Valentine’s Day 2023 is just around the corner! And, there’s still that niggling thought on many people’s minds, “where to go on Valentine’s Day?”
Whether you choose to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner, close friends and family, or just enjoying your own company, we’ve got some ideas for what you can get up to. If it’s a meal in a nice restaurant, an overnight stay, or simply to get outdoors, we’ve got all angles covered.
We’re so fortunate to have a great selection of hotels right across the country, and so many of them are ideal to celebrate Valentine’s day. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, something authentic, or a weekend of luxury, our top 5 picks will have something for you! From the picturesque Lough Eske Castle tucked away from the hustle and bustle, or the Castlemartyr Resort providing a luxurious, relaxing and romantic retreat. For something intimate the elegant Mount Juliet Estate is ideal, or just to unwind and take in the beautiful scenery of the River Shannon, it has to be The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre! Regardless of which one you choose, they’re all sure to leave a lasting impression.
For an unforgettable Valentine's Day meal, one of our top 5 picks should be to your taste! The Dax Restaurant in Dublin is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is ideal if you're wanting something luxurious and a little special. O'Grady's on the Pier in Galway is a wonderful option, beautifully positioned with stunning views of the harbour and of course the delicious seafood dishes. For Irish Cuisine with a modern twist, the Lemon Tree in Letterkenny is a great choice. And the Red Bank Restaurant in Carrick-on-Shannon is a cozy spot with a fantastic menu and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Finally, for those wanting a unique dining experience it has to be Paradiso in Cork, offering a fabulous variety of vegetable cuisines.
For a romantic and unique escape, why not consider visiting one of the stunning locations around Ireland. There’s so many choices from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, to the majestic Rock of Cashel, there is something special waiting to be explored. For a more adventurous outing, you can also explore the Gap of Dunloe or take a trip to Connemara National Park. Each of these stunning locations are just as good as the next, it’s a difficult choice we know!
Whatever you get up to this Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s a great one!
At Irish Parcels, we provide a fast, reliable and affordable parcel delivery service.
We strive to simplify the shipping process, resulting in both businesses & individuals saving valuable time and money. Whether you're sending a gift to loved ones or a package to a customer, our service is perfect.
Listed below are the 8 reasons why you should choose Irish Parcels:
1 - Competitive Prices
Offering you competitive prices by comparing multiple couriers.
2 - Local & Worldwide Shipping
Whether you’re shipping from Sligo to Sydney, or somewhere in between, we ship to over 200 countries worldwide.
3 - Quote & Book Online
Our website allows you to Quote & Book instantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4 - Pay-as-you-go service
For your convenience, we’re a pay-as-you-go service. Our secure online payment system allows you to pay by credit/debit card with no additional billing or invoicing required.
5 - Door to Door Service
Once you book, we’ll collect your parcel and deliver it. Providing an estimated delivery time frame.
6 - Full Online Tracking
You can monitor the progress of your parcel with our full online tracking.
7 - Irish Customer Support
As well as our extensive support section online, our Irish customer support team is available should you require assistance. You can contact us via phone, email or online chat.
8 - A brand you can trust
At Irish Parcels, we’ve been trusted by thousands of businesses and individuals across Ireland, and currently, we are rated EXCELLENT 4.8 out of 5 with Reviews.io
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Thinking about doing a tour around Ireland? These 6 places will guarantee you an unforgettable and eye-catching adventure through the vast and rich nature surrounding the Emerald Isle.
Nearly 1 million people visit this a year making it Ireland’s most visited attraction. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular coastal areas in Europe and stretch 8 km along the western coast of County Clare and rise to over 700 feet.
The stunning sights frequently feature as backdrops to major films such as Harry Potter. This place is made for photographer lovers and nature addicts.
The Giant’s Causeway was built by an Irish giant so that he could reach his Scottish rival, if you believe the legends. In terms of places to walk through it is one the best.
This coastal area in Northern Ireland is full of these unique basalt columns. The explanation of this puzzle-like shape is related to a volcanic eruption around 60 million years ago.
If you want to get in a time machine and go back to Ireland in the 1800s; take a ferry ride from the mainland and find the small and rocky islets known as the Aran Islands. The three islands are inhabited only by 1,200 residents.
Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are well known for their marvellous preservation of a rural existence mostly unchanged. The residents of the islands are very charming and friendly.
The Titanic was poorly piloted, but it was certainly well built in Northern Ireland. The museum, opened in 2012, is located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard; where the ship was built.
In this Titanic exhibition you learn how the ship was constructed, the legacy of the tragic disaster and the myths and legends surrounding it. The museum is intended to serve a similar transformational function to that of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, as a focus for the regeneration of the city.
Trinity College was the first Irish university, founded in 1592 - and it is one of the ancient treasures in Ireland.
The college is known for its priceless treasures including the Book of Kells and the mind-boggling Long Room, which was the inspiration for the library in the first Harry Potter movie.
The Ring of Kerry drive contains a great number of ancient monuments, romantic castles, spectacular gardens and unique colourful towns and villages. For a lot of tourists, this reflects the spirit of Ireland itself.
En-route there are a lot of different points where you can take photos of the Atlantic Ocean views, the stunning islands or the wild sweeping mountains.
From breathtaking hills, places of legends, ancient buildings, to popular Harry Potter locations, there’s a lot to explore. If you are hungry for adventure and history, then do plan an excursion to the above-mentioned places to visit in the island of Ireland!
These are our favourites. What are yours? Tell us on Twitter!
Irish Parcels specialises in transporting parcels, however, we often get asked about large shipments. It can often get very expensive to send very large items via a courier company, so this is why we have launched our new Pallet Service called "Pallet Anywhere".
Currently, you can send pallets within Ireland and the UK with Pallet Anywhere with more routes been added soon. You get many features as standard with Pallet Anywhere, just like Irish Parcels, such as;
With Pallet Anywhere, you can book your pallet delivery online within minutes. Our online booking system is available 24/7 and is super easy to use for your convenience. To get started, simply get a quote.
Just as with Irish Parcels, Pallet Anywhere has a handy pay-as-you-go system, which means there’s no rate cards or price lists. All pallets sent with us are priced individually based on their size and weight, to ensure that you receive the very best value for your money every single time. To get a quick quote all you need to do is enter you post code (if within the UK) and country to send sending to.
Once you’ve booked with Pallet Anywhere, they will send you some labels to print and attach securely to your pallet. After that, a courier will collect your pallet and deliver it straight to where it needs to go. It’s that easy!
Although the adventure of moving abroad with family will no doubt be very exciting, the prospect of transferring your whole life to a new country can be a little daunting. When you add kids on top of that, it can seem near impossible! Yet, following these simple steps can turn a possible nightmare move into a smooth sailing operation.
Some children may be enthusiastic about the prospect of moving away to a new home and making new friends, but others can find it quite frightening. If this is the first time you are moving, then your child will be leaving behind everything he or she has ever known. It’s therefore vitally important to sit them down and explain what is going to happen.
Make sure to focus on the positives of the move, whether that’s the wonderful weather your new home will have or the whole new neighbourhood the kids can explore. It’s also smart to remind them that with today’s technology they can stay in close contact with friends easily, whilst they are only ever a plane journey away.
It’s a little simpler if you have a baby or toddler, yet it is important to maintain their usual routines to ensure they are not upset by the change. That could be their normal bed time story or what time you normally eat dinner. Whatever the routine, try to stick to it the best you can throughout the move.
Ultimately you need to keep in mind how big a deal this is for your child, change is unnerving for many kids but if you continue to reassure and comfort them through the process, they will be happy in their new home in no time.
There’s never a better time to have a good spring clean of your possessions then before a big move, so take advantage of it! The best rule of thumb; if in doubt, don’t pack it. You can probably do without that chin up bar you bought three years ago or your trusty lawnmower. Remember, you can always buy it again if necessary.
Getting the whole family involved in the packing process is a great idea too, it will take some of the pressure off yourself and will help the children feel more in control of the change. Although it is important to be fairly ruthless with your material possessions, make sure not to throw out something seemingly small but cherished by the kids!
Remember to start early and start small. The idea of putting all your worldly belongings into boxes can be off-putting but by beginning a long time before the move and with the less important possessions, it will make it that much easier. Maybe start with your utility room or your garage to help yourself ease into the process.
When you do start packing, organisation will be your best friend. First off, sort out what you want to pack as carry on, luggage and then air shipment. With your carry on bag, make sure to include vital documentation like birth certificates and visas as well as valuable items such as laptops, jewellery and medicines.
Your luggage should contain mainly clothes, especially if you are moving to a different climate. Make sure to pack anything else you feel you can’t live without for a month or so, it’s a good idea to use your luggage space for kids’ toys or any comforting possessions they would miss.
The air shipment belongings are going to be those that are too large for the plane, items you know your new house will be without for a while and the bits you couldn’t fit into your luggage. Find out whether your new home will have utilities such as a kettle, microwave, fridge etc. and decide whether it is worth shipping your own or purchasing new ones when you arrive. Make sure to add things such as rugs, pillows and pictures to help create a homely feel as quickly as possible.
Finally, make sure to label! If you clearly label all your boxes, it will make the unpacking procedure that much quicker, helping your new place feel like home in no time!
You’ve done it! The months of hard work have paid off and you have finally arrived at your new, wonderful home.
First thing to do is sort the kids’ bedrooms out. At a time of such change and uncertainty they will need a familiar, comfortable place to retreat to. With younger children, it may be best to try and recreate their previous bedroom as best you can. Whilst older kids may wish to design their new room by themselves. Either way try and involve the kids with the process as much as possible!
When you’ve sorted the kids’ bedrooms out and your own, make sure to add any home comforts you packed with your luggage. Things like family pictures, cushions and candles can really create a sense of calm. And let’s face it, I’m sure you could do with some of that!
Next thing on the agenda is to re-establish routines and traditions. If you personally are someone who reads the newspaper in the morning or goes for a run in the evening, carry on doing that! Once you fall back into a normal routine it will feel like you never moved. Make sure to do this with family activities too, stick to normal dinner and sleeping times as well as any family traditions like Sunday walks or movie nights.
Once you settle back into home life, immerse you and your family into your adopted country’s culture. That might mean learning a new language as a family or trying out new cuisines, if you show your children you are willing to adapt to your new environment, they will soon follow suit.
Whether you have already moved or are in the process of doing so, enjoy your new home and let the adventure begin!
Written by Rebecca, a sun lover and travel writer at Sunway.ie, the leading holiday provider in Ireland. If she is not travelling the world or talking about travelling, you might catch her reading a good novel over a cup of coffee.
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We've rounded up some of our favourite names in the Irish beauty biz that we simply cannot get enough of - and trust us on this one, there some deadly ones to choose from. From makeup products, to makeup brushes, to enriching skincare, and the best tanning products in the industry - any beauty lover would be satisfied with this astounding array.
11 Amazing Beauty Brands Based In Ireland
SOSU is a new beauty brand founded by leading Irish fashion and beauty blogger, Suzanne Jackson. From nail polishes, to lashes, to make-up application products and more - Suzanne's impressive range offers affordable, yet super high quality products. SOSU's complete contour palette is amongst the highest in demand of all of the products available, and offers everything you need to create the perfect contour.
You can find them at www.sosu.ie
Waxperts Wax is a wax range made by a therapist, for therapists. Waxperts started its journey as a waxing-only salon in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland. After trying every wax brand on the market, founders Ellen Jones and Trish O'Brien decided to formulate a wax range for Waxperts to use in the own salon, which promised a much less painful and much more comfortable experience for their clients. Made with sensitive skin types in mind, anyone would be thankful for a Waxperts waxing experience.
You can find them at www.waxpertswax.com
Otherwise known as "the most talked about tan in town", Cocoa Brown is the number one selling tanning range taking Ireland, the UK and the entire world by storm, after a certain Kylie Jenner posted about her love for the brand on social media.
The tanning range was launched in November 2012 by founder Marissa Carter. The 1 Hour Tan Mousse is by far the best selling product from the range, gaining cult beauty status, receiving hundreds of rave reviews and winning numerous industry awards. With three shades to choose from and a super affordable price tag, you just can't go wrong.
And now, excitingly, Cocoa Brown is branching out to build a beauty empire adding a range of new products to its name. Alongside its tan and golden goddess oil, in June, CB MD Marissa Carter announced the launch of the new Cocoa Brown 'Kind' range, comprising of shampoo, conditioner, bodywash and self tanning wipes.
You can find them at www.cocoabrown.ie
Another fabulous tanning brand comes in the form of Bellamianta, a new and exciting brand which is based and manufactured in Ireland. With over 20 years' experience in the beauty industry, Bellamianta has had the inspiration and knowledge to create a truly unique set of products to tan and pamper the skin.
You can find them at bellamianta.com
NIMA Brush is an Irish professional makeup brush company that specialises in professional makeup tools and accessories. After over a decade and a half working as a professional within the Irish and UK beauty industry, NIMA brush was established by Irish makeup artist, Niamh Martin. NIMA Brush strives to provide fun, professional grade tools at a low cost.
You can find them at www.nimabrush.com
Another makeup brush brand comes in the form of Blank Canvas, who offer pro-quality brushes without the professional price tag. Stocking up your brush kit never seemed so affordable. Not only do Blank Canvas offer brushes, but they also include amazing face and eye palettes in their range - including the mega selling Pippa Palette, all at a pleasant low cost. What more could a beauty lover ask for?
You can find them at www.blankcanvascosmetics.com
Another relatively new and exciting brand of cosmetics, PUSH makeup is one to watch. With an impressive range of products on offer, from eyes, to lips, to face, to brows - any beauty lover would be happy to sink their teeth into this brand.
You can find them at push-makeup.com
A now global business, VOYA started out as the family-run seaweed baths established by Neil Walton, near his home in County Sligo. As the popularity of the baths grew, the family were then inspired to set about developing a full range of seaweed-based organic products. If your skin needs a wake up, VOYA products are for you.
You can find them at voya.ie
Founded by Joanna Reilly, Kinvara Skincare is an organic skincare brand based in Galway, Ireland. The hydrating Rosehip Face Serum is by far one of their best-selling products, and rightly so. Driven by the scientific innovation to harness and distill the power of plants, seaweeds, vitamins and minerals, Kinvara Skincare strives to give you the peace of mind knowing you've got a quality product you can trust.
You can find them at www.kinvaraskincare.com
With over 30 years experience in the beauty industry, Nía founder Celia O'Grady was inspired to start formulating her own beauty products, made using natural, healthy butters and oils. Celia strives to inspire as many as possible to use natural, healthier alternatives when it comes to beauty care. All Nía products are carefully researched for their beneficial properties.
You can find them at www.nia.ie
Green Angel are an Irish skincare company founded by Chris and Mary Mitchell who are both passionate about natural skincare oils and creams. With gorgeous packaging, a product packed full of enriching ingredients and an affordable price tag, you can't say no to this amazing skincare brand.
You can find them at greenangelskincare.co.uk
Thank you for reading!
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However, we wanted to let you know that Irish Parcels is operating as usual and you can still send items and parcels with us to, from and within Ireland as normal.
People have been warned not to mail any items to or within Ireland due to industrial action by a portion of An Post staff regarding pay cuts. You can get some more information about the strike on the Independent.ie.
The postal strike does not affect any items sent with Irish Parcels. All our routes and services are operating to and throughout Ireland.
So if you have an items to send, you can do so with Irish Parcels.
We offer quick, reliable and cheap parcel delivery within Ireland, to the UK and to 200+ countries worldwide.
If you haven't used Irish Parcels before, it's simple:
You can get more information about Irish Parcels here.