Why Ireland is the Dream Honeymoon Spot for Your Inner Romantic (and if you love history and haunted places)
If your dream honeymoon is more windswept cliffs and candlelit castles than fruity drinks by a pool, believe me when I say, Ireland’s got you. From wandering through gardens where you half expect Mr. Darcy to step out from behind a hedge, curling up in a creaky old manor with the fire going, and getting lost on some backroad and pulling over every ten minutes because the view is that good. One day you’re sipping gin made on the estate you’re staying at, the next you’re climbing spiral castle stairs to see what’s at the top. And somewhere in there, you’ve got a set of honeymoon portraits taken (maybe on a cliff edge with the Atlantic crashing below or in the courtyard of a centuries-old castle) so you can bottle that whole “holy hell, we’re married in Ireland” feeling forever!
I’ve covered a lot of Ireland (perk of being an Irish citizen — thanks, Grandma Celine — is I can hop over any time), and I swear this country was built for romantics, history nerds, and anyone who likes their love stories with a little edge. It’s slower here. The days stretch out. You find yourself lingering over tea in the morning because you don’t have anywhere you need to be except maybe the next castle, the next pub, the next view that makes you wonder why you don’t just move here (and you will wonder that).
So if you’re ready to skip the tourist traps and do Ireland like it’s your own Pride & Prejudice spin-off, here’s how to plan a honeymoon that’s romantic, rich with history, and just the right amount of mysterious…and spooky!
(all photos in this post were taken on the Canon 1v film camera and Portra 400 & 800 film)
Tour Castles and Manor Homes
Ireland’s history lives in its grand estates and castles. You can wander the stately halls of Kilkenny Castle, get lost in the gardens at Lismore Castle, explore the haunting beauty of Charleville Castle (no, really, its one of Irelands most famous haunted castles), or admire the elegance of Powerscourt Manor and Killruddery House. Some, like Kylemore Abbey, sit in landscapes so cinematic you’ll want to linger for hours, like we did!
These aren’t quick, check-it-off-the-list stops. They’re places to stroll hand-in-hand, find quiet corners (or quaint on site cafes), and imagine the centuries of love stories that unfolded there!
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most famous coastal route — and for good reason. It takes you past dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and endless ocean views from the Northwestern top of the country all the way down to its most Southwestern tip . Yes, the Cliffs of Moher are on this route, but don’t miss Slieve League in Donegal, the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, towering even higher than Moher! This isn’t a rushed road trip; it’s a slow drive where you can pull over whenever the scenery demands (which will be often). We found the Northwestern part of Ireland to be our absolute favorite part of the country – not just because my grandmother is from there, but until I saw the landscapes with my own eyes, I never really understood how fairytales came to be…but now I get it. It is magical.
Find Titanic + Lusitania History
For something truly moving, visit the Titanic museums in Cobh and Belfast. Cobh (pronounced Cove, not Cobb like we thought) was the last port of call before the Titanic’s final voyage – and where my grandmother spent her last days in her home country before emigrating to Ellis Island! The museum there is in the original White Star Line building, right on the harbor. In Belfast, you can tour the shipyard where the Titanic was built and step aboard the Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line vessel in the world. It’s a rare, tangible connection to a story the whole world knows.
Funny enough though, according to the Belfast employees, the best Titanic Museum in the world is in…Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?! Who knew.
And lets not forget the other tragic ship tied to Cobh: the Lusitania. It sunk in 18 minutes off the coast of Cobh and was a huge reason for the U.S. entering World War 1. There were a few bars & restaurants named after both ships, and there is a memorial & graveyard for the victims of the Lusitania in Cobh.
Explore Cities Beyond Dublin
Ireland’s romance isn’t limited to the capital.
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Galway: colorful streets, music spilling from pubs, and a bohemian charm.
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Cork: bustling markets, riverside walks, and a lively food scene.
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Belfast: rich history, striking architecture, and an edge of modern culture.
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Kilkenny: medieval streets and one of Ireland’s most impressive castles.
Each offers its own version of Irish character, without the crowds you’ll find in Dublin’s busiest spots.
Stay Somewhere With a Story
For a romantic, Pride & Prejudice vibey honeymoon, skip the modern hotels for most of the trip. Instead, sleep in places that feel like they’ve been waiting centuries for you. A castle from the 1500s owned by the same family the entire time with just a few guest rooms and no wi-fi (read a book by candlelight). An old carriage house turned private retreat. A manor home where the owners still live upstairs, and the gin in your glass was distilled right on the property.
Wander Adare Village
Often voted Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare is known for its famous thatched cottages, stone bridges, and the luxury Adare Castle hotel. It’s a charming place where you can spend an afternoon wandering between shops, having tea, and strolling through gardens along the river without once feeling rushed.
Marvel at Giants Causeway
Up in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder made up of over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity (or, if you prefer, a legendary giant’s footsteps). Paired with the dramatic coastline, it’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Heads up, it gets busy here so arrive early in the day or right before sunset to avoid all the tourists coming on tour buses.
Bring the Romance Home with Honeymoon Portraits
Yes, you’ll take plenty of snapshots on your iPhone, but a honeymoon in Ireland deserves more. Imagine the two of you framed by a castle archway, standing on a cliff as the wind sweeps your hair, or walking through a walled garden in bloom. As an Irish citizen, I can work anywhere in the country without the legal red tape that slows down other American photographers, so you can focus on each other, and I’ll handle making it look as unforgettable as it feels! I’m adding this section into this guide because Jay & I had photos taken at a manor house we were staying in and we cannot recommend the experience enough – its an extension of your wedding story, just as much as your wedding day photos are!
Here are a few of ours – I brought my original wedding dress and while I love these photos, this was a terrible color on me lol I look like I should be haunting this historic house
Final Thoughts
Ireland is all about atmosphere: the smell of rain on old stone, the warmth of a fire after a long walk, the way the light catches on a green hillside. It’s a place to slow down, wander, and fall in love all over again. If you’re planning your own Ireland honeymoon — or want portraits that capture the magic while you’re there — let’s start planning your Ireland wedding or honeymoon session →
