Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so we decided it would be a good idea to put together some inspiration for the perfect Valentine’s Date this weekend along the Ring of Cork. Whether you are looking for a romantic meal, a picturesque walk or even outdoor activities, there is something to tickle your tastes buds in this list. From delicious cuisine, adventure sports, romantic walks, historical experiences and much more. You are guaranteed to have an exceptional experience and a Valentine’s date to remember.
1. CRONIN’S PUB & MAD FISH RESTAURANT
If you are looking for a delicious restaurant by the seaside this Valentine’s Day, this gem is for you. Cronin’s Pub is located in the heart of the seaside town of Crosshaven. Denis got his love of cooking from his Mom and opened the ‘Mad Fish Restaurant’ which has picked up lots of well-deserved food awards. All the produce is sourced locally, freshly prepared each day and absolutely delicious. We would highly recommend the mussels!
2. THE GRANARY FOODSTORE
If you are planning to spend Valentine’s day at home, the Granary Foodstore will help you to plan a romantic meal for two in the setting of your home. There is no need to cook, you can pick up a lovely home cooked meal, tasty dessert and even some wine for the perfect dinner date at home. Enjoy this delicious food in the comfort of your own home.
3. BEACH WALKS
Nothing beats a romantic walk on the beach for Valentine’s Day. You are spoilt for choice along the Ring of Cork with the breath-taking coastline. Some of the most spectacular spots for walks are Redbarn and Claycastle in Youghal, Rocky Bay near Crosshaven and the secluded White Bay beach near Whitegate. Other local favourites include Youghal Front Strand, Myrtleville Beach near Crosshaven and the very popular Fountainstown which has a direct bus service from the city. And that’s not all, you also have Inch Beach near Aghada, Garryvoe Beach, Ardnahinch beach, Ballynamona in Shanagarry, Ballycroneen Beach near Cloyne and the quieter Ballywilling Beach near Garryvoe. After your Valentine’s walk on the beach, why not pop for a sweet treat and a coffee together. One of our favourite spots is the Kilkenny Café at Shanagarry design center in East Cork. Enjoy their home baking and barista coffee after a romantic walk together.
4. FINÍN’S RESTAURANT, MIDLETON
If you are looking to impress this Valentine’s Day, this restaurant in Midleton has continued to impress their visitors for the past 40 years. Enjoy their delicious dishes made with the freshest local produce. A delicious date for two.
5. FERRIT & LEE
‘Ferrit & Lee’ is another gem of a restaurant in Midleton for the perfect Valentine’s dinner date. A modern restaurant with impressive modern cuisine. On Valentine’s day, enjoy the Thai Fish Cakes, Braised Lamb Shoulder, Tempura Fillets of Haddock and much more. A delicious dinner date for two.
6. CAPEL ISLAND RESTAURANT
If you are looking for a Valentine’s dinner date in Youghal, why not enjoy ‘Capel Island Restaurant’. Tickle your taste buds with local and international themed dishes from around the world. The perfect place to try something a little different and unique for Valentine’s Day.
7. YOUGHAL CLOCK GATE TOWER
If you are looking to do something a little different this Valentine’s Day, why not go on a date to learn about the Youghal Clock Gate Tower. A fabulous experience as you explore its history and stories throughout the last 700 the years. Explore the clock’s stories of pain, tragedy and rebellion, but also stories of love, friendship and generosity. As you move up the tower, you will find that each floor tells a story about a different era in time.
8. SURF AND TURF
Another foodie gem in Midleton is ‘Surf and Turf’. Enjoy the slow roast short ribs of beef bourguignon, seafood chowder or go all out and tickle your taste buds with the Surf & Turf which includes Medallions of fillet 6oz, garlic crab claws and prawns. A feast to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
9. THE WOODLAND EXPERIENCE
How about a romantic walk in the woods this Valentine’s Day? Enjoy nature together and breathe in the fresh air. Some of our favourite woods include Ballyannan Woods in Midleton, Castlemartyr Woods, Currabinny Woods near Carrigaline, Glenbower Woods in Killeagh, Marlogue Woods in Cobh and Rostellan Woods, Aghada and of course Farran Woods near Ovens. You could always pop into Bite Size in Ballincollig or Midleton afterwards for a sweet treat. Nothing beats a heavenly coffee and treat to bring a smile to your face after a nice walk.
10. AHERNES TOWNHOUSE & RESTAURANT
We have lots of delicious food gems along the Ring of Cork for Valentine’s Day and Aherne’s Townhouse and Restaurant makes for the perfect date night. It was even voted as ‘Ireland’s most Romantic Restaurant’ by the Bridgestone Guide so you can’t go wrong if you are looking to impress. Tickle your taste buds with the finest fish, freshly caught seafood, locally reared beef and lamb and much more. A dining experience to remember with a twist of romance.
11. BALLYMALOE
Ballymaloe has a very impressive name and is a gem that will impress your date this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy their delicious dishes prepared by their award-winning chefs. A cuisine experience and a Valentine’s experiences to remember forever.
12. THE JAMESON EXPERIENCE
How about a tour of the Jameson Distillery in Midleton this Valentine’s weekend? Enjoy the Jameson Experience Tour of the original Midleton Distillery. The tour lasts about 75 minutes. You will hear all the stories from the history of the famous whiskey. You also get to tickle your taste buds by tasting three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson.
13. FOTA WILDLIFE PARK EXPERIENCE
Why not go on a day date to Fota Wildlife Park. A memorable Valentine’s Day. Come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. Fota Wildlife Park also offer a Behind the Scenes Tour that gives you a chance to peek at some behind the scenes activity and you even get to feed some animals. A unique Valentine’s experience.
14. BALLYCOTTON CLIFF WALK
The Ring of Cork is full of beautiful cliff walks. It makes for a perfect day date this Valentine’s Day. The Ballycotton cliff walk is one of the most beautiful walks in Ireland. It consists of 5 miles of cliff to the beach in Ballytrasna. Another fabulous cliff walk is the Knockadoon Head Looped Walk. This walk is a mixture of cliff, track and road walks. A lovely way to spend a day with your loved one.
15. THE PEPPERSTACK
The Pepperstack was voted “Munsters Favourite Place to Eat” at the 2016 Keeling’s Gold Medal Awards and makes for an impressive Valentine’s Date. Their ambition is to create one of the most innovative and honest food establishments Cork has ever seen. A gem that impresses time and time again.