With seemingly endless lockdowns, home-schooling stresses and loneliness kicking in as we remain distanced from friends and family, things are feeling quite difficult right now, which is all the more reason to embrace a sense of occasion in whatever way it presents itself. Christmas is a distant memory and Easter feels like an age away so Valentine’s Day is up. Take the opportunity to relish all things love – we’re choosing to use the occasion to celebrate our love of food which we assure you, will be reignited with one of these delicious Valentine’s Day meals, no matter how jaded the palate. Put your feet up and treat your loved one, housemates or family to one of these delicious Valentine’s Day dinner boxes from some of the finest Irish restaurants.

Gregans Castle has long been on my wish list as a place to visit and our inability to visit anywhere at all right now has made this seem all the more urgent. How lucky you are if you live near enough to one of their pick up points (Ennis, Kinvara, Oranmore, Ennistymon or Lisdoonvarna) and can treat yourself and your loved one to a Gregans Valentine’s Day dinner for two. For starters you can expect canapés with sourdough, whipped goat’s curds, roasted carrot and pistachio dukkah followed by scallop and langoustine ravioli, shellfish cream and wild leek. Mains consist of dry aged Hereford Irish beef, with celeriac, truffle, wild mushroom and Madeira jus and finally dark chocolate cremeux with coffee, salted caramel and sweetened mascarpone. There are even petit fours to finish. Orders close this Sunday, February 8. www.gregans.ie

Richard Corrigan may spend a lot of his time in London overseeing his empire across the water but his team at Virginia Park Lodge have been busy during lockdown. The Valentine’s Day hamper for two is sure to incite a favourable reaction. With delivery to Dublin available, the hamper comes presented in a beautifully crafted wicker basket that will no doubt multi-task in the future at all those summer picnics we are dreaming of. For now inside you’ll find dishes such as lobster with black sole, scallop, wild prawn and seaweed butter to start and dark chocolate with hazelnut, sour cherry and yogurt to finish. Bookings close on Thursday February 11 at 7pm. www.virginiaparklodge.com

We may not be permitted to dine amidst the splendour of Luttrellstown Castle in person, but we can attempt to recreate the fairy tale at home with a Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu from the kitchens at Luttrellstown Castle Estate. This sublime meals consists of six courses (not including canapés, petit fours and house made sourdough) and are excellent value at €55 per person. There are also options to add wines to your meal and limited orders open this weekend. For those of a daintier disposition, Afternoon Tea will also be available for collection or delivery, with options for children’s portions too. www.luttrellstowncastle.com

Temple Garner is back and his latest collaboration is with JP McMahon of Aniar, Cava and Tartare fame. The new menu is a seven course set menu inspired by recipes from JP’s book, The Irish Cookbook. Each course is a celebration of Irish produce and there are also (very thoughtfully) supplies for the next morning should you not feel like cooking. Wake up to ham hock and egg terrine with Durrus cheese & Linseed crackers, beetroot & blackberry chutney and for some sweetness there are buttermilk scones with clotted cream and Seville orange marmalade too. www.backtodine.com

Another darling of the Dublin dining scene, Peploe’s have three menu options for Valentine’s Day at home, sure to satisfy the pickiest of partners. Choose from a classic cote du boeuf, black sole for two or beef wellington, each with sides and accompaniments. Dessert is also included (Nutella cheesecake or Seville orange cake) and many of Peploe’s cellar wines are available to purchase at wholesale prices too making this even more appealing. www.peploes.com