Although it seems people are flocking to Donegal to see fireworks in the sky and despite the earth moving there last week you can't beat Connemara for romance! Here are just a few ideas of how you can inject some Connemara magic to make you & your loved one feel special for Valentine's Day. Of course you don't have to confine your 'romantic gestures' to the 14th of February -they will be appreciated at any time! Check out http://www.visitconnemara.com/ or the facebook page for more ideas and special offers or previous posts on this blog for ideas to help you celebrate any event locally & support local businesses!
Abbey Glen Castle Hotel has a special two night stay offering dinner both nights, champagne,romance, music & cosy turf fires. On Friday 10th February 2012 the rate is €199 per person sharing plus 12.5% service charge. Check out their website for more special midweek offers. and for full details of Valentine offer. Resident charmer Gilbert may even pass on some tips on how to charm the ladies!
All aboard at Clifden Station House where you can enjoy a 2 night Valentine break with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening where you can toast each other with a glass of champagne. Enjoy a movie night with 2 complimentary tickets to their full screen cinema. Also enjoy a late check out on Sunday....From €149 per person sharing. Clifden Stationhouse is also the venue for a wedding fair later in February so if you're considering popping the question keep it in mind! 
At Buttermilk Lodge from Febraury 14th to 17th you can enjoy warm comfortable accommodation, gourmet breakfasts, chocolates on arrival and a glass of bubbly by the turf fire on Valentines Night. 2 Nights € 70.00 pps or 3 nights € 100.00 pps Take in the stunning scenery,enjoy the music and craic in the pubs, go for walks - your hosts will give you plenty of suggestions!
Or just relax and visit the Connemara Ponies.
For your own private little hideaway Connemara Coastal Cottage have some special offers.
If the way to your heart is through your stomach...then
EJKings Clifden offers a Love at First Bite menu for €27.50. If you can't make it out for Valentines on the 10th & 11th they've got some other interesting theme nights which may appeal and these are proving to be very popular. Check out their website for more information.
Feb 3rd & 4th: Game Weekend
Feb 3rd & 4th: Game Weekend
Feb. 17th & 18TH Seafood Weekend
Feb 24th & 25th French Theme 
O'Dowd's Roundstone Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Irish Restaurant Award & Sunday Independent Gastro Pub Galway & Connacht 20122. 2012 Bridgestone Guide.... ( there are 20% off vouchers in the Sunday Independent this February. Seafood is said to stir up amorous feelings & O'Dowd's is famous for it's seafood..need we say more!
Staying In
Stock up on some goodies & enjoy a romantic night in ...
Produce your own romantic feast with recipes from local chefs & producers. Pop into your Supervalu or check their Facebook page for offers with your list of ingredients or check out your local butchers or other shops to pick up all you need. Below are some suggestions for a menu based on local products & recipes.
If fine dining or cooking is not your forte then why not treat your loved one to breakfast in bed! Plenty of award winning sausage makers and pudding makers in town!
Some gift ideas & activities to suit all tastes & interests ..
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| if you're not in...' |
A lucky lotto ticket or yearly Clifden lotto ticket
Enjoy some Black Magic (no calorie counting involved) Connemara All BlacksV Navan on Feb 4th
Don't let this one get away ...day's fishing with Blue Water Charter Fishing
Sail into the sunset ...to Inisbofin
Surprise someone with something shiny from O' Dalaighs after a walk up Diamond Hill
Enjoy Sunday lunch at Kylemore Abbey followed by a stroll through the grounds. Mitchell Henry built Kylemore for his wife after they visited Connemara on their honeymoon.
Watch the sunset from the Sky Road -check the forecast first
or if the sky is clear check for any sign of the Northern Lights
Swing into action at Connemara Golf Links -Open Competition on Sat 11th of February
If golf is not your thing then darts, cards or music or even a pint & a chat at Griffins
If someone pops a question what do you do? Answer the question ..well lots of them at Mannions Bar
as Thursday night is usually Quiz night!
Write your name in the sand & stroll on the beach at Dog's Bay or Renvyle's Glassilaun Beach
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| Hehirs |
Discover the past at Clifden's 200th birthday celebrations
Put a spring in your step with some new shoes at Hehirs -Gorgeous spring shoes or what about bootylicious Salsa Jeans!
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| Pretty in Pink at Millars |
Pink to make the boys wink & lots of other great spring colours at Millars. Some great bargains still on offer there as well!
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| Gift ideas from BelleBlu |
Sadly Belleblu is closing but they are having a sale over the next few days so am sure you will find lots of lingerie, pampering products & accessories there.
Once you find your loved one you want a long & happy life together -look after your heart with exercise and a healthy diet. Check out Gannon Sports for great offers on sportswear.
Many words of love have been written down through the centuries -so why not pop into Clifden Bookshop and buy someone else's work or if you're feeling inspired to write your own they've got all the stationary & art supplies you need!!
Roses are red ..violets are blue and they've got the flowers for you...at Connemara Florist
Mymascara will ensure you will be able to flutter your eyelashes & make an impact -pop into Ciúin
Check out great offers at King's Talking Head's to ensure your golden tresses are fairytale perfect
Valentine's wouldn't be valentines without a card -King's Siopa
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| Bringing home the turf !TOT |
If you can't get to Connemara then why not imagine yourself there! Check Connemara Photographic Society
for some inspiration or their facebook page.
Here are a couple of suggestions to bring a little bit of Connemara to you if can't be there in reality!
Movies
Movies
'The Matchmaker' or Tristan & Isolde or the original Connemara romantic masterpiece The Quiet Man
Star of the Sea Joseph O' Connor
Malina -Penny Perrick
An Afterglow -Connemara Poems edited by Des Lally & Peter Fallon
Conamara Blues -John O' Donoghue
Tim Robinon's Connemara Trilogy
Tim Robinon's Connemara Trilogy
A couple of Connemara Poems
Connemara Images Virginia O' Malley
Irish Proverb
Níl leigheas ar an ngrá ach posadh
There is no cure for love only marriage
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