We know it’s just January, and we’re already talking to you about Valentine’s Day and the special things you can plan around it.
But you see, for things like these, it helps to plan a tad early. Valentine’s Day is so popular – people want to make a nice day out of it, and also, of course, some of us are also looking to propose to our significant other on the day!
We have put together a dainty little list of some very special things that you could do on this day.
Seek St. Valentine’s Blessings
Do you know about the Whitefriar Street Church, right in the heart of Dublin City?
This church is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Dublin and to the Relics of St Valentine, which draw people from around the world every day. The Shrine is visited throughout the year by couples who come to pray to Valentine and to ask him to watch over them in their lives together. The feast-day of the saint, February 14, is a very popular one.
So what’s the history? According to the website, “Throughout the centuries since Valentine received martyrdom there have been various basilicas, churches and monasteries built over the site of his grave. Therefore, over the years, many restorations and reconstructions took place at the site. In the early 1800’s, such work was taking place and the remains of Valentine were discovered along with a small vessel tinged with his blood and some other artefacts.”
Find out more here.
A lake for lovers, and for everyone else!
Lough Ouler is a lake located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park in Ireland. It has a shape, a natural shape of a heart. So many hikers make the trail so that they can get a glimpse of this perfectly heart-shaped lake and also admire beautiful views along the way.
You can find helpful information on how to take this hike here. It would be perfect to spend Valentine’s Day hiking to the lake, getting in the views, and also sharing a simple homemade picnic with your loved one. If you’re thinking of proposing, you would have the perfect place!
A book of Irish love poems and the uniquely Irish Claddagh Ring
You can also choose to spend a beautiful day at a place of natural beauty (plenty of those around in Ireland!) or go on a castle tour and end it with a gift of Irish love poems, and the Irish Claddagh Ring. Isn’t that a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? It is very pocket-friendly, and it’s also something that is out of the ordinary.
Here’s a little bit about the Claddagh Ring and its various meanings.
Worn on the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips means the wearer is single and may be looking for love, though if it points to the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship. When worn on the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged and with the point of the heart toward the wrist means the wearer is married.
There’s an interesting story behind the ring. The Claddagh ring is said to have originated in the Claddagh fishing village in County Galway to represent love, loyalty, and friendship. If you’re interested in the folklore surrounding this ring, here’s a handy link.
Does this get you all excited and ready to plan a romantic date? If you have some ideas of your own – unique, quirky but very-doable, do share!
