Idealistic Spots for Your Mini-moon

If you’re planning on delaying your honeymoon, steal away for a few days together for a mini-moon of dreams in some of Ireland and the U.K.’s top destinations.

Hideaway Cottage at Ashford Castle

Situated on the grounds of the five star Ashford Castle estate, the Hideaway Cottage offers total seclusion for your very own romantic break away. Surrounded by private gardens and lakefront views, access is through secure gates for total privacy. Lovingly restored, the cottage features custom hand-crafted furniture with a blue Murano glass chandelier and luxurious Egyptian Cotton bed linen. Guests at the Hideaway can avail of a 24-hour concierge service and weather permitting, can enjoy an alfresco meal on the pier, overlooking the peaceful Lough Corrib. The perfect luxury break to celebrate your new union!
www.ashfordcastle.com

Ballyfin

Home to only twenty bedrooms, the team at Ballyfin ensure that each and every guest is treated to an experience like no other. The opulent house offers complete peace for couples to switch off and reconnect after the madness of your wedding celebrations. From the Grand Saloon at the heart of the house to the peaceful Library or elegant Drawing Room, each room is as impressive as the next. This enchanting estate is also filled with natural beauty at every turn. Stone walls enclose 600 acres of parkland, a lake and ancient woods, delightful garden buildings, follies and grottoes abound. And when it comes to passing the time, couples can choose from an extensive list of activities including boating, fishing, the Ballyfin picnic experience, horse riding, pony and carriage rides, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle target shooting, archery and falconry.
www.ballyfin.com

Adare Manor

The recently renovated Adare Manor is the epitome of luxury for newlyweds looking to steal away for a quiet few days. Splurge on one of their exquisite suites and enjoy the breath-taking views through spectacular imposing bay windows with panoramic views across the babbling river and lush golf course. The Victorian mansion is home to one of only eleven La Mer spas worldwide for those looking for a little extra R&R. And for the more active couples, try your hand at any of the activities on offer including golf, horse-riding, falconry, fishing or simply explore the impressive estate, either by foot or one of the bicycles available to borrow from reception. Its culinary offers will also not disappoint!
www.adaremanor.com

Bubble Domes, Finn Lough

Gaze at the stars from the comfort of a plush four-poster bed in the Forest Domes at Finn Lough. 180-degree transparent walls immerse you into the tranquillity and beauty of nature without compromising on comfort or luxury. Each dome features an ensuite bathroom, Nespresso coffee machine, fluffy robe and daily breakfast.
www.finnlough.com

The Hideaway, Dromquinna Manor

Perched upon a cliff overlooking the picturesque Kenmare Bay, The Hideaway is Ireland’s most luxurious “glamping” experience. Soak in the beauty of your surrounds as you sit on your private veranda with the sound of the lapping waters below. The mist-clad mountains in the distance and lush tropical plants set the scene for the most romantic of breaks away, a honeymooner’s dream.
www.dromquinnamanor.com

Treehouse, Grove House

Tucked away in a woodland by Grove House in West Cork are three completely eco-friendly treehouses. These self-catering cottages offer a magical, luxury experience amongst the natural beauty of the great outdoors. The open plan treehouses are equipped with a constant supply of hot water and high-efficiency electric radiators. Each treehouse also boasts its own private deck with a two-person Canadian hot-tub where you can while away the hours with your new husband or wife!
www.cottagesforcouples.ie

Presidential Suite at Powerscourt

One of the most luxurious suites in the country, the presidential suite at Powerscourt Hotel is the definition of decadence. Located on the top floor of this impressive hotel, this luxurious suite boasts the most breath-taking views across the Sugar Loaf Mountain, couples can sit out on their rooftop terrace drinking in the spectacular views in total privacy. And if you do decide to venture out from your palatial hideaway, you can enjoy their championship golf courses or luxury spa by ESPA, or explore the exquisite neighbouring Wicklow countryside including the picturesque Powerscourt Waterfall. Dine-in either their signature Sika restaurant or steal away to a cosy corner in their traditional Irish pub.
www.powerscourthotel.com

Cliff at Lyons

Set amidst the Kildare Countryside, Cliff at Lyons is a statuesque estate which makes for the perfect romantic getaway for newlyweds. Explore the impressive grounds which are an Instagramers dream. Their Blueway Getaway package is perfect for mini-mooners with two nights’ accommodation in the beautiful Lily Pond rooms with dinner on one evening in the Orangery Restaurant and a full day bike hire for two. The kitchen will also pack you your very own gourmet picnic to take on your travels as you while away the day along the grassy verges of the Grand Canal tow-path.
Cliffatlyons.ie

Crookhaven Lighthouse

Perched upon Mizen Head, Ireland’s most South Westerly point, Crookhaven Lighthouse is the furthest you can get from escaping our little emerald isle without physically taking a plane or a boat. Couples can rent their very own lighthouse which is attached to a beautiful, sweet cottage. Ideal for intimate evenings and cosy nights in, drink in the exquisite views which this beautiful spot offers for your romantic break away.

Crookhavenlighthouse.ie

UK Escapes

Soho Farmhouse

Words genuinely cannot do this little gem justice, this exclusive members club is a hot spot for everyone from the Beckhams and the Clooneys to the newlywed Duke and Duchess of Sussex. When choosing accommodation here, guests have several options with the Farm Cottage, Farm House, cosy wooden cabins and bell tents all on offer. Activities on offer include their extensive gym and choice of both indoor and outdoor pools, pampering in the Cowshed Spa, cinema screenings, boating, tennis and horse riding across their exquisite Cotswolds estate. This is the ultimate playground for adults, you’ll never want to leave!
www.sohofarmhouse.com

Hex Cottage at Wilderness, Suffolk

For those seeking to cut contact with the outside world, Hex Cottage at Wildness in the Suffolk countryside is the spot for you. Straight out of a fairy-tale, this magical thatched cottage is completely electricity-free, with candlelight and a wood-burning stove the only source of light and heat. Enjoy a long soak in the freestanding roll-top bath which looks out over undisturbed woodland views. Couples can enjoy BBQs on their own private terrace or explore the estate on Pashley bicycles before a spot of tennis on their private courts. For the more outdoorsy types, try your hand at some paddleboarding on the serpentine lake or practice your shot with their world-class clay instructors.
www.wildernessreserve.com

The Lake Cabin at Lime Wood

Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood is just an hour and a half from London – your very own little haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. A must for mini-mooners, the Lake Cabin here is a couples private little hideaway, nestled on the far side of the lake away from prying eyes. Clad in reclaimed timber inside and out, the cabin is perched over the lake with water surrounding the balcony on three sides so guests can reconnect with nature. Simple but sophisticated, the Lake Cabin is immersed in light with large open windows. Guests can immerse themselves into nature with their very own bathtub out on their balcony overlooking the water.
www.limewoodhotel.co.uk