If you're currently in the market for a mini moon in Ireland, you've come to the right place! We've already highlighted some of the top honeymoon spots around the country, in our lists of the best spa hotels and the most romantic hideaways, so today, we're sharing our favourite locations for a mini moon, taking in remote countryside getaways, quaint seaside villages, and even a city or two! Whether you fancy elevating your mini moon with epic hikes, incredible food experiences, or cosy pub crawls, our favourite mini moon destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland will give you all the inspiration you need!
Why go on a mini moon!
If there's one thing we recommend every couple do, it's go on a mini moon straight after the big day - it provides a great chance to capitalise on that just-married buzz, while resting up after the excitement of the wedding (you'll be a lot more tired than you expect!) Of course, not all couples have the budget for a super luxurious mini moon, and not all couples have the cash left over to pay for one. Remember that it doesn't have to be flashy if it's not within your budget, especially if you're saving that budget for a bigger trip-of-a-lifetime. The key thing is that you spend time with your other half and take the time to decompress and enjoy that love bubble, even if that means a little B&B somewhere idyllic.
Our Favourite Mini Moon Destinations in Ireland
1. Portrush, Co. Antrim
An impossibly gorgeous seaside town on the North Atlantic coast, Portrush is home to idyllic beaches and breathtaking coastal drives, walks and hikes. The views from the ruins at Dunluce Castle are exceptional, while the The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Bushmills Distillery are within easy reach. The town itself is home to charming cafés and restaurants, serving everything from Afternoon Tea to tapas, as well as cosy pubs, a few cute shops, and an amusement park for the young at heart. We love the idea of staying in The Oat Box, a unique tiny house on wheels that's available to rent on Airbnb, and located just four miles from Whiterocks beach, but there are more traditional hotel and B&B options, too.
2. Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry
If your dream mini moon requires total peace and seclusion, you've simply got to consider the Glenbeigh area of rural Kerry, which is full of remote escapes tucked into mountainsides and overlooking picture-perfect lakes. Depending on budget, you might choose to set up camp in Lost Cottage at Lough Caragh, Bells Cottage at Lough Caragh, Limehouse Cottage at Coomasaharn Lake, or at the rustic Glenbeigh Hotel. Wherever you lay your head, you're guaranteed incredible scenery and a friendly welcome. A visit to the beach at Rossbeigh Strand is a must, as is a cycle or drive along the Ring of Kerry and a trip to Valentia Island. This is definitely a destination for nature lovers, but the family-run pubs in Glenbeigh make it a lovely, quiet spot for low-key travellers, too.
3. The Burren, Co. Clare
The location of many a school field trip in the '80s and '90s, The Burren has lots to offer a pair of newlyweds on the hunt for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both. Whether you fancy a packed schedule of cliff walks, hikes and surfing, or you'd be happy with a good pint and a trad session, you can expect a great time, and some incredible food along the way - the Burren is home to artisanal chocolatiers and cheesemakers, and producers of everything from ice cream to smoked salmon. There's even a perfumery and whiskey distillery too! We love the Wild Honey Inn, a pub with accommodation and a Michelin-starred restaurant near Lisdoonvarna, where you'll also find some of the best pubs in the country for traditional music. And, after you've taken in the stark beauty at the Burren National Park, it's only about a 40-minute drive to incredible sea views at The Cliffs of Moher or Fanore Beach.
4. Galway City
Many couples planning a mini moon look for luxury accommodation first, and worry about how they'll fill their days later, but we think some of Ireland's smaller cities tick both boxes. Galway is easily one of the best mini moon destinations in Ireland - its vibrant pubs, gig venues and festivals mean you'll never be bored - and there are plenty of ways to add opulence to your stay - city centre hotel The Hardiman, for example, boasts a rooftop hot tub! You could combine a visit to Galway Gin School with a famous Dough Bros wood-fired pizza, before catching a comedy gig at the RóisÃn Dubh, or go for a dip from Blackrock diving board before warming up with a whiskey tasting. Luxe hotel options include the G Hotel and the nearby Glenlo Abbey Hotel (featuring a gorgeous restaurant in a restored Orient Express train carriage!), Ballinahinch Castle or Kylemore Abbey. If you just can't resist adding a little countryside to your stay, Connemara and the Aran Islands are close by.
5. Kinsale, Co. Cork
A pretty seaside town that's easy enough to reach from most other parts of the country (it's about a 30-minute drive from Cork city), Kinsale is the perfect place for a relaxed break centred around great food, cosy pubs and beautiful scenery. A well-loved foodie destination, this colourful town offers everything from gourmet pastries to elevated pub grub - there's a Michelin-starred restaurant, a few cool wine bars and enough pubs for an excellent crawl. Starting in the town itself, the Scilly walk will take you to the historic Charles Fort in about 45 minutes, while the Old Head of Kinsale loop walk is a little more ambitious, taking around two hours. There are a number of four-star hotels overlooking the harbour, and some quirky options in the form of the Giles Normal Gallery and Townhouse and Cork Street's Skinny House. Depending on where you're travelling from, an overnight stay in Ballyvolane House, about an hour North of Kinsale, would be a lovely way to add a bit of luxury to your trip.
6. The Beara Peninsula, West Cork
There are so many gorgeous mini moon-worthy spots to choose from in West Cork, we could have easily awarded it several spots on this list, but there's something extra special about the Beara Peninsula, which takes in Kenmare, Glengarriff and Castletownbere. Driving or cycling the Ring of Beara, or walking the Beara Way offers unparalleled scenery, while the small towns and villages along the way are full of charm. We highly recommend taking Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island or a boat to the epic Bull Rock Island, and a trip to the dreamy, lakeside settlement at Gougane Barra is easily managed, too. The accommodation options are endless - we love Mossie's B&B near Adrigole, and the ultra luxurious Sienna rental home in Kenmare. If you fancy a bit of peninsula-hopping, the Laharandota Artists' Studio at Sheep's Head Peninsula and Blairscove House and Restaurant at Dunmanus Bay are fabulous, too.
7. Belfast City
There's never a bad time to visit Northern Ireland's bustling capital, but a romantic mini moon provides the perfect excuse! Belfast offers the treat-seeking traveller everything they could want in a capital city - Michelin-starred restaurants, cool casual dining spots, beautiful city parks, high-end day spas, hip coffee shops, great live music and theatre options, and the marvelous St. George's Market - all on a small, manageable scale. Luxury accommodation options include The Merchant and House Belfast, and there are lots of boutique-y apartment rentals on Airbnb, too. If you fancy a mix of country and city, there are some incredible hill walks just a short drive or bus trip away, including the gorgeous Divis summit walk.
8. South West Donegal
Virtually every part of Donegal is a feast for the eyes, but we've got a soft spot for the Dawros peninsula, particularly the town of Ardara (home to arguably Ireland's finest pub, Nancy's) and the wealth of beaches in the area (Rossbeg and Portnoo are especially lovely, even in less-than-ideal weather). This part of Donegal is really fun to explore by car, taking in sights like the Assaranca waterfall and Glencolumbkille Folk Village, and as many breathtakingly beautiful coastal walks as your legs can manage. As for accommodation, you'll find everything from darling village hotels like The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, to off-grid cottages, like this one in Port harbour. We think a tour of the region would make an amazing trip combined with a visit to nearby Lough Eske and a stay at Lough Eske Castle.
9. The River Shannon
A boat trip down the river Shannon may sound a little more adventurous than the average mini moon - and, let's face it, it probably is! - but we love the idea of setting sail for a couple of days with your new spouse. There are options for all budgets (more information can be found via Charter Ireland and Shannon River), and it's a fun way to explore parts of the country you haven't seen before. If you're more of a land mammal, the river can still provide inspiration for your mini moon - why not start with a couple of nights in the Walden lakehouse in Glasson, before travelling South for a lakeside stay at Coolbawn Quay or Ashley Park House?
Listen the dedicated One Fab Day podcast episode on honeymoons!
