Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations for Irish Couples in 2026
Your honeymoon is more than just a holiday. It's the first adventure you'll share as a married couple. As we're now halfway through 2026, it's been great to see the destinations that have been proving popular with my honeymoon couples this year. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to many of these destinations myself, as well as helping hundreds of couples create their own honeymoon memories there. One thing I’ve learned is that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all honeymoon. The same destination can look completely different depending on the couple. Some couples want adventure and exploring, others want relaxation and luxury, and many want a mix of both. These five destinations have stood out because they offer so much variety, and more importantly, because they can be tailored to create a honeymoon that feels completely personal.
1. Vietnam – A Hidden Gem for Luxury and Adventure
Vietnam has quickly become one of my most requested honeymoon destinations this year, and after seeing what it offers couples, it's easy to understand why.
From the colourful lantern-lined streets of Hoi An to an overnight cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers the perfect balance of culture, luxury, incredible food and beautiful beaches.
Imagine beginning your honeymoon exploring vibrant cities, cruising through Ha Long Bay, sampling some of the best street food in the world, having tailor-made clothing created just for you in Hoi An, and finishing with a few days unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc or Con Dao.
One of the things I love most about Vietnam is how much it offers. Couples are often surprised by just how far their honeymoon budget can stretch. From stunning five-star hotels and beautiful spa experiences to amazing local restaurants and unforgettable adventures, it's a destination where you can really treat yourselves.
Vietnam is perfect for couples looking for:
- Culture and history
- Incredible food
- Unique experiences
- Beach relaxation combined with adventure
2. Japan – The Honeymoon Everyone is Talking About
Japan is a destination I have loved seeing grow in popularity with honeymoon couples over recent years. It offers something completely different, and I find couples are often surprised by just how romantic and memorable it can be.
It is a destination where every day brings something new. You can move from the bright lights and energy of Tokyo to the peaceful gardens and temples of Kyoto, experience traditional Japanese culture, and enjoy some of the best food in the world along the way.
Couples can stay in a traditional ryokan, relax in natural hot springs, enjoy incredible dining experiences and discover the little details that make Japan such a special place to visit.
If you travel during cherry blossom season or autumn, you'll experience Japan at its most beautiful, with colourful landscapes providing a stunning backdrop to your honeymoon.
What makes Japan so special is that it can be completely tailored to you. Whether you want to focus on food, culture, adventure, relaxation or a little bit of everything, it can be designed around the type of honeymoon you have always imagined.
Japan is perfect for couples looking for:
- Food and traditions
- Unique experiences
- Beautiful hotels and traditional Japanese stays
- Exploring somewhere completely different together
3. South Africa – Safari Meets the Beach
Over the years, I’ve planned South African honeymoons for couples with very different interests, and that’s what makes it such a special destination. Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife, food and wine, adventure or relaxing by the beach, it can be completely tailored around what you love.
Many couples combine the vibrant city of Cape Town, the beautiful Winelands and a luxury safari experience before finishing their honeymoon with some well-deserved beach time.
To finish your honeymoon, you can stay in South Africa and relax along the coast in Durban, or tick another country off your list and fly to Mauritius for a few days of all-inclusive luxury, beautiful beaches and time to relax.
Perfect for couples who love:
- Wildlife
- Luxury lodges
- Wine and food
- Adventure with relaxation
4. The Maldives – The Honeymoon Dream
For many couples, the Maldives remains the honeymoon dream, and for good reason.
After experiencing the Maldives myself, and having planned it for many couples over the years, I can honestly say it is one of those rare destinations where you arrive and think, 'This really is as beautiful as it looks in the photos.'
However, with so many resorts to choose from, finding the right one is the most important part. Every island has its own feel, and what is perfect for one couple might not be the right fit for another.
When you’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, you want to know that your resort will not just meet your expectations, but exceed them. Whether you’re looking for an adults-only escape, incredible dining, amazing marine life, complete privacy or a more relaxed barefoot luxury experience, choosing the right island makes all the difference.
The Maldives is the perfect place to slow down after the excitement of your wedding, spend quality time together and enjoy those first days as newlyweds.
The Maldives is perfect for couples looking for:
- Relaxation and quality time together
- Beautiful resorts and beaches
- Privacy and romance
- A truly special way to celebrate the start of married life
5. Cruise Honeymoons – Wake Up Somewhere New Every Day
Cruising is a honeymoon option I’m particularly passionate about because I know from personal experience that choosing the right ship makes all the difference. Having sailed on numerous cruise lines and ships myself, I’ve seen first-hand how different each experience can be.
Every ship has its own personality, atmosphere and style. Some are perfect for couples looking for incredible dining and luxury experiences, while others are ideal for those who want adventure, entertainment or the chance to visit lots of different destinations in one trip.
That’s why choosing the right cruise is so important. My job is to get to know what you enjoy and match you with the ship and itinerary that suits you best.
Whether you dream of sailing through the Mediterranean, exploring Alaska, discovering the Norwegian Fjords or island hopping through the Caribbean, cruising allows you to wake up somewhere new every day while only unpacking once.
For many couples, a cruise can also be the perfect addition to a honeymoon itinerary combining a city break, a cruise adventure or some relaxing beach time to create a trip that has a little bit of everything.
Cruise honeymoons are perfect for couples looking for:
- Variety and new experiences
- A stress-free way to explore multiple destinations
- Amazing food and entertainment
- The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation
Which Destination is Right for You?
The truth is, there isn't one perfect honeymoon destination.
The perfect honeymoon is the one that's designed around your interests, your travel style and the memories you want to create together.
That's why I take the time to get to know every couple before making recommendations.
No two honeymoons are ever the same.
Even when two couples choose the same country, their itineraries can look completely different. One couple might spend their days discovering hidden food spots and local culture, while another dreams of private beaches, luxury resorts and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Every honeymoon I create is tailored to the couple, their interests and the memories they want to make together.
If you're getting married in 2026 or 2027, now is the perfect time to start planning. The best flights, hotels and experiences often book well in advance, and planning early gives you the greatest choice.
I'd love to help you create a honeymoon that's every bit as unforgettable as your wedding day.
Ready to start planning?
Get in touch to arrange your complimentary honeymoon consultation, and together we'll create the honeymoon you've always dreamed of!