• 

  A. Jaffe -140685

  White-gold wedding band with double row of diamonds by A. Jaffe.

• 

  

  Blue Nile

  Platinum eternity ring with alternate-sized diamonds by Blue Nile.

• 

  

  Hearts on Fire

  Beaded 18k yellow-gold wedding band by Hearts on Fire.

• 

  

  Whitehouse Brothers

  Platinum eternity ring set with pavé French-cut diamonds by Whitehouse Brothers.

• 

  

  David Yurman

  Platinum and diamond pavé band by David Yurman.

• 

  

  Efva Attling

  18k yellow-gold band with three princess-cut diamonds by Efva Attling.

• 

  

  Penny Preville

  Platinum Asscher-cut diamond band with engraved sides by Penny Preville.

• 

  

  Tiffany & Co

  18k yellow-gold wedding band with diamonds by Tiffany & Co.

8 Wow-Worthy Wedding Bands

• 

  Natural Wonders -140689

  On the west coast of Ireland, County Clare boasts a number of iconic, must-see landmarks. The world-famous 702 foot-high Cliffs of Moher extend for nearly five miles and can be viewed from a walkway atop the cliffs, a sea-level cruise or by helicopter. The immense limestone plateau, Burren, features a variety of unique foliage such as purple orchids and wild thyme due to its unusually temperate climate. Visit The Burren Perfumery for fragrances, soaps and other products made from the indigenous flora and fauna.

  Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland

• 

  

  Natural Wonders

  Take a trip to another era and tour the 15th-century Bunratty Castle filled with medieval furnishings. You can also golf, hike, bike, horseback ride in the countryside or on the beach and even surf! (Doughmore Bay is one of Ireland’s best surfing beaches.)

  Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland

• 

  

  Regal Retreat

  The surrounding landscape is breathtaking — sand dunes, rolling waves and a Greg Norman-designed golf course that embraces the area’s natural beauty.

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Regal Retreat

  With its magnificent manor-like architecture, the five-star 205-room Lodge at Doonbeg is a grand country estate where every guest is royally treated.

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Regal Retreat

  Inside, the Lodge is simultaneously luxurious and cozy. Rooms, suites and guest cottages are uniquely decorated with comfy furnishings, antiques and artwork. Dine at both the elegant Long Room for an array of international dishes and at the informal Darby’s with its views of links and sea, fireside tables and a bustling bar (room rates start at about $195 a night; doonbeglodge.com).

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Culture

  Irish culture is steeped in a history that’s often told through song and dance. On the grounds of The Lodge at Doonbeg, an evening of entertainment at the Shebeen, a stone cottage that was home to an Irish family until the early 1900s, promises a walk back in time. Listen to soulful melodies of loss and longing punctuated with raucous, laugh-out-loud stories told as only an Irishman can.

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Culture

  The merriment continues with joyful dancing as a performer’s rapid foot movements amaze with gravity-defying dexterity and darling children enchant with a traditional Irish dance performance. Musicians accompany the performers and the audience is invited to join in. To ensure that guests feel especially welcome, Irish stew is served along with a bit of whiskey throughout the evening. Heartwarming, indeed!

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Culinary Treats

  Nearby, visit St. Tola’s Cheese for a demonstration on goat-cheese making, check out the Burren Mmoke House for its outstanding salmon (selected for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee dinner) and stop by Morrissey’s in Doonbeg Village for traditional fish ‘n chips.

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Culinary Treats

  Make no mistake: the Irish take great pride in their food. Seafood, dairy and meat are locally sourced and seasonal. The Irish stew, a blend of beef, potatoes, carrots and leeks, will warm your soul, the salmon is fresh and tasty, and perhaps the best lamb I ever enjoyed was served at the long room at the Lodge at Doonbeg, where Executive Chef Heiko Riebandt and his team offer food and wine tastings and a fantastically varied menu. Indulge in oysters and Guinness and sample the artisanal cheeses. Desserts are plentiful and at Darby’s, the to-die-for sticky toffee pudding will have you begging for more.

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

• 

  

  Spa Scene

  A honeymoon is never complete without some soothing spa treatments and after a day of golfing, hiking or biking you’ll definitely want to indulge. Renowned Irish designer Clodagh created the subterranean White Horse Spa at The Lodge at Doonbeg, to mirror the natural environment: Sleek stone walls, wood furnishings and neutral hues enhance the ambience and a full-service beauty salon is also available. Bonus: Treatments use local natural salts, seaweed and herbal extracts. Try the über- relaxing Burren Wilderness Massage that includes a heated towel immersed in wildflower oil, hot stones, and hands and feet wrapped in warm mittens and booties. Pure bliss!

  Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Doonbeg

Honeymoon on the Enchanting Emerald Isle