With Valentine's Day fast approaching and it being one of the strangest Valentine's on record, we have decided to make your life a little easier by compiling a list of last-minute ideas.
Valentine's is all about celebrating love, whether that be with your significant other, parents, children, friends, or yourself. Yes, even if you are going to be by yourself this Valentine's Day, you too deserve to treat yourself!
The last year has been challenging with many unable to see their loved ones as much as they might like. These ideas will hopefully give you some inspiration as to how to show your love and appreciation. You can organise all of these ideas from the comfort of your home or are suggestions for supporting local businesses this Valentine's Day.
Here are our last-minute Valentine's Day ideas, East Clare edition.
Treats
Everyone deserves a little goodie this Valentine's Day, so whether you have to drop hints to loved ones, are looking for some inspiration, or want to spoil yourself, then East Clare has you covered. All of these goodies can be ordered online and be delivered directly to you!
Enjoy a Locally Made Valentine's Hamper
Nothing warms the heart quite like some delicious baked goods. Josie Anne's Patisserie has teamed up with Galtee Glow, Moss and Mushroom Flowers and Killaloe Kards to bring you a gorgeous Valentine's hamper.
Within this gorgeous seagrass hamper, you will be treated to a scrumptious afternoon tea for two. This afternoon tea includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, jammy dodgers, ultimate brownie cups, scones, raspberry pebbles and strawberry and cream macarons.
Along with the yummy baked treats, there is a scented candle (supplied by Galtee Glow), a beautiful single rose (provided by Moss and Mushroom Flowers) and a choice of three Valentine's card (made by Killaloe Kards). Doesn't this sound like the ultimate treat to share with loved ones?
This bespoke hamper will be delivered right across East Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick on the 12th, 13th and 14th of February. Order these and more online.
Dive into a Valentine Goodie Box
The fabulous Gato Cakes have created a mouthwatering Valentine's goodie box that is almost too good to share!
Say how much you love someone through an indulgent 'I Love You' chocolate bar, available in dark, milk, white and ruby chocolate. Enjoy six heart-shaped crunchy buttery biscuits topped with a chocolate heart.
There are also two vanilla heart tartlets which ooze romance. These vanilla mascarpone cream hearts on beautiful white chocolate and vanilla ganache in a crunchy tart base are truly scrumptious.
Lastly, this goodie box comes with a strawberry love entrement; a strawberry mousse with a strawberry compote interior on a buttery biscuit.
Gato Cakes will deliver these gorgeous goodie boxes throughout East Clare on the 13th and 14th of February. These goodie boxes and other delicious treats can be ordered online here.
Share the Chocolately Love
Nothing says Valentine's Day quite like mountains of delicious chocolate. East Clare's very own chocolate factory, Wilde Irish Chocolate, has a range of chocolatey treats that are perfect for Valentine's Day.
Offering indulgent gift hampers containing a large white chocolate praline heart, a salted caramel fudge-filled milk chocolate heart, an assortment of twelve chocolate hearts, and a box of salted caramel milk chocolate hearts, an 'I Love Ewe' and a 'Sweet on Ewe' chocolate bar.
All of these chocolatey delights can be bought individually from their website if the hamper sounds too indulgent (if that is even possible!).
Local Gifts
After the year businesses have had, there is no better way to share the love this Valentine's Day than by supporting local. With countless locally run companies to support, the options are endless when it comes to Valentine's Day gift ideas. As we already said, you can always use Valentine's Day as an excuse to treat yourself!
Show Your Appreciation in the Form of Jewellery
Now, we aren't saying you have to get down on one knee this Valentine's Day, but jewellery is one of the easiest ways into a woman's heart! Luckily, Passion Flamingo have you covered this Valentine's Day with a huge collection of beautiful jewellery.
All the necklaces sold are 18-carat gold plated and nickel free, vital for sensitive skin or allergies. The jewellery ranges from minimalistic to eye-catching, so there is something there to suit all tastes.
To discover all the jewellery available, be sure to have a nosey through their Instagram page. All orders are placed by DMing Trish, and luckily for you, all the orders are dispatched within hours of being placed!
Set the Scene with Glorious Scents
Unfortunately, Leona Nails cannot operate under the current Covid-19 restrictions. However, Leona has turned to brighten your homes and lift your spirits through wax melts.
Stocking a range of magnificent scents, these glorious wax melts are one of the most perfect ways to set the scene this Valentine's Day. These wax melts emit a beautiful array of aromas, which will make you wonder where they have been all your life!
To find out more information and to discover the scents available, be sure to contact Leona on her Instagram. Any orders placed will be available for collection only.
Lather Up with Handmade Soap
Indulgent, vegan, and palm oil-free soap is one of the best ways to enjoy some TLC this Valentine's Day. Palm Free Irish Soap is an East Clare based family run business that has a variety of stockists throughout the region.
Give the gift of a pamper session with a range of products. With scents like lavender, wild Irish seaweed, rosewater, and more, the options for a pamper session are endless.
You can order these soaps and more through their website, or check out their local stockists.
Show Your Love with Handcrafted Gifts
The wonderful Alida Rose is a small family-owned business that brings South Africa's beauty to East Clare.
There is a selection of unique, high-quality products that will transport you to a world away. They offer cute bamboo magnets, spectacular handmade jewellery, a selection of bags, and so much more, there is something for all tastes available at Alida Rose.
If you order soon, you can be sure to have your unique gift in time for Valentine's Day. We guarantee that these will be an absolute showstopper!
Give the Gift of an Experience
While experiences and adventures may be on hold for now, there is something about planning for an experience that creates a wealth of excitement. East Clare is home to a vast array of experiences, and these businesses offer vouchers which can be used when restrictions allow!
Discover the Waterways of Killaloe
Whether you're looking for a romantic adventure for two or a family day out, My Next Adventure has you sorted.
They offer guided kayaking tours of Killaloe, including meandering up the magnificent Killaloe canal and out onto the mighty River Shannon. There is a wealth of history, beauty and wildlife to discover, and no two adventures are the same.
There are adults-only, full-moon kayaking tours which allow you to discover the beauty of Lough Derg under the moonlight. This is a top favourite with couples!
My Next Adventure is currently preparing for the 2021 season when restrictions are eased but are offering vouchers to help get you excited for your big adventure. To get your hands on a voucher, email the team at info@mynextadventure.ie to find out more information.
Enjoy High-Quality Service
The magnificent four-star Lakeside Hotel, nestled on the banks of the River Shannon has a range of experiences available. While these experiences are currently on hold, there are a host of vouchers available to purchase for them.
Experiences include indulging on a delicious afternoon tea for two and Sunday lunch for two in their beautiful Derg Restaurant. We know everyone is missing dining out, so why not make plans for the weeks and months ahead!
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
A hot favourite with adventure enthusiasts looking to experience many adventure activities is Derg Isle Adventure Centre. Boasting a large range of outdoor activities both on land and on the water, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Derg Isle.
If you are itching to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping once restrictions lift, we suggest giving a voucher for Derg Isle. You can experience everything from ziplining to stand-up paddle boarding or zorbing.
Vouchers are available by calling them on 087 1254365.
Get Your Nails Done
While Leona's Nails may be closed for the time being, voucher's are still available! This makes for the perfect Valentine's gift for those who love their beauty.
There is a range of beauty treatments available, including nail, lash and eyebrows. We know that anyone who receives the gift of a voucher for Leona's Nails will feel with like a million bucks with this gift!
To get your hands on a voucher send Leona a message on Instagram and she will sort you out!
Take the Stress Out of Cooking
If you have been looking for an excuse not to cook, we suggest using Valentine's Day as an excuse! With many of our much-loved East Clare restaurants offering a takeaway service, you can bring the traditional Valentine's meal home to you.
The hospitality sector has been one of the most affected industries throughout the pandemic, and they need your support! Send your love to them this Valentine's Day by supporting local.
Here are some of our favourite East Clare restaurants and cafés offering takeaway services this Valentine's weekend!
- The Half Barrel, Whitegate
- The Holly Tree, Tulla
- McNamara's Bistro Bar, Scarriff
- Ponte Vecchio, Killaloe
- The Snug Café and Wine Bar, Mountshannon
*if you know of any more businesses offering takeaway services this Valentine's weekend please let us know so we can add them to this list!
Explore the Outdoors
Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, meaning that for many of us we have the whole weekend to spread to love! East Clare is blessed with magnificent scenery, breathtaking walks and nature galore, so why not go out and explore it this weekend (within your 5km of course)!
Looking at the forecast, you will probably have to dress warm, but don't let the weather dampen your spirits! Enjoy one another's company as you immerse yourself in nature.
Head to the Killaloe Farmer's Market
If you happen to be lucky enough to live close to Killaloe, you will know that the Killaloe Farmer's Market is a delight to behold. Enjoy freshly baked goods, delicious meats and handmade crafts galore. Sip on a coffee as you peruse the stalls, before taking some of the goods home with you to enjoy later!
Treat Yourself to Some Hot Chocolate
Fingers crossed Sunday's weather will be okay so that you can wander through Tuamgraney village. If you happen to be in Tuamgraney village on Sunday, be sure to make a beeline for Wild Irish Chocolate's Hot Chocolate Café. With a range of decadent, indulgent and warm goodness this is sure to be the ultimate way to kickstart your Valentine's Day.
Plan for a Wine and Cheese Night
Head to your local shop and treat yourself. Pick up a bottle of your favourite wine and then head to the cheese section. Now, you don't have to pick 'smelly' cheeses if you don't want to, but we suggest getting a variety!
You can get as creative as you want here with designing your cheeseboard, by adding garnishes and extra finishing touches.
You can create your favourite restaurant cheeseboard for a fraction of the price at home. What's more is that you can enjoy this while sitting in your pyjamas watching a movie!
Did Someone Say Chocolate and Wine?
We know that cheeseboards aren't up everyone's alley, but nearly everyone is a fan of chocolate! So, why not adopt this notion of a cheeseboard, but instead create it with a selection of your favourite chocolates!
This can even be adopted so that children can enjoy a 'chocolateboard' by replacing the wine with Shloer or fizzy apple juice.
Pretend You're at a Winetasting
You can be the height of sophistication even at home, by pretending you're at a wine tasting. Get a selection of your favourite wines, and then use your senses to see if you can figure out what subtle hints and flavours you can taste or smell.
Once you've made your guesses be sure to consult the back of the bottle or the internet to see if you were correct! This is a fun way to test your senses.
Test Your Artistic Skills
Nothing says 'I Love You" like a hand-drawn picture. You don't need anything fancy to do this, just a pen and some paper. However, if you happen to have paints, canvasses, markers, etc., the more fun it will be!
Sit opposite one another and set a timer for a length of time. During which you will draw one another to the best of your ability. This is a great activity, especially if you aren't all that artistically inclined!
Go Stargazing
East Clare is blessed with often beautifully clear skies, so why not see if you can wish upon a shooting star this Valentine's Day. Curl up under a blanket and watch the galaxies of far far away. You needn't leave the comfort of your house as long as you turn all the lights off!
If you decide to do some of our suggestions be sure to tag us in the photos.
What are your plans for Valentine's Day, is there anything that we have missed? Let us know!
From all of us here at Visit East Clare, have a lovely Valentine's Day 💛💙
