Despite traditions, it doesn’t have to be all about courting couples this Valentines Day. We’ve pulled together a list of our top 10 ‘things to do’ on either side of the Lough, which you can enjoy with your nearest and dearest. So whether it’s your better half, your partner in crime, or your best buddy, it’s all about having a little fun, exploring more and making the most of your Valentines weekend.
Fine Dining at Ghan House
Why not treat yourself and your plus one to a five star dining experience at Ghan House. A stunning Georgian House built in 1727 and restored into a fully operational and award winning restaurant with numerous rossettes awarded for outstanding service and produce. A founding member of Good Food Ireland, Ghan House promote the use of top class food and great hospitality and better yet, if you fancy your night at Ghan House to last a little longer, you can stay overnight in one of their AA 4* rated rooms, with access to their beautiful walled gardens.
Old Quay Lane, Liberties of Carlingford, Carlingford, Co.Louth
+353 42 937 3682 | info@ghanhouse.com | Website
Afternoon Tea at Ruby Ellens
Arguably the best afternoon tea in Carlingford, Ruby Ellens Tea Room will let you escape from the stresses of life to partake in a quintessentially Victorian tradition. Whether it’s an afternoon out with the girls or a special occasion with a loved one, Ruby Ellens Tea Room experience is a perfect way to savour your special moments. (*You are advised to book Afternoon Tea in advance)
Newry Street, Carlingford, Co. Louth
Website | +353 (0) 42 937 3385
Experience the action at Dundalk Stadium
Don’t miss the action at Ireland’s only all weather horse track and dual racecourse this Valentines Day, with greyhound and horse racing on Friday 14th February. Why not make an evening of it and experience the excitement of the race and great entertainment from the comfort of The View Restaurant with its impressive menu combining local product and world flavour. Or, if the full dining experience isn’t for you, you can enjoy a range of alternative food options from the bar, from simple snacks to delicious burgers.
Dundalk Stadium, Racecourse Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
+353 (0) 42 933 4438 | bookings@dundalkstadium.com | Website
Slieve Foye Looped Walk
Also known as the Forest Loop, the Slieve Foye Looped Walk is one of the most popular and scenic walking routes in the area. Starting from Carlingford Village this trail will take you from the village toward the next coastal village of Omeath. Continuing the trail you will reach Slieve Foye Forest Park before turning left along the top of the forest line with it’s stunning views and back towards Carlingford Village where you can stop in one of it’s charming pubs and cafes to refuel and refresh. (Walk lasts 2.5 – 3 hours)
More info here: Website
Spa with your Valentine at the Slieve Donard
If you fancy some all out luxury, head to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle where you and your plus one can enjoy a relaxing 50 minute massage, full access to the health suite and thermal spa, before indulging in a glass of bubbly and an antipasti sharing platter in the Lighthouse Lounge. Prices based on £100 per person. (*Available between 13th – 16th February)
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33 0AH
+44 (0) 28 4372 1066 | res@sdh.hastingshotels.com | Website
Romantic Canoe around Castlewellan Lake
For the outdoor lovers and avid adventurers who don’t take life too seriously, why not rent a canoe at Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan with your better half and enjoy a romantic paddle on the lake whilst enjoying the views of the Castle and surrounding forestry. Take advantage of 50% off between 11-14th February and explore the lake in your own time and at your own pace.
Forest Park View, Castlewellan BT31 9BU
028 4377 0714 | iwant@onegreatadventure.com | Website
Lunch at Strandfield
A hidden gem based in Ballymascanlon, just 20 minutes from our Port in Greenore, Strandfield is still undiscovered by many coffee aficionados and food lovers with a partiality to home grown produce and a wide range of mouth watering vegetarian dishes. With a modern contemporary twist, the café serves great coffee and fresh food whilst boasting it’s own artisan bakery, in-house florist and outdoors garden centre. It’s well worth a visit this Valentines weekend.
Strandfield house ballymascanlon, Dundalk, Ireland Co. Louth.
+353 42 937 1856 | stranfieldhouse@hotmail.com | Facebook
Whatever you get up to, have a great weekend. For more information on the Carlingford Lough Ferry and to purchase tickets, use this website or find us on Facebook @CarlingfordLoughFerry, Instagram @CarlingfordLoughFerry, and on Twitter @FerryLough.