Date Day in Dublin

Dating at home doesn't have to boring! We know you have been dying to show off your cooking skills and what better way than to treat your other half to the best home made meal!!! Here are our favourite picks for home cooked goodness. Enjoy! 👩‍🍳🧑🏽‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

Follow the link for all recipes included: https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/galleries/top-100-easy-dinner-recipes/biccuul7?page=33

1. Go-Karting 

Starting off easy but still just as exciting! Kylemore Karting offers 3 different tracks with 1020 metres, a great date for those looking for a different kind of date than the usual. It even offers you a chance to get competitive with each other!

2. Zip Lining 

Tibradden Pine Forest is the perfect please for all your zip lining needs and more! At Zipit you can indulge yourself in zip lines, tightropes, rope bridges, cargo nets, base jumps, and climbing walls. They’re longest zipline is 135m!

3. Rock Climbing

Completely safe but still just as scary if your hands slip! If you’re not interested in any of the other activities at Zipit, don’t worry! Dublin offers so many rock climbing places to try out from indoors at Awesome Walls to outdoor areas like Dalkey Quarry, with over 300 routes and only 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre 

4. River Rafting

“Fun, adventure, exercise, team  building, and the chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Liffey Valley and the Strawberry Beds.” This would also be a good idea for a double date or group date! Book your trip at rafting.ie

5. Coasteering 

“It involves Rock Climbing, Sea Swimming, Caving and Cliff Jumping. This is the most fun you can have in a wetsuit!” Climb, jump, swim and explore from 7m high at brayadventures.ie 

6. Tayto Park

The tamest of the experiences listed but still very thrilling for those looking for a fun filled day out! Just outside Dublin, Bus Éireann can bring you both straight there from the City Centre! 

 7. Skydiving 

Last but certainly not least, the ultimate adrenaline junkie experience! Take the plunge together at skydive.ie. They’re currently offering a ‘Couples Xmas Tandem Skydive’ special for only €520.

We are starting to get in the Christmas spirit and can’t wait to share our top Christmas themed date ideas with you!!! 

1. Ice-Skating

What other date could be more romantic? Take your date, ice-skating in Dundrum shopping centre and test out your skills!

2. 12 Pubs of Christmas

12 Pubs of Christmas is the perfect opportunity to have a laugh and go a little mad. We have taken the privilege, of helping you out and have laid out a lovely list of pubs to go to!!! Remember to always drink responsibly!! 

3. Shopping in Grafton Street

Who doesn't love a bit of Christmas shopping? We know that you and your date will love the Christmassy atmosphere and especially the spectacular Christmas lights that illuminate the street! 

4. Live Music

Snuggle up with your date in any pub that does live music and enjoy a Irish coffee next to a lovely fire. The perfect ending to a busy day!!!

5. Grab a Hot Chocolate

For a supper tasty hot chocolate, we have to reccomend Three Twenty Dublin. This will satisfy all the sugar cravings and is the perfect solution for a cold day!!!

Devoted vegan or trying to be more sustainable? Either way these vegan restaurants will go down a treat! You can even bring your “meat-lover lover” and they’re bound to enjoy their food!

1. V-Face

Plant based burgers to die for, except nothing has to die for it! Located in Smithfield and the menu is packed with vegan burgers, hotdogs, loaded fries, wings, and more!

2. Nut Butter

Delicious healthy eating packed into one restaurant! Serving tacos, bowls, and small plates, all packed with fresh veg and proteins. You can’t go wrong! This place is a very relaxed setting to go on date.

3. The Happy Pear

We couldn’t make a vegan list and not include The Happy Pear. Although their Clondalkin branch has recently closed and Greystones isn’t technically Dublin, it’d be rude not to include the Happy Pear twins and if you and your date are going on holiday, you can catch a bite to eat in Terminal 1, Dublin Airport!

4. Cornucopia

Offering vegetarian as well as vegan food, Cornucopia caters for breakfast, lunch, and vegan dates! This is not just any vegan restaurant, they also do collection and delivery, sell cook books, and from the 1st December, they will be selling Christmas meals!

5. Vish Shop

A plant-based fish and chips alternative made from ethically sourced Cassava and Wild Irish Seaweed, creating a minimal ecological impact. This is more of a take-away eatery with limited window seating, although their other restaurant Veginity is just down the street!

6. Shouk

A Middle Eastern restaurant located in Drumcondra. This is mainly vegan although they do cater for vegetarians and meat eaters too, so everybody wins! A lot of their menu is also gluten free, and it is also very tasty!

Today’s the big day!!! The day that unofficially marks the countdown to Christmas! Gather the treats, the matching pyjamas and snuggle up to your date to enjoy the best show of the year! And don’t worry! No matter where you are, you will be able to freely stream at your own time zone. The list of timezones are included below. 

The Late Late Toy Show starts tonight at 9.35pm on RTE1.

Going on a first date and your nerves are starting to kick in? Don’t worry we have you covered with a list of what to do and not to do on a first date! Start your new relationship off on the right foot.

Do

Put an effort into your appearance. Show them you care!

Wear something comfortable, you’ll feel a lot better.

Tell them of any allergies or dietary requirements beforehand if you’re going for food!

Put your phone away, it’s distracting for you and your date. Your Instagram followers can wait.

Tell someone where you’re going and who you’re meeting, especially if it’s a Tinder date!

Be interested in what they’re saying. Ask questions and make eye contact, no one likes talking to someone they know isn’t listening to them.

Bring money with you. Don’t expect that the other person will pay for you, it’s the 21st Century!

Be yourself and have fun! First dates are fun, you’ve got nothing to lose so enjoy yourself. 

Don’t

Don’t tell lies! You will be caught out at some stage, and that’s just awkward.

Don’t talk about your previous relationships, they don’t want to hear about “your crazy ex”.

Don’t overdo it on the social media stalking! Go in with an open mind, plus you don’t want to get caught knowing something they haven’t told you yet!

Don’t drink too much! Meeting over a drink is a fun way of getting to know each other but you don’t want to overdo it on the cocktails and embarrassing yourself.

Don’t get too personal, talk about yourself but don’t tell them your life story within the first hour of meeting them. On the other hand...

Don’t ask really personal questions, it might make them uncomfortable.

Don’t be late! Show them you care about them by not leaving them waiting.

Are you and your bae lost for ideas for movies for your date night?? Here at Date Day In Dublin, we’ve got you covered! Here are our favourite rom-coms on Netflix right now, that will be sure to get the loving going ❤️❤️❤️ So grab the popcorn and the takeaway of your choice and relax and get ready to Netflix and chill 🤭

Are you and your beau early birds as well as love birds? Here are some of the best places for a ‘swimrise’ if so!

1. 40 Foot - Dún Laoghaire

First on the list is Dublin’s most famous swimming spot, the 40 Foot! If you don’t feel like jumping in, there are steps with a handrail which is perfect for easy access. There is also a changing area where you can dry yourself off and leave your bag and towels in a safe location.

2. High Rock - Portmarnock

Portmarnock and Malahide don’t fight over this location for no reason! High Rock gives you the option of jumping from a height or using the ladder provided. The currents can be quite strong here so we advise you don’t go alone or be a competent swimmer.

3. Vico Baths - Killiney

A very popular location this summer and it is clear to see why! Quite a secluded find with access through a gap in the wall but the adventure is worth it! If beginners are nervous, they can try the much calmer seawater pool first. 

4. Bull Island - Clontarf

A stunning location on the north side of Dublin. This is a walk in swim so there is no diving needed! The water is on the shallower side but still just as amazing. The beach is gorgeous, why not have your breakfast on the beach after your swim?

5. Howth 

Last on the list but certainly not least, Howth! Howth has many options to choose from for a ‘swimrise’ together! Howth Pier is a well known location for swimmers and divers, with Burrow Beach and Balscadden Bay being more secluded.

You may be wondering where to eat out with your other half after lockdown ends. Worry no more! Datedayindublin is here to provide you with the perfect places to spice up your night! 

1. Balfes- Dublin 2

If you are looking to dress up for a fancy meal out, why not try Balfe’s outdoor terraced bar in the Westbury Hotel. With a wide range of beautiful meals you can't go wrong!

2. Roly’s Bistro, Dublin 4.

If coffee and cake is more your thing bring your other half to Roly’s! With limited outdoor seating there really isn't anything like sitting with a hot coffee and a blanket around you! People watching can also be fun!

3. The Bernard Shaw, Dublin 9.

With the Eat Yard now open for business how can you go wrong with the choice ranging from vegan nachos to toasties. Get a pint and your date is in business!

4. Hedigans, The Brian Boru, Dublin 9.

How could you go wrong when you can get the perfect pint of Guinness from one of the older pubs in Dublin! With a romantic vibe in the outdoor seating area (and heaters!!!) you and your date can relax and enjoy each others company and some pints.

5. Pygmalion, Dublin City Centre.

Enjoy a casual night out with pizza, cocktails and pink grass! With a distinctive look Pygmalion is the perfect place to go after a day of shopping in The Big Smoke.

6. Gourmet Food Parlour Santry.

Last but certainly not least, the Gourmet Food Parlour is a must try! The perfect destination for a spot of Brunch, you and your date will not be left disappointed! With hot water bottles and heaters at the ready you will feel cosy and warm even in the coldest weather!

Happy Halloween!

With Halloween right around the corner, we want to give you and your boo some inspiration on how to spend the scary holiday together and hopefully they won’t ghost you after!

1. Visit A Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches aren’t just for kids! Get your partner and immerse them in Halloween culture by going to a pumpkin patch and carving pumpkins together! Scalp Wood Nurseries is home to the ‘Pumpkin Festival’ where you can pick pumpkins of all different sizes and see the professional carvers as work!

2. Halloween Trail 

Airfield Estate has a spooky self guided stroll that you and your date can take together. Why not go all out and preorder your picnic and make a day of it! This’ll be sure to put you in the Halloween spirit!

3. Take A Ghost Bus Tour

Not for the faint hearted but definitely a great bonding experience! For an alternative night out in Dublin, hop on the Ghost Bus Tour and unleash the dark side of Dublin City. Visit the vault in Dublin Castle, an eerie graveyard, and discover Dracula’s Dublin origins. Tickets are €28 and can be bought online at https://dodublin.ie/city-sightseeing-tours/ghostbus. 

4. Scary Movie Marathon

Have a night in and get cosy together with a movie marathon. Be all treats and no tricks! Make Halloween themed treats such as chocolate apples, just make sure to take the ring out of the barmbrack...you don’t want your other half getting any ideas! Even better, check if there are any drive-in scary movies taking place near you.

5. Be Terrified At A Scare House

Scare houses are one of our favourite activities to do around Halloween. Think of organizing a double date for this one as you are bound to be spooked! The Nightmare Realm is a firm favourite for us with it being named the ‘Best Independant European Halloween Attraction’ for its 2019 show and awarded ‘Worlds Best Halloween Event’ in 2018. You don’t want to miss out!

6. Murder At Newbridge House

Channel your inner detective and come along to Newbridge House. Dress up for the occasion and take a spooky tour around the house while trying to solve a thrilling murder mystery. 

7. Skate Into Halloween Roller Disco

Show off your skating skills to your boo at Dublin’s only roller disco The Rink at D12. Accessible by the Luas and Dublin Bus and located just off the M50. There’s prizes for the best dressed so get together and create the ultimate couples costumes! 

Nature can be the best place to go on a date! Dublin has so much to offer and here is our favourite places that you can take Inspo to bring your other half to!

1. National Botanic Gardens

Surprise your date by taking them on a trip to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Between the greenhouses and many garden paths they are sure to be impressed! 

2. Dun Laoghaire Pier

Easily accessible by DART, bike lanes and car, you can not miss this opportunity to discover the best of Dublin. Get an ice-cream from the famous Teddy’s and weather permitting have a long walk and you will have a date to remember!

3. Deer Spotting, Phoenix Park

This date is unique as you can immerse yourself and your other half into looking for the famous deer in the Phoenix Park. Now is the perfect time to get yourself and your other half out to immerse yourself in nature and to play with these beauties!

4. Dublin Zoo

Dublin zoo is a fan favourite for dates. How could you not have the perfect day with your other half when you are surrounded by hundreds of cute animals? If you are stuck for ideas on what to do for a date, First Dates Dublin reccomends you try Dublin Zoo! 

5. Take a Ferry from Dun Laoghaire to Howth

Experience the best views of Dublin Bay and hop on a Dublin Bay Cruise in Dun Laoghaire harbour. This will bring you across to Howth where you can treat yourselves to an amazing Beshoffs fish and chips!

6. Kayak down the River Liffey

One of the best ways to see the city and one of the most different! This will be sure to be a memorable date that you wouldn't even think of doing! 

“Cheap dates” don’t often mean bad dates!! Here is a list of dates in Dublin that anyone can enjoy on a budget!

1. Pheonix Park

Discover Europe’s largest park in a capital city on foot or by bike! See where Ireland’s beloved president lives or visit Farmleigh House & Estate. You don’t even have to go the zoo to see beautiful animals as the deer roam free! Just make sure you don’t feed them.

2. Visit A Market

Dublin has many markets you can stroll around on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Our personal favourites are:

People’s Park - Dun Laoghaire

Bushy Park - Terenure

Penders Market - Stoneybatter

Temple Bar Farmer’s Market

3. Do A Free Walking Tour

Find out about Dublin history that you may not have known before. You can find many walking tours for free and become immersed in Dublin and Irish culture.

4. Get A Coffee And Enjoy The National Botanic Gardens

Whether you’re snap happy on Instagram or just love the fresh air, The Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for you! Have a picnic or visit one of the many local coffee shops and take a stroll around the beautiful gardens. Perfectly located near Phibsboro and right beside Glasnevin Cemetery so you could plan a whole day around this spot together all free of charge.

5. Get Educated In A Museum

Dublin is home to many interesting museums where you can spend the day in awe of the things you will find. There are free museums available for all interests that both of you are sure to enjoy. If you’re an art fanatic visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art or the National Gallery of Ireland. Or if you’re more interested in the olden days, take a walk around the National Museum of Archaeology or the National History Museum, also known as the “Dead Zoo”. 

6. People Watch in St. Stephen’s Green

Located at the top of of Grafton Street lies the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green. Filled with picturesque flowers and band stands, you can also spot many different people going about their daily life. Grab a blanket, sit down together and watch people go by as you can spot people practicing juggling, to musicians to groups of friends joining together.