Irish Valentines

Throughout Ireland romantic rituals add a touch of Irish spirit to Valentine’s Day. In fact, the body of Saint Valentine himself is believed to rest in Dublin .

The rocky shores and high cliffs grace a country smaller than the US state of Indiana, and yet Ireland has produced romantic poets and authors Thomas Davis, James Mangan, Thomas Moore, Padraic Pearse, and Oscar Wilde. Margaret Jackson said it best when she said, “Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul’s yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart.”

Exchanging claddagh rings is one of the most enduring traditions of the Irish people, and one of the best known world wide. Lesser known traditions include hand fasting, match making festivals, and make up bells.

Oscar Wilde asked, “Who, being loved, is poor?” In that spirit, many of the most touching Irish romantic traditions are the simplest.

Hand fasting is the ritual of binding each lovers right hand to the other in a symbol of lasting attachment and may be the source for the expression “tie the knot” in relation to getting married.

Singles looking for love travel from all over the world for Ireland’s match making, especially for the fall festival in Lisdoonvarna. The month long festival features 4th generation matchmaker Willie Daly , live music with dancing that starts each day at noon, horse racing, and plenty of Guinness. At the end of the festival, bachelors and bachelorettes compete for the titles of Mr. Lisdoonvarna and Queen of the Burren – the most eligible lady & gentleman of that year.

The chime of bells is thought to restore harmony if a couple is fighting and remind them of their wedding vows. Giving a bell as a wedding gift is an Irish tradition.

This Valentine’s Day, raise your glass to your beloved with this traditional Irish lover’s toast: ” I have known many, liked not a few, loved only one, I drink to you.”


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