78 Different Date Ideas in Dublin City That Are Not The Guinness Storehouse

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Despite Dublin being a small city, it isn’t short of date ideas! While most recommend taking your partner to the Kilmanhaim Gaol (that’s a jail for fudge sake!) or the Guinness Storehouse, we view these ideas as not very romantic! Maybe this is a hot take, but if you take me on a first or second date to a jail, I’m not going to feel very comfortable.

Instead, our post focuses on the best date ideas for couples that are NOT your traditional touristy visits. We also included a short section on couple things to do near Dublin for those who are looking for romantic things to do in Dublin County outside of Dublin City. 

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Our Top 10 Date Ideas in Dublin for couples

After living in Dublin for over 3 years, we picked these activities as our favourite. They are a mix of romantic, fun and unique couple activities! You can click each activity for more information. 

1. Attend a Private concert on the water under Dublin’s bridges. You can book this special experience here. 
2. Learn to Irish dance with your partner
3. Play pool at the Hideout
4. Go for a picnic at Dublin Castle’s Gardens
5. Get pampered at the Buff Day Spa
6. Go on a Vintage Tea Trip
7. Play the Escape Boat
8. Play this pub-themed outdoor escape game
9. Take this cruise on the Liffey
10. Kayak together on the Liffey

Date ideas around the main landmarks

In this section, we have gathered the things to do in Dublin as a couple who also wants to discover the city. If you are anything like us, you’re probably looking at visiting Dublin while spending a special time with your partner. The following are perfect for first time visitors who are looking to connect with their partners while still learning about Dublin. 

1. Picnic at St Stephen’s Green Park 

Having a picnic at St Stephen’s Green is one of the cute things to do in Dublin. It’s a great way to  combine visiting the city and spending a romantic time together. St Stephen’s Green Park is located at the top of Grafton Street, one of the famous shopping streets in Dublin.

The Park is quite big and features a big pond, a gazibo, flowers and several walking paths, making it the perfect place to have a picnic with your partner whether that be for breakfast, lunch or for a snack. There is plenty of grass patches where you can lay down on on a nice day. 

Stephen’s Green Park is also a great spot to take couple pictures! Don’t forget to share your photos on instagram and to use one of our 300+ short captions for couples.

2. Learn to Irish dance with your partner

It doesn’t really get more Irish than this! With this class, you’ll learn how to dance like a local with your partner. With Irish music and great banter, this is a good Dublin date idea for couples who want to dance the night away and immerse themselves in the Irish culture! 

Book tickets here before they are gone!

3. Picnic at Dublin Castle’s Gardens

Picnics are certainly romantic but what could be more romantic than having a picnic at the castle? We recommend heading to the gardens of Dublin Castle.

Dublin Castle’s gardens are located behind the castle and are well maintained with flowers and statues. You can either sit on one of the benches or lay in the grass to have a nice picnic with views on the Castle’s tower!

Dublin castle is a great visit for couples and is one of the best things to do in Dublin in the winter as they usually have a Christmas market and some winter events at the castle!

After your picnic, head to the Chester Beatty Library, one of the best free museums in Dublin. You can head to the rooftop gardens at the top of the museum to read or just relax together, especially on a nice day.

4. Love is in the air at the Guinness Gravity Bar

Forget about visiting the Guinness Storehouse, and head for one of the most romantic views in Dublin at the Gravity Bar. The bar stands 46 metres high and provides a 360° degree panoramic view on Dublin City.

5. Go dancing in Temple Bar

It takes two to tango! Dancing is sexy and it’s a great way to touch your partner in new ways while having fun! Dublin is one of the best cities for musicians or anyone who loves music!

Temple Bar features several bars with live music and lots of people dancing and singing. At the different bars, you’ll find solo performers or bands playing either traditional Irish music or pop-rock from the 1990s and 2000s (I’m summarising but you get the gist of it!).

6. Dublin’s Love Lane

While you are in Temple Bar for dancing, this is a great opportunity to go searching for the Love Lane Dublin is famous for. It is a small alley just a few steps away from the Temple Bar District which was painted and decorated in the theme of love.

You’ll find the Love Lane and the Wall of Love on Crampton Court. From Temple Bar, that is right after Connolly Book Store across from Tomahawk Steakhouse. From Dame St, the lane is right between the Mykonos Taverna and Forno 500. 

7. Learn more about Irish Whiskey together

How many love songs have the word “Whiskey” in them? A LOT! Okay maybe you would only know that if, like me, you like country music. But anyway, learning about Whiskey is a great way to learn about Ireland and to spend some quality time with your partner if you appreciate this kind of drink.

In Dublin, you can of course visit the Jameson Factory, but there are other distilleries as well such as the Teeling Distillery. Here are some tours we would recommend:

• Dublin: 2-Hour Whiskey Tasting Tour
• Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience
• Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience
• Teeling Distillery Tour and Tasting

8. Discover Trinity College together

One of the best couples things to do in Dublin is discovering Trinity College. From the campus and the Geological Museum to the Book of Kells, a historical treasure, there is lots to do here with your date.

We especially recommend visiting the Book of Kells and the library as it is quite a unique visit and it’s very interesting even if you’re not crazy about history!

You can grab this Fast-Track Access Tickets for the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle guided tour for €59

9. Kayak on the Liffey

The Liffey River is the main river that flows across the city and splits Dublin between the North side and the South side. It brings some charm to the city and the boardwalk is great if you want to go on a walk during the day (I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it at night) and see some of the main landmarks of the city. But one way to make it even more interesting is to go kayaking on the river with your partner.

To illustrate your photos on social media, check out our well-crafted romantic captions about rivers and love here.

You can rent canoes and kayaks near the Jeanie Johnston boat in the IFSC. You can either rent one kayak for the two of you or one kayak each if you’d like to race each other!

There is something about being on the water that makes it quiet romantic. By kayaking the Liffey, you’ll discover the city’s main landmarks, including the Samuel Beckett Bridge from a new perspective. 

10. Attend an event at the Convention Centre

Located a bit out of the way near the Samuel Beckett Bridge, the Convention Centre is often overlooked by couples who think it’s only used for business. The Convention Centre actually hosts several fun conventions every year like Comic Con which is the largest pop-culture and fandom event in Ireland, and also one of the fun C date ideas to attend in Dublin!

If you want to surprise your partner with a fun date in one of the most famous buildings of Dublin, this is one of the top unique date ideas with an A! 

Free romantic dates in Dublin

The following activities are free so they are perfect if you are looking for a couple of cheap date ideas Dublin has to offer. 

All of the following Dublin activities for couples are outdoors which is perfect if you are trying to keep your distances with people for health reasons.

11. Walk on Grand Canal, one of the best free romantic things to do Dublin offers

Grand Canal is a canal that flows across Dublin from North to South. When going to the South side, you will notice that the canal looks a bit like Amsterdam.

You can walk on each side of the canal and it has several bridges all along that allow you to switch side when you feel like it. The reason why it will make you think of Amsterdam, apart from the fact that Amsterdam is famous for its canals, is the surrounding trees and the barges on the canal.

One of the barges, called La Peniche is also a restaurant where you can take your loved one for a meal or a drink! This romantic walk is one of the best of Dublin and is super peaceful!

12. National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens are one of the best cheap date activities Dublin has to offer. Honestly! After years of living in Dublin, we finally came around to visiting the gardens and we loved it! The National Botanic Gardens are located in the North of Dublin near the Glasnevin Cemetery which is actually also worth visiting.

The grounds are actually quite wide and there is lots to do here. From visiting the tropical glass house (our favourite!!) to walking along the river, this is a great place to connect (or reconnect) with your partner, talk about life and enjoy each other’s company. This is a great walk for a first date as well considering it’s free and always pretty! Of course, the rose garden is also very romantic! 

13. Phoenix Park deer

Honestly, who wouldn’t love being surprised with a trip to see the Phoenix Park deer? There are lots of things to do in Phoenix Park but finding the deer in Phoenix Park is definitely the cutest and therefore most romantic couple activity!

There are hundreds of deer in the park and although you are not supposed to feed them, you can approach them (keeping a reasonable distance) and even see babies in the spring and summer!

14. Picnic at Iveagh gardens, one of the hidden couple activities in Dublin

First time visitors in Dublin will head straight to St Stephen’s Green Park for a picnic with their loved one. However, if you want to explore Dublin more like a local, head to the Iveagh Gardens located behind St Stephen’s Green Park.

From the waterfall and fountains to the rose garden and the maze, this park gives a romantic vibe that is perfect for a picnic with your partner. As these gardens are less known of tourists, they are also a lot quieter!

15. Picnic at the IMMA gardens with live music

The Irish Museum of Modern Art is located across from Phoenix Park and is free to access (although booking is required). This is one of the indoor date ideas Dublin offer that can also be done outside. The IMMA features several indoor exhibitions about different subjects.

We would recommend checking out what they are about as when we went, it was a little bit dark lol. The Gardens of the IMMA are beautiful and well maintained. If you are wondering what are the things to do in Dublin this weekend with your partner, then the IMMA is a good idea, especially because there is usually a band playing live music in the gardens on the weekend. You can sit outside and eat your picnic while listening to music! 

16. Check out Happenings for events in public spaces 

Happenings is a company that organises events in public spaces. From outdoor cinema projections to park yoga and contemporary dancing, Happenings offers romantic activity ideas for couples who want to get out!

We recommend joining their email list so you can be made aware of the events, ticket costs and locations first. The events are usually announced 48 hours in advance although they do propose outdoor yoga every week. 

17. Sandymount beach walk

Taking your partner to the beach can be oh so romantic! Whether you are going for a walk or a picnic, Sandymount beach is quite nice and only 30 minutes walking from Dublin City center.

It is one of the best beaches near Dublin that you can access by foot and offers a nice boardwalk as well. When going to Sandymount beach, you’ll find a lot of puppies on the beach and there is even an ice cream truck in the summer. This is a great date idea in Dublin for couples who don’t own a car or are just looking for a cute date close to the city. 

18. Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, a hidden Dublin date idea

Niched in Dublin’s City Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is the former Dublin townhouse of Viscount Powerscourt and has now been turned into a chic entertainment and shopping centre. Located just a few minutes from the Molly Malone statue, the centre is actually sort of hidden and it took us a few months before heading in.

You first walk through a fancy florist before entering the beautiful historical building. The ambiance is quite romantic with dim lights and a live piano player. You can head right, left, up or down depending on what you’re looking for.

If you’re just looking for a free date idea, then head to the sides and look at all the chic boutique for some window shopping. There is a shop that sells engagement rings in case you’d like to get your partner’s opinion on some…Additionally, you can head to the café and have a snack while enjoying the atmosphere. 

Activities in Dublin for couples: Teamwork in action! 

In this section, we have listed a number of activities in Dublin for couples who are ready to be challenged and love to play games. For having tested these, they definitely require good teamwork and will have you and your partner work together to win the games.

19. Escape Game at the Clockwork Door

As a couple, we love escape games and we try to do one everywhere we go! The concept is that you are locked into a room and need to find your way out. To get out, or to get to the next room, you’ll need to solve puzzles, find locks combinations and match clues!

Trust us, you’ll need two brains to figure it all out haha. The Clockwork Door is a game space in Dublin, located just one minute from the Ha’penny bridge. They have a couple of escape rooms which take about an hour to solve. When we visited, the room’s theme was Alice in Wonderland and it was amazing!

20. Escape boat on Charlotte’s Quay

What could be more fun than escape rooms you ask? Well, an escape boat of course! The Escape Boat is located on Charlotte’s Quay near the Bord Gaís Energy Theatre.

It is a literal boat that has the same concept as escape rooms. As a couple, you’ll need to work together and solve the clues to escape a sinking boat. I won’t say more about this but, from experience, I advise you to stay away from water! We did this escape boat on St Patrick’s Day and it is one of the best escape games we’ve ever done! I’d say it’s in the top 5 of the most fun activities for couples in Dublin in our experience!

21. Go on an Alien exploration game

Time for some fun and hidden gems! This exploration game will take you to some of the hidden gems of the city while you solve puzzles and find clues along the way. It is similar to an escape game but outside and on the theme of aliens!

We love doing exploration games and this one is even better as it takes you to places that are worth seeing but not obvious. This is a great game for couples who may already know the main landmarks and Dublin and are looking to discover more of the city while having fun.

You can book here.

22. Haunted escape game: time to get spooked!

I may have told you already but we really like escape games as a couple. Escape games are a great way to work together, communicate with each other and spend a fun time together away from the routine!

But what if we added a little bit of spice? This escape game takes you around the most haunted places in Dublin! It’s time to get spooked with your partner! Solve riddles and unlock “the secrets of Dublin’s mysteriously scary past”! You can book your experience here. Please note this is a self-guided outdoor escape game. 

23. Solve a mystery murder together with CluedUp, one of the best activities in Dublin for couples

Do you think you and your partner could solve a murder case? You’re about to find out! CluedUp is a company that organises immersive outdoor experiences that bring people together.

From murder cases to themed outdoor escape games, you’ll have to work together with your partner to resolve clues, eliminate suspects and break codes to either find the murderer or escape the game! If you’re tired of Netflix and Chill kinda night, CluedUp is definitely a fun way to spice up your relationship! The games also take you around the city so you can discover some of the most famous landmarks!

You’ll need to book the experience in advance and you can find more information here. To play, you’ll need to have a phone well charged!

24. Geocaching 

Another one of the fun date ideas Dublin offers if you like to play is geocaching. This is even better if you are on a tight budget and are looking for some free activities in Dublin for couples!

To go Geocaching, you’ll need to download the Geocaching app onto your phone. On the app, you’ll be able to see where people have hidden small caches. Your goal is to find those caches. Sometimes, the app will give you one or a couple of clues to help you!

This is really fun! We’ve done it a couple of time with Eric and although we looked like idiots looking for something, we had so much fun finding the small caches. You can actually watch our experience here (along with some more free date ideas that don’t suck).

25. Play pool at the Hideout

The Hideout is located near Bar Rua (see below) and is a place where you can come play pool. We had a really good time playing pool. You can also order drinks or get pizza. This is perfect for a date or even a double date. 

26. Play pingpong at the Hideout, for a fun time with your partner

The Hideout is one of our favourite little nook in Dublin as time spent there together was always very fun. As explained above, the Hideout offers several pool tables but they also offer several pingpong tables. You can rent them by the hour. The rules are explained on the wall and you’re ensured to have a great time with your partner!

27. Play Bingo at the Square Ball

The Square Ball Pub has become “our local pub” as we like to call it. This pub has lots going on and we’re here for it! 

The Square Ball offers boards games for rent. You can order a couple of drinks and choose between the numerous games they have from Jenga to Carcassonne. We played Jenga and had a lot of fun. They also offers hot wings challenges and quizz nights. 

What we loved the most was our Bingo night. And we are talking typical Irish pub Bingo night! We played with “the lads” and couldn’t stop laughing. they were cracking jokes after jokes and between them and our amazing host (and comedian) Craig, it was a memorable night.

From playing Bingo to dance offs and the general ambiance, we had a really great time. Needless to say that Bingo winners get free drinks which gets the competition going haha.

Also their chilli fries are excellent!

28. Adult only arcade games at Token

We had a lot of fun at Token! Token is located by Smithfield Luas station. Token is both a bar restaurant and a place where you can play arcade games and pinball. They have other 40 machines which include games like Guitar Hero, Ninja Turtles and Pacman.

You can either book a table for food or just play games and get drinks at the bar. Token has lockers where you can leave your coats and bags. You will need to purchase tokens (hehe) to play the games and then off you go. Honestly, we had a blast!

The food also looked delicious! This is great for a date in Dublin as you will have a good time, can even compete against each other and there are no children allowed (18+ only). 

29. Rock climbing with your partner

If you are an active couple who also likes working together, going climbing is one of the best things to do in Dublin for adults! There are a couple of climbing walls in the city but one of our favourite places is The Wall. That’s a centre where you can practice bouldering together. 

What’s really cool is that there isn’t as much as a learning curve as climbing a tall wall, especially when it comes to safety since you’re climbing at a relatively low height and without a rope. That means you can get going with your partner as soon as you arrive. 

Marie used to go climbing and bouldering and really loved it. Bouldering is also suitable if you are afraid of falling and afraid of heights as you don’t have to go high to experience it. 

Before showing up at The Wall, you’ll need to fill out the waiver. Then you can just turn up and you’re ready to go! 

Pricier activities for couples

In this section, we have gathered several date ideas Dublin City Centre offers for couples with a budget. Although some of these might be seen as things to do in Dublin for young adults, we would say that they are suitable for all ages! 

30. Take an e-bike tour of Dublin with your partner

One of the funnest things we’ve done on our travels is renting e-bikes or taking electronic bike tours of the cities we were visiting. Riding an e-bike is a lot of fun and super easy! When doing it as a tour, it gets you to see things differently, learn about the city while having fun and trying a new activity. It’s like a 3 in 1 activity! We highly recommend taking this e-bike tour in Dublin to discover the city in a fun way! 

Book your tickets here before they’re gone!

31. Have fun like kids at the Wax Museum

Bring your partner to Dublin’s Was Museum and they’ll thank you! I have to admit Eric was quite skeptical when I told him we should go to the Wax Museum for a date. He thought it was just for kids.

Oh was he wrong! We were quite impressed by how well the wax statues are and the whole museum was both interesting and entertaining as we learned about Dublin’s history. The museum even had a special section for Halloween. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, we highly recommend going to Dublin’s Wax Museum. 

You can pre-book tickets here.

32. Discover the Salt Caves, a unique experience for couples 

The Salt Caves are located in Balbriggan and are a heaven for relaxation. Think of a spa day but with natural water, light therapy and more. This is a unique experience that cannot be found in a lot of places. It’s close to Dublin and easily accessible on the DART.

More information here. 

33. Take your partner on a Game of Thrones tour

If your partner is into Game of Thrones, then this might be just the perfect Dublin date idea for them. The Game of Thrones studios are located about 90 minutes from Dublin but tours are organised with departure from the city so it’s really easy to get there.

On this tour, expect to see filming locations and discover secrets behind the series. We have only heard great things about this tour and everyone we know who’s done it was delighted with the experience!

We recommend booking here as soon as possible as tickets go fast!

34. Organise a romantic photoshoot

I’m not kidding, when your partner organises a couple photoshoot, it’s just super cute! The good news is, Dublin offers many different spots to take romantic photos!

From the Stephen’s Green Park gazebo to the bridges and views on the city, you’ve got endless possibilities. If you want to blow away your partner, definitely hire a professional photographer to get the best results. They’ll be able to tell you how to pose and what to do on photos while taking good pictures.

You can book your private session here.

35. Dublin Bay Cruise

Are you looking for a unique date idea and a new perspective on Dublin? Well, this Dublin Bay Cruise might be just what you are looking for. Departing from Dublin, the cruises can take you to coastal towns like Howth and Dun Laoghaire and show you parts of Dublin Bay only visible from the sea! This is one of the unique things to do in Dublin couples love!

Book this romantic cruise here.

36. Vintage Tea Trip, one of the fun Dublin couple activities

Are you looking for fun things to do in Dublin for couples during the day? Why not hop on this Vintage Tea Bus for a unique date!

This double decker bus is dated from the 1960s and offers a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, dessert and teas and hot chocolate. The hosts love to share stories about the city which makes the ride even more fun! 

Book your tickets as soon as you can as this tour gets full fast!

37. Get pampered at the Buff Day Spa

One of the best Dublin date ideas is without doubt going to the spa! The Buff Spa Day offers several couple spa packages which will allow you to relax with your partner while you get all pampered. All packages give you access to the Sauna as well where you can warm up your muscles before your massage or relax afterwards. 

38. Dublin barge cruise, one of the unique things to do in Dublin

Cruising on the water is always romantic so I’m sure you will love this experience! With this cruise, you will embark on this all-weather red river boat to cruise on the River Liffey and to learn more about Dublin from the arrival of the vikings to modern days. This is one of the best Dublin attractions for couples as you can sit together and let yourself cruise in a beautiful scenery. 

Book tickets here to save your spots!

39. Dublin dark side tour, a spooky date idea for Halloween

If you want to get spooked with your partner (a good excuse to snuggle!), you can try this Dublin dark side walking tour.  This tour takes you around Dublin for 2,5 hours and tells you spooky stories about some of the most famous landmarks of Dublin such as the ghost that visits the Olympia Theatre! Guests only have good things to say about the guide and the stories!

Book your tickets here.

40. Find a bit of Bali in Dublin 

Are you looking to escape from Ireland without leaving Ireland? Why not try a getaway at the Power Gym at The Mayson? Located in Dublin’s IFSC neighbourhood, The Mayson features a recent modern and well equipped gym and offers spin bike and versa climbing classes.

But Power Gym at the Mayson is more than just a gym. It also features a lovely relaxing indoor and outdoor area including a beautiful outdoor heated pool, a sauna and a steam room. You can come to use the gym or just the relaxing area, it’s up to you! With a lot of greenery, the relaxing area is a beautiful place that will create a romantic moment away from bustling Dublin. 

41. Visit Dublin’s vegan cat cafe

You might not know this but there Dublin is the home of a vegan cat cafe. This is a place where you can go grab some vegan drinks and treats while observing cats through a big windows. The cute cats are rescues and the cafe is ran by a charity whose mission is to save the cats from the streets and find them a home. You can also book a 30 minute session to meet the cats and play with them! This is a cool and cute thing to do in Dublin if you’re tired of regular cafes! You can find our full guide to the cat cafe here.

42. Croke Park for some fun

Croke Park is a great date idea for couples in Dublin who are looking for a unique and fun time together. The first option is to simply go watch a show or a game at Croke Park. Between Gaelic Football and pop stars, you will have too many options, which we definitely like! 

Another great unique date idea at Croke Park is heading for the tour of the stadium. This is a pretty impressive tour that takes you to the field, backstage and, for the most impressive part, on the rooftop! You’ll be able to walk around the rooftop of the stadium while attached to cables to ensure you’re safe. From up there, you get the most amazing 360° view of Dublin City and surrounding areas. We had the chance to do the tour and it was quite incredible.

The structure is impressive but the view is definitely the highlight. From our experience, it gets quite windy up there so just be prepared. Also note that we were always attached to the structure for safety. It’s quite a magical thing to do with your partner! We thought it was a lot of fun! 

43. Mini-golf, one of the classic things to do in Dublin for couples

One of the best things to do for couples in Dublin, especially when it’s raining, is going mini-golfing at the Rainforest Adventure Golf! The Rainforest Adventure Golf has got two indoor courses along with a cafe and arcade games. The ambiance is pretty cool making you feel like you’re in the jungle which can warm your heart on one of those sad rainy days in Dublin that we’ve all come to love (or not!). 

Eric and I recommend booking your tickets in advance even though it’s not mandatory. Dublin in the past few years has gotten very busy and it’s become hard to just turn up somewhere. Mom activities are booked for the weekend so if you want to make sure your date goes smoothly, book ahead of time. 

Best dates in Dublin for artistic couples

Eric and I love sharing artistic times even when we’re not really good at them! In this section, you’ll find a few couples classes Dublin offers. Don’t be afraid to join. The point isn’t to become the best Picasso in a day but to share and learn a new craft with your partner while having fun!

44. Drink and Draw 

Drink and Draw has got to be one of our favourite concepts ever! The concept is simple: you show up together to paint according to a chosen theme and sip on a drink while doing so.

The best part is that it’s beginner-friendly so even if you really suck, it does not matter! Themes including painting like Picasso or being inspired by space. All together, it’s a great activity to have a good time as a couple.

You can find all the next events here.

45. Alternative Dublin Neon painting and Pottery classes

Alternative Dublin organizes a range or pottery and neon painting nights that are perfect for a creative night with your date. Pottery is something Eric and I love. I used to do pottery in high school while Eric grew up with an aunt who makes all sorts of pottery dishes and is really good at it!

Classes last about 2 hours and usually comes with drinks or snacks. You can check Alternative Dublin on Eventbrite to see all of their events!

46. Pottery and Pints for more pottery-related dates

Pottery and Pints is a very popular pottery class in Dublin where you can bring your own drinks. The class is 2h15min long and guided by Michelle Collier, a professional ceramic artist. Michelle provides all the material so all you have to bring is yourself and your partner. The pieces you make can also be fired on site which is quite cool! It’s another one of the popular things for couples to do in Dublin!

You can learn about the next sessions and book here.

47. Stained Glass Workshop, for a unique date idea in Dublin

Marie had an aunt who would make a lot of mosaic and worked with stained glass. She was always fascinated by it… Well, Dublin also offers stained glass workshops! Who would have thought!

The workshops lasts from 10am to 4pm so it’s perfect for a day date with your partner. You’ll learn how to make a suncatcher using the copper foil method. 

You can book here.

48. Candle making class with afternoon tea

Candle making is super relaxing, relatively easy compared to stained glass making and quite fun. Come with your partner and pick a mould, your scent and start building your couple’s candles! This is absolutely a cool class and is perfect for a date with your partner. It’s a great opportunity to make a heart shaped candle with dry flowers so your partner is reminded of how much you love them!

You can book here.

Date night ideas Dublin offers

In this section, we have gathered a selection of couples activities Dublin offers at night. Whether your partner and you are looking for things to do in Dublin on a Sunday or during the week, we hope these unique and fun ideas will guide you in organising a fun night with your love!

49. Attend a Private concert on the water under Dublin’s bridges

Whether you are living in Dublin or just visiting for a couple of days, we recommend that you go watch an Irish music show at least once for fun evening date ideas Dublin style. If you are going to Temple Bar, you will come across live traditional Irish music for sure.

However, there is a way to turn the experience into a unique date in Dublin that your partner will forever remember. This experience is a mix between kayaking on the Liffey and listening to live Irish music playing under Dublin’s bridges. From the comments, guests really loved the acoustics under the bridges.

You can book this special experience here. 

50. The Church Irish dancing show

The Church is a restaurant and bar located at the end of Mary Street near the Jervis Shopping Centre in North Dublin. This is one of the best places to visit in Ireland for couples who like unique restaurants.

When entering the restaurant, you’ll see this unique style mixing some of the old church and some of the new bar. If you look up, you’ll be able to see some authentic decor along with the church’s organ. On the weekends, The Church proposes some Irish dancing shows which are really good! This is the perfect place for an out-of-the-ordinary date night in Dublin.  

51. Comedy show at the Stag’s Head

The Stag’s Head is a Victorian pub located on Dame Court just a few minutes from Dublin’s castle.  Its originality is already quite interesting to check out. That said, the reason that we discovered this pub is the free comedy shows it offers every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Comedy Crunch features several humorists on the downstairs part of the pub. Doors open at 8:15pm and entrance is free with free ice cream! You can check out Comedy Crunch Facebook page for all the details. 

52. Watch a movie at Stella Cinema from a bed, one of the most romantic things to do in Ireland

What about we spice up the cinema and popcorn traditional date? At Stella Cinema, decorated in a 1920s theme, you can book tickets to see some of the most recent movies from a bed!

This is totally romantic and a clear upgrade from uncomfortable seats! There are two Stella Cinemas, one in Rathmines and one in Ranaleigh. There are five beds at the front of the auditorium, close to the screen. 

53. Go to a Retro-Drive In Movies

Okay what’s more romantic than going to a movie drive in like in the movies?! I feel like this is every girl’s dream to attend one of these like you would have seen in Grease or Twister!

This Retro-Drive In Cinema is located in the South of Dublin County and of course, requires you to have a car. From the Joker to the Lion’s King, you can find out what movies are playing here.  

54. See a show at the Olympia Theatre

Formerly a Music Hall in the 19th Century, the Olympia Theatre is now a concert venue that hosts artists, small and big from all over the world. With its cast iron canopy and its red velvet seats, the Olympia Theatre gives a true vintage vibe that one cannot find easily anymore.

The theatre is super romantic, especially when you get to sit on the upper balcony and have a view on everyone else! We saw James Morrison in concert at the Olympia Theatre and had a blast! 

Check out the program here.

Romantic restaurants in Dublin

If you’re looking for one romantic restaurant Dublin offers, then you won’t be disappointed by this list. We have included a range of places from high-end candle lit restaurants to unique bars and romantic brunch places. 

55. Ivy Dawson for brunch

The Ivy Dawson is one of the most romantic restaurants in Dublin. This brasserie is decorated with hints of tropical vibes and modern styles. It is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for brunch. From delicious pancakes to shrimps salad and chocolate desserts, your partner will for sure love spending a special moment with you here. 

Insider Tip: When booking, ask for a booth!

56. Peploe’s, one of the Anniversary ideas Dublin offers

If you are feeling fancy and want to make your partner feel special, head to Peploe’s. This restaurant is a great high end dining places with a subdued atmosphere and amazing service. The food is delicious. We would highly recommend trying the lamb and the crème brulée! 

57. Sophie’s rooftop restaurant NY-Italian Irish cuisine

Sophie’s is definitely on our list of the romantic places to eat in Dublin! This restaurant serves a mix of Italian, Irish and New York cuisine so your partner will have lots of options here. Of course, what makes it special is that the restaurant is a rooftop restaurant allowing you to have amazing views on the city. 

58. WigWam for a fun time with your partner

Located in Dublin 1, WigWam is quite the cool place to bring your partner. This Rum bar that doubles as a restaurant also triples as a place where you can come play lots of different games. From board games to the pool room and karaoke, you can come for brunch or dinner and have a fun time with your partner! 

59. Celebrate your love from the Marker Hotel rooftop

The Marker Hotel is a classy and more high-end restaurant located in the Docklands near the Bird Gaís Energy Theatre. The specificity is that it offers a rooftop terrace where you can have a drink and have dinner. We have been to the Marker Hotel for drinks and absolutely loved it!

60. A fancy dinner while cruising Grand Canal

Would your partner enjoy a three course dinner onboard a cruising barge? If yes, then this experience is for you! This 2 hour Cruise offers a three course dinner with drinks while cruising Grand Canal in Dublin. Dinner is prepared onboard by the barge’s Chefs and takes place from 8pm to 10pm. After dinner, you can head to the deck and enjoy the views with a glass of bubbly! This is one heck of a romantic dinner Dublin has to offer!

61. Vintage Cocktail Club, one of the romantic bars Dublin offers

Located in Temple Bar, this vintage cocktail bar offers delicious cocktails in a candle-lit atmosphere that makes it one of the most romantic place in Dublin! Ring the doorbell of this discreet bar and enter a 1920s-style bar that offers both drinks and food so you can have a great time with your partner in an intimate space. This is both one of the romantic bars Dublin has to offer and an experience in itself!

62. Bar Rua and Catch 22

We headed to Bar Rua and Catch 22 on Easter weekend and really liked it. The Bar is quite intimate and has the same menu as Catch 22 restaurant when it is closed. Marie had the chowder and Eric had the fish and chips. We also shared a chocolate brownie. It was really good.

As it was Easter weekend, Bar Rua had an easter egg hunt going on where you could win some free drinks, free food, and more. We actually won free drinks and chips which we were delighted about! Keep an eye out as they regularly organise events like that. The Bar also has live music. 

63. Zakura for one of the best Japanese meals in Dublin

Zakura has become one of our favourite places to go on a date. First the decor of the restaurant transports you to, well, Japan! Second, the tables are quite intimate as they are separated from each other which is perfect for couples. 

Now the food here is beyond delicious. It’s honestly one of the best restaurants we’ve been to in the city. First we shared the fried duck dumplings. Then Eric had the chicken Tappan Teriyaki with rice and stir fried vegetables and Marie had the same with beef. These dishes were out of this world! We even have a rule that we can’t talk about it too much because it just makes us want to go back!

64. Ryleigh’s for one of the best views of the city

Ryleigh’s rooftop steakhouse will delight you both during the day and at night! The rooftop restaurant is perfect for an intimate date. If you are looking to impress your loved one, we recommend heading there at night once Dublin’s light are on.

From up there, you will have beautiful views on the lit up skyscrapers and the Liffey. We also loved coming here for brunch. Marie had the bacon avocado bagel and Eric has the eggs royale. It was delicious and the view during the day is beautiful as well. You can sit inside or on the terrace on the Liffey end. This part is open but there are outdoor heaters to keep you warm. 

65. Have lunch at Mario’s

Mario’s is a small Italian restaurant located in Sandymount about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Dublin’s Temple Bar District. The restaurant is very romantically decorated with pink flowers and greenery everywhere, velvet chairs and a Gatsby type of atmosphere.

The staff is very nice. Eric and I have been there several times either for drinks or food and were always happy with our experience. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside which is quite nice. If the weather isn’t nice, we recommend asking for the table in the glasshouse which is a bit more intimate! 

66. Lunch at The Market Bar

The Market Bar is a tapas restaurant located near Powerscourt Townhouse on Fade Street. The building dates back from the 18th century and has had many lives.

One of them was being an abattoir and you can still see the marks of the grills on the floor. Nowadays, with its high ceilings and red bricks, the Market Bar serves a mix of tapas and drinks that are perfect for a laid back date in a historical setting and impressive building. 

Romantic hotels in Dublin

Dublin isn’t short of romantic hotels to enjoy each other’s company! Who doesn’t want a break from the routine? If you are wondering where to stay in Dublin for couples, we definitely recommend one of the following hotels.

67. The Clayton Hotel 

From the pool and jacuzzi to the sauna and comfortable large rooms, the Clayton Hotel is one of the best hotels in Dublin for couples. It is located in the Docklands, a quiet neighbourhood, only a 20 minute walk from Temple Bar. There is a pub right around the corner and plenty of restaurants and cafés around as well. We stayed at the Clayton once before and really loved it! You can see more photos and book your stay here.

68. The Beach House B&B, one of the best private places for couples in Dublin

Do you fancy a romantic weekend by the beach close to the city? Come stay at this beach house! Located just right next to Sandymount beach, you’ll have views on Dublin Bay and can go on romantic beach walks at any time! We really like going to Sandymount as it is really close to the city yet a completely different atmosphere. You can see more photos and book your stay here.

69. The Shelbourne, one of the best hotels in Dublin for couples

Are you looking for that special place like no other for a special occasion with your partner? The Shelbourne is probably what you are looking for! This historical landmark is a 5 star hotel located in Dublin City centre and offers amazing facilities including thermal facilities, spa treatments, a large pool and high-end amenities. Go all in and book the Balcony Guest Room for a special night! You can see more photos and be amazed here.

70. Staying at an 11th Century Castle, a unique stay

The Clontarf Castle is dated back to the 11th century and welcomes you in comfortable rooms for a memorable stay! If you want to surprise your partner with a unique night, this is it! The Clontarf Castle is located in Clontarf in the north of Dublin, a 40 minute DART ride from the city centre. You can find out more here.

71. Bonnington Hotel and Leisure Centre

Do you want to stay at a hotel with a pool and a hot tub? Then Bonnington Hotel and Leisure Centre might be just what you are looking for. This 4 star hotel offers large comfortable rooms and guests have access to a large pool and hot tub. Located close to the city centre, this would make for a lovely stay with your partner! You can find out more about this hotel here.

Romantic things to do near Dublin

Although there are lots of fun couple things to do in Dublin, you might also be looking for couple things to do near Dublin. In this section, we have gathered a range of couple activities near Dublin that are both fun and romantic! From day trips to unique experiences, you will love these couples activities Ireland has to offer.

72. Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is a beautiful castle full of history and the guided tour is very interesting. We recommend doing the tour and then wandering around the gardens. You can walk together and admire the views which is pretty romantic! 

Insider Tip: Malahide Castle is easily accessible by DART from Dublin and tickets are rather cheap.

73. Bull Island and Dollymount beach

A day trip to Bull Island and Dollymount beach costs less than €10 for two and is definitely a romantic outing. Dollymount beach is a wide and long strand located on the island and between the seals and the view, this is one of the best days out in Dublin for couples!

Insider Tip: Bull Island is easily accessible by DART from Dublin. You can learn more about how to get there and what to do on Bull Island here. 

74. Howth town and Howth Market

Howth is a charming town on the coast in the North of Dublin. Everyone in Dublin has been to Howth as it’s one of the most popular destinations on a nice day among locals. From taking a walk on the pier to eating chowder at Howth Market, a trip to Howth is always a good idea.  One of the most popular activity is going on the Howth cliff walk.

75. Wicklow Day Trip

What’s better to get closer with your partner than going on a road trip? Rent a car with the GoCar app and head to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. From the Powerscourt Waterfall to watching seals play in the sea from the Glen beach Cliff Walk, you’ll love spending quality time with your partner there! 

If you can’t drive, we recommend this tour which takes you around the National Park and to see the scenery made famous by the movie P.S. I Love You. 

We also recommend the following tours:

• From Dublin to Wicklow and Kilkenny
• From Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny

76. Go glamping in the Wicklow Mountains

Glamping is a new type of accommodation that has developed quite a bit in the Wicklow Mountains. Essentially, it is camping but with higher standards and level of comfort than traditional camping.

If you are looking for the best place to stay in Dublin for couples who love the outdoors, you might have a bit of a hard time finding one. However, the Wicklow Mountains are a haven for people who enjoy the outdoors, love waking up to silence and looking at the stars. These are all things you can do from the best glamping experiences that Wicklow offers. 

77. Walk an alpaca with your partner

Do you want to spend a cute moment with your partner? Walking an alpaca in Ireland is probably one of the cutest and most romantic activity to do with your loved one. These animals are fluffy and quirky and will definitely make you laugh! This is one of the funnest thing we have done in Ireland together!

78. Romantic things to do in Belfast

From Belfast Castle to Hastings Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast also has lots of things to do for couples in search of a romantic time! If you are tired of Dublin, this might be your chance to get out of the city and head North to discover more of Belfast. There are lots of tours who organise day trips to Belfast from Dublin. We recommend the following:

• Belfast and Titanic Experience: Full day tour from Dublin
• Giant’s Causeway and Belfast day tour from Dublin

We had a lot of fun on our tour to Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and visiting Belfast. There is a lot to see but you’ll go to bed very happy! 

If you are still looking for date ideas after our post, you can use our personalized date ideas quiz to generate some more unique date ideas.

More on Dublin and Ireland

On top of these activities for couples Dublin offers, there are lots of places to visit in Ireland for couples along with lots of places for couples to elope to.

If you want to travel to Dublin and plan something special for your love, you will for sure find something that inspires you in this list of Dublin things to do couples love! These are perfect to also include in your trip when coming to Dublin for a few days during your week long road trip around Ireland!

If you’re hesitating between Dublin and Belfast for your trip with your partner, check out our comparison guide here. If you are looking to move to Dublin, check our complete guide for living in Dublin here.

Our experience in Dublin as a couple?

We are Marie (French) and Eric (Canadian) and we lived in Dublin for over three years. As expats, we want to make the most of our experience abroad and so we are always exploring and trying out new experience sin the city. As we are also on a budget so we can travel more (we love discovering the world), we always try to come up with fun and romantic date ideas that suit our budget whether that be free activities or higher-end activities for special occasions, and night or morning dates. We have had some good fun and amazing romantic experiences in Dublin so hopefully our experience will serve you!

We also have experience in trying out the best date ideas in romantic destinations. For example, you can check out our best date ideas in Boston, dating places in Dallas, best dates ideas in Santa Barbara California and our best date ideas in Vancouver for your next trips! If you’re lacking ideas, check our dating alphabet challenge here.

Dating in Dublin FAQ

Any questions on couples activities in Dublin? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.