It's that time of the year again when couples get all loved up and splash out on romantic gifts and treats to express their passion for one another. That's right Valentine's Day is on Sunday but with the country in lockdown, coming up with ideas to celebrate the day may prove difficult. This year and last have been tough for everyone and we thought we ALL deserve a bit of love.
Whether you're planning to spoil the girlies on Galentine's Day on Saturday, wow your Valentine on Sunday or even just share the love with that special someone, let's not let the lockdown spoil the romance of the weekend ahead! Enjoy our Valentine's Day tips with local business addresses to help you spend a passion-filled day with your partner or 'partners in crime'!
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Breaky in bed
Spoil him or her with a five-star hotel breakfast in bed! There's nothing more romantic than waking up to the smell of sweet home-made crepes, bagels or bacon and eggs to set the mood! Make sure to check out our Valentine's recipes in our website's Food & Wine section or order Collerans Brunch Box with all best fry-up ingredients ready to throw in the pan!
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Nothing says 'I love You' like a dozen of red roses
'The rose is red, the violet’s blue,
The honey’s sweet, and so are you.'
Did you know red roses were the first Valentine’s greetings? It all started in the 15th century in France, when February 14th became an annual feast day celebrating romantic love. Landing right in the middle of lockdown, by the time Cupid pays a visit for Valentine's, many of us will have spent months either cooped up with our significant other, or been separated for weeks. But, never fear, Flowers.ie are here to help put the spark back into Valentines. And if your single, why not treat yourself or surprise one of your pals? And why not add a teddy bear, some chocolates, wine or Champagne? Let Flowers.ie be your Cupid this St. Valentine’s Day! Check out Flowers.ie Valentine's Gift set selection.
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Setting the mood for later
Remove all photos from shelves, dressers, and night tables. Replace them with photos of you and your sweetie. Add a few extra comfy cushions in the room. For a real romantic feel, sprinkle roses petals, place scented candles everywhere, turn down the lights and make sure to play the sweet voice of Barry White in the background. Take it to the next level and place strawberries dipped in chocolate in a dish, some sweet wine or perhaps Champagne somewhere handy or by the fire for later on.
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Get Dapper for the occasion
Finally, an occasion to dress up! If you've been working from home in your PJs for the past few months, it's time to get dapper for Valentine's Day! While most fashion shops are closed, you can still order something fancy online to slip in for the occasion and sweep your partner off his feet! Visit Colette Lachford, Anthony Ryans or Standún websites for inspiration. Who knows; you might even find a nice present for your lover along the way. think some nice cufflinks, fancy nightwear, ...
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A Romantic Candlelit Dinner
Since the restaurants are closed, it's time for you to step up your game in the kitchen. For those still a bit out of practice for Master Cheffing a home-made dinner to remember; Galway restaurants and eateries have plenty of 'Love hampers' or 'Love box' options. Try out Collerans' easy cook Valentine’s Dinner for Two with a choice of premium Striploin Steaks or Fillets of Duck and chocolates box for dessert, or Goyas' 'Because I love you' Box or 'Because I Want a Treat' Box. You can even pretend your cooked these sinfully delicious dinners yourselves. If you don't tell, we won't either. For the pescatorians, check out Mary's Fish recipes to cook at home.
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Netfilx and Chill
In times of lockdown, there are few better ways to spend Cupid's holiday than with a romantic movie: single or in a relationship, pro or anti-Valentine's Day, there's a film for you.
Check out these five Valentine's Day films recommendations from our Film and TV critic Ben O' Gorman:
Dating Amber: Great little Irish Rom Com that came out last year that was robbed of a cinema release by Covid. I suppose it's more of a platonic love story but it captures Ireland secondary school life and relationships really well. Great soundtrack too. Available on Prime Video.
Manhattan Murder Mystery: My favourite Woody Allen Rom Com. Some of Woody's best dialogue and great chemistry between Craughwell’s own Anjelica Huston and Alan Alda Thankfully finally available on streaming. Available on Netflix.
Juliet, Naked: I really liked this under-seen Nick Hornby adaptation. It's a slow quirky British Rom Com. Great cast with Chris O’Dowd, Ethan Hawke and Rose Byrne. Available on Netflix.
Longshot: I always feel like politics and romantic comedies are a surprisingly good mix. This is the rare big budget Rom Com, there used to be two or three of these a year. Such a shame we don't get them anymore (I’m thinking a My Best Friends Wedding or Pretty Woman ). Unbelievably funny performance from Charlize Theron. Available on Netflix.
Indecent Proposal: Maybe you want to liven things up by picking a fight with your partner? This is a great one for hypothetical arguments. Demi Moore, Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson all at their 90s zenith here. A hilarious premise that unfortunately has a bit of a cop out ending. Available on Netflix.
Now all you have to do is grab some popcorn or a cheese and meat platter (plus some wine ), your remote, a scented candle, and fire up one of these films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, RTE player or whatever is available at home. And Oh did we told you First Dates Ireland is back on RTE tonight?
Find out more Films and Movies recommendations by Ben.
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Win her/his heart with jewellery
Wow your lover with a gift from the heart this Valentine’s Day. Take her breath away with meaningful jewellery that is unique, sentimental and romantic. Or gift him a luxurious fashion watch to treasure for a lifetime. Why not even pop the question this Valentine's Day? Hartmanns of Galway, one of the west of Ireland’s premier jewellers may have the doors shut, but the online store is open for business with a huger selection of diamond engagement rings. Read more about Hartmanns of Galway.
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Surprise your better half with some thoughtful gifts
It's been a tough year, and everyone deserve to feel the love. For those stuck for ideas, here are a couple of down-to-earth handy ideas that won't break the bank and that will make everyone happy! Why not buy him some cosy socks from his favourite soccer team from Socker Club or a Whiskey Class, while you gift your Galentine's a Cocktails Class to enjoy together when the Skeff open the doors again? For that special woman in your life, there's always the option of buying a spa day package for home from Francis Soap Shop or an online voucher to spend in her favourite shop! For the sweet tooth, there's always the classic box of chocolates or cakes! It always works a treat...
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Plan your next romantic gateaway
Airports may be closed and your next trip abroad might be on hold, but there are still plenty of Galway or Irish staycations to think about. Consider booking a romantic Airbnb, a house swap or buying a voucher for a romatinc stay in the Skeffington or the Galmont. You can even start planning your next exciting activities like a trip to Wildlands or next year's ski trip!
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Something from the heart
A last piece of advice from us, whatever you do, do something from the heart. Showing your love to someone doesn't have to be all about materialistic presents. Remember, before Valentine's card were commercialised, it was all about making your own and slipping it through your secret lovers' door. You could make her/his one or suprise them with an oil massage after a stressful week, a home-made bake or... you could also put that shelve your partner has been asking about for the past six months. It might not be the most romantic gesture but the intention is what counts!
Happy Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day to all!
To find out more gifts ideas, check out our Open for Business directory of retailers open in Galway during level 5.
