Take inspiration from the island of Ireland this Valentine’s Day, the romantic hotspot where love is all around. With the patron of love himself, St Valentines, having links to the island as well as it being the main address for love letters and the place where many love traditions have begun, Ireland is sure to inspire sweethearts all around the world this Valentine’s Day.
Here are some classic romantic Irish traditions to take inspiration from:
DEAR VALENTINE
St Valentine and Ireland’s relationship runs long and strong. His remains were even brought to Whitefriar Street Church near Dublin’s city centre, where he rests to this day amongst a dedicated Valentine’s shrine. Couples from around the world come to visit the shrine at all times of the year to ask St Valentine to watch over them in their lives together.
The tradition of those in love, seeking love, or recovering from the loss of love is to write to St Valentine in Dublin. People have written tens of thousands of love stories addressed to the shrine, making Dublin the home of the world’s biggest collection of love letters for Valentine’s Day.
PUT A RING ON IT
Another quintessential Irish symbol of love and friendship to take inspiration from is the famous Claddagh ring, as bought for, received or worn by celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Aniston, Daniel Day Lewis and many more. Featuring two hands holding a heart which wears a crown, the ring originates in Claddagh, an old fishing village on the shores of Galway Bay in the rugged west of Ireland. There’s no greater gesture to the one you love than the sharing of this symbol of everlasting love.
The tradition of how to wear this ring is very distinctive. If the owner of the ring wears it with the crown pointing towards the finger nail, he or she is said to be in love or married. To wear the ring with heart pointing to the finger nail, he or she is said to be unattached to anyone.
MEET YOUR MATCH
For those still on the lookout for post-pandemic love, the Lisdoonvarna match-making festival in Ireland is one for the bucket list. Lisdoonvarna is a rural town which is synonymous with only one thing: love! The town hosts an annual autumn festival which began back in 1841, traditionally, to help lonely rural farmers meet a match from outside their immediate area. Using old-fashioned techniques of dancing and conversation and an ancient “lucky book”, the festival helps hopeful singles of all ages and nationalities find a life partner. Nowadays it’s a hotspot for many bachelors and bachelorettes, with people flying in from all over the world to seek out “the one”. Although it’s not held around Valentine’s Day, this is a romantic Irish tradition that has stood the test of time and one to add to the bucket list travels in 2021.
Find out more at: https://twitter.com/lisdoonfestival?lang=en
WOW WITH WORDS
When it comes to romance, Irish writers are rightly famous. From W.B. Yeats to James Joyce, to Seamus Heaney, there is more than enough material from the most talented Irish writers to ensure you have a romantic message for that special someone. Take inspiration from one of the classic love poems to write an original masterpiece, or find a favourite love writing from some of the greatest poets to use instead. Browse some of the finest musings here.
For more information on an Ireland inspired Valentine’s Day, visit: http://www.ireland.com/
