Love is in the Air: How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Galway
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Love is in the Air: How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Galway

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with our ultimate guide to thoughtful gifts and dreamy date nights. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or searching for the perfect, we’ve got you covered! Fall in love all over again in the heart of Galway…

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Thankfully, this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday so we get to celebrate with the people who mean the most to us all weekend long! Make the next two days all about spending quality time with one another, making new memories and sharing moments that you can cherish for years to come. Whether that’s by buying them lavish gifts, with a change of scenery, or catching-up over a candlelit dinner, we’re sure you’ll find the right way to express your love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Presents

This Valentine’s Day we’re keeping things classic - chocolates, flowers, jewellery and a heartfelt card - they’re timeless for a reason! Here’s where to find the perfect Valentine’s gifts  to make your partner swoon, all without saying a word.

Say it with flowers. The Galway florist with a difference, Go Dutch Flowers has curated a beautiful selection of romantic Valentine’s bouquets. With colours ranging from cupid pink and snowy white, to deep reds, these roses are sure to wow your Valentine. Their special Valentine Day’s collection includes bouquets ranging from 6 to 50 roses, as well as ready-made gift sets with chocolates, wine and balloons, for a little extra flair. Available for same-day delivery in Galway and for outside Galway delivery order by noon and get your flowers delivered by DPD the next working day. This Valentine’s why wouldn’t you surprise your significant other with their favourite flowers delivered straight into their hands?

While we are spoiled for great jewellers in Galway, Ór Jewellery has everything you need for Valentine’s. Their most lovey-dovey pieces are perfect for the statement girlies, the silver lovers, the sparkle obsessed, the pearl lovers and of course the romantics. Featuring stunning heart-shaped jewellery from Lauren’s Edit collection, finding that perfect gift for your partner just got so much easier. Another amazing option for timeless Valentine’s Day jewellery is Mettle & Bloom. Their totally unique designs are a gorgeous way to symbolise your endless affection. After all, what better way to say “forever” than with a gift that lasts just as long?

Looking to get your better half a box of chocolates that are as sweet as they are? Look no further than the French chocolatiers, Truffle. Their indulgent handmade chocolates are the perfect add-on gift to the roses and jewels, and whether you are opting for one of their special Valentine’s chocolate boxes or to put together a hamper specifically for them, we are certain that a gift from Truffle will go down a treat! Alternatively, for chocolate that quite literally has love written all over it - shop Grá Chocolates, as grá (love) is in their name! Made in Galway and hand-painted to perfection, their chocolate roses and hearts are almost too gorgeous to eat!

(...Almost). Flowers, jewellery, chocolates.. What’s left? Only, the all-important Valentine’s card! If you are after a card that is as cheeky and cheerful as your plus one is, Outset Gallery’s quirky card collection is exactly what you need. With love cards that range from safe and simple; ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and ‘Love You’, to some that are a bit more playful; ‘you’re a weirdo, but you’re my weirdo’ and ‘I could not resist your beautiful arse’, we can guarantee that you’ll find the right card for your relationship.

Romantic Dinner Dates

Personally, the way to my heart is through my stomach. Make it three courses with glasses of wine or bubbly, and make it special by adding in a cosy atmosphere, candlelight, and someone else paying.. bliss. That’s what makes a dreamy Valentine’s dinner so special, it’s about more than just the food; it’s the atmosphere, the candlelight, and the indulgence of an expertly crafted meal, enjoyed with your favourite person.

It’s one of the city’s most popular date night spots for good reason, so this year why not spend your Valentine’s Day sharing delicious tapas and Spanish wines at Cava Bodega. Candles will light the atmosphere creating a romantic mood for the two of you to enjoy, as you chat, reminisce and enjoy each other’s company. Their sparkling wine of the month is a romantic Oniric Pet-Nat Rose, a lively and expressive wine from Catalonia. Oniric, meaning dreamy, with its pink-orange colour, beautifully captures the flavours of its terroir and since we’re celebrating it’s well worth a glass or two, if you ask us! Enjoy an evening of romantic ramen and sexy sushi at Kombu, against a soundtrack of slow-set worthy tunes, iconic power ballads and smooth R&B anthems. Pair your dining with some of their exquisite cocktails, it’s a match made in heaven.


above: photo by Julia Dunin Photography

For an intimate date night, treat yourselves to a feast for all the senses at Osaka in Salthill. Complete with low lighting for a cosy ambiance, fantastic Asian cuisine, and a post-meal romantic stroll along the Promenade (extra romantic if timed for sunset), you’ll be falling in love with your significant other all over again. On the 13th, The Sliding Rock is celebrating the day of love with a Valentine’s Soirée: €35 three-course set menu, prosecco on arrival & live piano by Harry Mulholland from 7-9pm. With only limited availability, advance booking is essential by calling 091 722131 or emailing theslidingrock@gmail.com.

Why not switch up how you celebrate Valentine’s this year with a visit to Paddy Burke’s in Clarinbridge? Set within a cosy, character-filled building, Paddy Burke’s truly ticks all the right boxes. Famous for its amazing seafood dishes, in particular the world-renowned fresh Clarinbridge oysters, (a natural aphrodisiac, so consider the mood set). And, since it is a Saturday, make the experience extra special by booking an overnight stay at the neighbouring The Oyster House. Blending modern comfort with the tranquil charm of village life, it’s the ideal way to add a little extra sparkle to your romantic getaway.

Last Minute Valentine's Overnight Getaways

A night away from home is just what cupid ordered. Think glasses of bubbly on arrival, bespoke chocolates, and intimate dinners for two. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your favourite plus one.

For the perfect romantic retreat in Connemara, the opulent Abbeyglen Castle Hotel provides a serene escape. The hotel’s one-of-a-kind surroundings is exactly what you and your significant other need to rekindle your romance. Their ‘Couples Therapy’ offer will get you two-nights accommodation, 5-course dinner on one evening, glasses of bubbly plus a spa treatment of your choice. It is the perfect Valentine’s weekend away in Galway.

On the outskirts of the city, The Ardilaun Hotel is offering couples the epitome of luxury this Valentine’s Day. They’ve got an incredible Romantic Retreat available for the day of love and are throwing in an indulgent 3-course candlelit dinner for two, bottle of bubbly and heart-shaped truffles, to make the occasion extra special. Book the offer here.

Alternatively, if a night away from home for you means a night spent in Galway City, The Hardiman are celebrating Valentine’s with the unmissable ‘Valentine’s Escape’ special offer. This year they are going all out to ensure you and your date have a magical evening rekindling your love. This is the perfect option for couples looking to enjoy a romantic night in one of Ireland’s most romantic cities.

For a truly romantic getaway, book a night away at the g Hotel & Spa. Love takes centre stage at the g Hotel & Spa this Valentine’s season with the return of the much-loved ‘Love is in the Éire’ package, along with specially curated spa experiences, indulgent afternoon teas and thoughtfully crafted Valentine’s moments, all designed to celebrate love in style. For more information on all of this please find out more here.

Attend Love-themed Events this Valentine’s

Moments shared are moments treasured, so if your usual weekend involves sitting on the couch and not moving, shake it up! This Valentine’s weekend, we encourage you to don your glad rags, wear your best perfumes, and hit the town for some lovely Valentine’s special events!

On Valentine’s night, Club GASS are going all out to bring you a night of fabulous performers and decadent performances. Taking over Róisín Dubh from 8.30pm, this is a very special night featuring guest performers AvatarGuille and Abra Kedavre, the creators of Fuego & Flavours. Hosted by the ever-glamorous Kiki St Clair, whose sharp wit, infectious energy and signature style will set the tone for a true Club GASS experience. She will be joined by some of Galway’s finest drag performers, delivering high glamour, bold looks and unforgettable performances throughout the night. Music on the main stage comes from Vasuki Red, keeping the dancefloor moving late into the night, while DJ John takes over upstairs in the beer garden with feel-good party vibes. Adding an extra visual twist, UV body painting will be available on the night with the fantastic DiceLady. Tickets are now available here.

Out in Clifden, step into Clifden Station House Theatre where The Dirty Circus have prepared an unforgettable evening of burlesque, cabaret, comedy, and seductive spectacle! This Valentine’s Day, they’re serving you feathers, glitter, jaw-dropping performances, and enough sass to light up the entire city. Expect a night of outrageous comedy, sultry striptease, and fierce queer celebration because at The Dirty Circus, everyone is invited to sparkle. Tickets are available here.

This Valentine’s Day, ConTempo String Quartet will transform St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church into a candlelit dreamscape for two atmospheric shows: Tribute to Coldplay and Queen vs. ABBA. Hear the greatest hits you love reimagined for strings in an immersive, romantic setting.

Held at the cosy Wine Buff, spend your Friday evening with your plus one painting and sipping exquisite wines with artist Helen Fahey. No experience needed – just sip, paint, laugh and create something beautiful to take home. This event is perfect for couples who want to share a memorable experience together. Join Helen for a relaxed and creative evening of wine, colour and great company, so come along, share laughs, and create memories with your significant other. Tickets are available here.

On the 13th, Galway Musical Society are bringing you night of craic as a wonderful line up of single girls and guys hope to find love, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Based on ITV’s 2010’s TV show, Take Me Out, promises a night of amazing performances and fun to support their production of PIPPIN. These wonderful ladies are eager to meet their top notch men hoping to secure a date, and remember, no like-y no light-y! Bring your friends and family for a night filled with music, laughter, and memories. Don’t miss out on this special event. Get your tickets here.

Wrap up your Valentine’s weekend with a night filled with heartfelt melodies and soulful tunes at Love Through the Keys with Desiree Oduah at The Connacht Hotel. Guests are invited to sit back, relax, and savour live piano music accompanied by lovely treats available both before and during the recital. The programme weaves together different genres of music to convey a heartfelt story of love, with gentle narration introducing each piece and guiding listeners through the emotional landscape of the evening. Tickets available here.

Galentine’s calls for a Girls Night Out

If you are celebrating Galentine’s this year, and see this weekend as an opportunity to reunite and catch-up with your girlfriends, then this Galentine’s guide is perfect for you. Galentine’s Day in Galway is all about celebrating friendship, fun, and a little self-love. So, whether you’re planning a creative night out with friends, a solo self-care session, or a full girls’ weekend, there are plenty of Galentine’s Day events in Galway to choose from. From sip and paint nights and floral workshops to jewellery making, brunch parties, wellness experiences, and girls’ getaways, hit the link here for the best things to do in Galway to celebrate Galentine’s in 2026.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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