoura’s Cork region offers plenty of options to spoil your Valentine with a romantic getaway. Longueville House in Mallow – the stunning 300 year-old listed Georgian country house, which is also a member of Ireland’s Blue Book – has a 2-night weekend retreat, including B&B, 2D, complimentary afternoon tea, as well as Champagne on arrival. You can also wrap up well and enjoy a leisurely stroll in their orchards and walled gardens, or cosy up by the roaring open fire in their drawing room.

For full details: Valentine's package at Longueville House

Suite at Charleville Park Hotel, Ballyhoura

Also in Cork, the Charleville Park Hotel has the perfect overnight Valentine’s treat for that special someone in your life. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, a 3-course candlelit dinner, B&B followed by a movie and popcorn in the hotel’s romantic cinema – all this is part of their exclusive Valentine’s package, for just €175 per couple.

For full details: Valentine's Packages at Charleville Park Hotel

For a pre-Valentine’s night out in the hotel – and especially if you’re a fan of The EaglesTake It To The Limit, the tribute band featuring Johnny Brady, Simon Casey, Nigel Connell and The Sheerin Family Band, will be playing there on Wednesday 9th February.

For full details: Take It To The Limits special offer

In the heritage town of Kilmallock in Limerick, you can enjoy a relaxed getaway in the family-run Deebert House Hotel. From here, you will be spoilt for choice with both outdoor activities and arts and cultural ones, or if you prefer to relax, the hotel itself is an intimate one, set in an oasis of calm.

Staying in the heart of nature, Ballyhoura Mountain Lodges, situated as they are in mature woodland, is the perfect choice for a rustic getaway, with plenty of romantic walks through the Ballyhoura Mountains which are on your doorstep. And if you want to bring your furbaby along, they too are most welcome, as these beautiful 4-star holiday homes are pet-friendly.

Mountain View Glamping Jacuzzi

As well as the romance of top-quality hotels, Ballyhoura offers cosy and snug options for a Valentine’s getaway. Mountain View Glamping Snug is set in the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains in Ardpatrick Co. Limerick; the studio includes absolutely everything you’ll need for a cosy stay - double bed, double sofa bed, fully-equipped kitchenette, and an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as their recent addition: an outside hot tub with covered pergola for your private use. You can also enjoy a meal in local restaurants such as Spruce & Willow and Molly's Restaurant.

BDV21001 images 039 ballyhoura trails guide app edited

If you fancy an outdoors-y element to your Valentine’s Day, Ballyhoura has got you covered! Where better to take a romantic stroll through woodland trails and forest paths, than on one of the eleven walking trails throughout the region? Gentle or challenging – you can select a level that you love! The Ballyhoura Trails Guide App (free from the App Store or Google Play Store) is your personal guide to the loop walks of Ballyhoura Country. Along the way, you can do some birdwatching on the Canon Sheehan Loop or on Griston Bog, which has a new boardwalk and is wheelchair-accessible. Or you might like to explore Doneraile Park and enjoy lunch at the stylish Doneraile Townhouse Café, or tour the magical and folklore-rich Lough Gur. Or maybe you’d even like to evoke the romance of Robin Hood and Maid Marian by trying your hand at archery in Limerick Field Archery Club?