1. ARDTARA HOUSE, Co Derry
The AA's most romantic hotel of the year, this restored 19th-century mansion sits between Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. It has king-sized beds and fireplaces for cosy nights in, whatever the season. Candlelit dinner and BB from £155 (€193) per room. Tel: 048-7964 4490, ardtara.com
2. BALLYFIN DEMESNE, Co Laois
A romantic mini-break at Ballyfin means you get your very own butler to row you across the lake, or show you the tower, grottos and walled gardens, before retreating so as not to be a gooseberry. Or you can take a pony and trap ride around the demesne, stopping for a picnic lunch, retiring, much later, to your four-poster bed. The two-night romance break starts from €2,100 per couple.
Tel: 057-875 5866, ballyfin.com
3. BUSHMILLS INN HOTEL, Co Antrim
The kids aren't going to demand to visit a distillery, which means Bushmills Inn Hotel should make a great option for couples. The building dates to 1608 and rooms are gorgeous, with four-poster beds and oak-beamed ceilings. Actually, some are perfect for kids, with loft-style bedrooms, just don't tell them. Summer rates from £178 (€221) per room. Tel: 048-20 733 000, bushmillsinn.com
4. BLAIRSCOVE HOUSE, Co Cork
This Georgian house at the head of Dunmanus Bay in west Cork, with beautiful views of the water and surrounding hills, is the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Weekend BB rates from €110 at weekends, with three-course table d'hôte for €58 and jazz every second Sunday of the month. Kids hate jazz. Tel: 027-61127, blairscove.ie
5. GO VISIT IRELAND, Co Kerry
Kerry-based Go Visit Ireland has teamed up with the Just Cooking cookery school nearby to provide cooking and walking break. Perfect for couples who need to develop their culinary – and coronary – skills, the weekend breaks start at €299 per person sharing, staying at the nearby Randles Court Hotel in Killarney.
Tel: 066-976 2094, govisitireland.com
6. ONE PERY SQUARE, Limerick
One Pery Square in Limerick city has "suite retreats" for romantic couples, with an hour in its thermal suite, a romantic bath for two, a hot-oil massage on side-by-side beds and a glass of bubbly each for €190 per couple. BB rates, also including bubbly, from €150 per room. Tel: 061-402 402, oneperysquare.com
7. COOPERSHILL, Co Sligo
Antiques and kids just don’t go together, which gives you a perfect excuse to leave them at home while you go and enjoy yourself at Coopershill in Sligo. Its three-night walking break includes two dinners and two picnics, while the owners, the O’Haras, will provide maps and point you in the direction of all the mountains, ancient ruins and sandy beaches in its vicinity. From €348 per person sharing.
Tel: 071-916 5108, coopershill.com
8. THE CLIFF HOUSE HOTEL, Co Waterford
Before couples commit to having kids they often get a dog, thinking it a sort of trial run, bless them. The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Waterford, will let such couples bring their dog for free. Fido stays outside in the kennel while you enjoy a gourmet package including BB and dinner for two in its Michelin-starred restaurant, with top-notch doggy bag for leftovers. From €347 per couple. Tel: 024-87800, thecliffhousehotel.com
9. DELPHI LODGE, Co Galway
Nothing is as cosy as snuggling up in a tent, unless it's snuggling up in a luxury tent. The tents at newly-opened Dromquinna Manor, near Kenmare in Kerry, are roomy and have high roofs, so no crouching. Each has its own decking and is furnished like a luxury hotel bedroom. Roll back the flaps and enjoy the bay view from your bed. €150 per night in summer. Tel: 064-6642888, dromquinnamanor.com
10. COTTAGES FOR COUPLES, Skibbereen, Co Cork
Among the top items left by guests at Cottages for Couples in Skibbereen are contraceptives, lingerie and handcuffs. Each property has its own private hot tub or jacuzzi and, if you get out at all, is perfectly located for romantic rounds of Mizen Head and Barlycove Beach. From €750 a week in summer. Tel: 028-22957, cottagesforcouples.ie