Ireland: Love on the Emerald Isle
Just because you and your honey like to think of yourselves as “adventurous” doesn't mean you need to spend your honeymoon jumping out of planes or hiking up mountains. Hopping in a rented car and spending a few days winding along the lush southern coast of Ireland offers a perfect mix of romance (gorgeous suites at boutique hotels), relaxation (long walks overlooking the cliffs and sea), and, yes, a little bit of adrenaline (driving on the wrong side of the road and narrowly avoiding the occasional sheep). Here's a day-by-day guide for an idyllic Irish getaway. —Jenn Grabenstetter
Dublin
WHERE TO STAY: Located on bustling Fleet Street in the middle of Dublin's Temple Bar nightlife district, The Morgan (themorgan.com) -- a chic, modern boutique hotel -- is the perfect place to stay during the most urban part of your Irish adventure. From $204 per night, includes parking and breakfast.
WHAT TO DO: Trinity College library holds The Book of Kells, an elaborately handwritten and hand-illustrated version of the four gospels in Latin, which was thought to be written by monks in 800 A.D. Admission to the Old Library building is $13. Prefer your history on the rocks? Tour the Old Jameson Distillery (7 Bow St., Dublin, $14, includes whiskey tasting).
Waterford
WHERE TO STAY: Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club (Dunmore East Road, Faithlegg, faithlegg.com), a gorgeous eighteenth-century mansion, has been transformed into a four-star resort. You can stay in one of the four- teen historically inspired master bedrooms in the original house, or in one of sixty-six rooms in the newly added hotel wing. From $115 per night, includes buffet breakfast.
WHAT TO DO: Visit Waterford City, home to the famous Waterford Crystal. The original factory that produced the crystal was closed in 2009, but a visitors center that opened in June features live crystal craftsmen at work and a retail store (waterfordvisitorcentre.com). When you leave Waterford and head for Dingle, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for good luck (blarneycastle.ie, $14.50 admission).
Dingle Peninsula
WHERE TO STAY: The Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula
Spa (dingleskellig.com) is situated on the peninsula with great ocean views from nearly every spot on the property. From $245 per night.
WHAT TO DO: Head out on one of eight licensed passenger boats to see Fungie, the famous Dingle Dolphin who hangs out just off the coast ($23 per person, dingledolphin.com), or take a ferry to the nearby Blasket Islands to catch a glimpse of some puffins.
Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
WHERE TO STAY: As expected, the level of service that you can expect while staying at Dromoland Castle (dromoland.ie) could easily be called “royal treatment.” Even the most modest room (at $308-$400 per night) is lavishly appointed, and the attentive staff and high-end dining spoil guests from check-in to checkout.
WHAT TO DO: Explore the expansive 410 acres of castle grounds, which include a golf course ($87-$131), a falconry, clay shooting and archery ranges, tennis courts, and a small lake for canoeing and fishing. Inside the castle there's a seventeen-meter pool and luxury health spa.
