Looking to shake things up for your next date night? Food and travel content creator, Éadaoin Fitzmaurice has compiled a bucket list of her top 15 date ideas across Ireland, that swap out food and drink for activities and adventure.
How many can you tick off this summer?
1. Surfing lesson with Rebelle Surf, Co. Sligo
Strandhill, Co. Sligo is home to the brand new National Surf Centre, so there’s no better place to learn how to catch some waves. Surf school 'Rebelle Surf’ runs lessons to cater to all skill levels. Surfing is an ideal date idea for active couples. Best of all, you can do it in all weather conditions, so no rainy days will stop you from getting outdoors together.
Lessons cost €40pp.
More details: https://rebellesurf.com/
2. Clay Pottery Class at This must be the place, Dublin
Upon arriving at 'This Must Be The Place', you’ll be able to fill up on free tea and biscuits, before sitting down to make your very own clay character and candle holder. You’ll be given all the tools you need, and there will be music playing while you create. It’s serious craic and a date like no other. You’ll be able to take your clay creations home with you to adorn proudly on your mantelpiece.
This experience costs €26pp. More details: https://www.thismustbetheplacedublin.com/
3. Zipit Adventures in Dublin, Cork & Roscommon
There are three Zipit courses to choose from across Ireland: Tibradden Woods in Dublin, Lough Key in Roscommon and Farran Park in Cork. At each course, you'll tackle ladders, swinging logs, Zipline’s and rope bridges around trees at heights from 1-20 metres. Each course gets more challenging than the last - a great one for competitive couples.
This experience costs €54pp.
More details: www.zipit.ie
4. Boat trip to Garinish Island, Co. Cork
Did you know that there is a secret tropical island off the coast of West Cork? It's called Garinish Island and you can get there by boat from Glengarriff. The boat journey there is amazing, you’ll see seals, sea eagles and various other wildlife. Once you get to the island you can walk around the grounds and gardens, taking in the stunning botanicals and landscapes from this romantic setting.
Boat tickets cost €12.50pp and access to the island is €5pp.
More information: www.garinishisland.ie
5. Hike Djouce, Co. Wicklow
If you're looking to challenge yourselves, a hike is never a bad date idea. Djouce is one of my personal favourites in Ireland as its boardwalk the whole way up, so you can tackle it in all weathers. The views from the top are great, but it’s the view of Lough Tay on the way down that will really take your breath away (the hiking may be why you’re a little breathless too!)
6. Visit RHA Gallery for free, Co. Dublin
One of the most impressive galleries in all of Ireland is the RHA Gallery. Best of all, it's free to enter. It displays the works of Ireland’s most exciting artistic talents. Each room has a completely different energy from the last. You could spend hours wandering around here together.
The gallery is temporarily closed while a new installation is being assembled. However, it will be back open on 6th of September, where there will be a brand new autumn exhibition.
More details: https://rhagallery.ie/
7. Enjoy a Fairy Pig walk in Kinvara, Co. Galway
If you're animal-lovers, the Burren Nature Sanctuary is a great place for a daytime date. Here you can try out a very unique activity - taking a pig named Emilia on a walk through a fairy forest. This is an injection of happiness, and a complete disconnect from the stresses of life. You’ll also be able to meet the furry locals that also call this place home including alpacas, sheep, horses and goats.
Tickets are €199.
More details: https://www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie/product/group-fairy-pig-walk/
8. City Limits Comedy Night, Co. Cork
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The City Limits Comedy Club in Cork has earned a legendary status among comedy fans in Ireland. It's been open for over 30 years, and has hosted the likes of Tommy Tiernan, Emma Doran and Bernard Casey. A date full of laughs, craic and good times.
Open every Friday and Saturday. Ticket prices vary.
More details: https://thecomedyclub.ie/
9. Kayak on the Liffey and hear live music under Dublin bridges
Why not attend a concert on water? Dublin City Kayaking host live concerts under the bridges of Dublin each Wednesday and Sunday. You'll get to kayak along the Liffey, taking in the sights of Dublin City, while learning a bit of history behind it, before arriving under a bridge to listen to an upcoming Irish artist perform in a totally unique setting.
Tickets are €59pp.
More details: https://citykayaking.com/music-under-the-bridges/
10. Watch the sunset on a hot tub boat cruise of the Shannon
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You can't get more boujee than soaking in a hot tub together at sunset while cruising down the Shannon. The Hot Tub Boat hosts up to six people, if you wanted to do a triple date with friends. It’s BYOB and you can play your own music - how cool!?
The 90-minute excursion costs €330.
More details: https://hottubboat.ie/
11. Make rings together at Silverworks, Dublin
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Nothing says romance like making a ring for one another. Silverworks in Dublin hosts two-hour workshops, where you'll learn how to create a stunning piece of jewellery. Come away with something you’ll have, and wear together, forever.
Workshops start at €85pp.
More details: https://silverworks.ie/jewellery-making-workshops
12. A night of stargazing and storytelling at Mayo Dark Sky
One of the coolest late night dates you could have is at Mayo Dark Sky Park with Terra Firma. You’ll learn about constellations and the formation of stars, as well as some history of the local area, before heading into a Shíbín where you’ll watch magic and hear stories from local legend Dan O Donoghue. A truly unique date.
Tickets cost €35pp.
More details: https://terrafirmaireland.com/after-dark/stargazing-safari-dark-sky-tour/
13. Attend Seanchoíche, from various locations across Ireland
There's few events that capture such a magic as Seanchoíche. Popping up at various locations across Ireland and beyond, this is a night dedicated to storytelling and poetry. You’ll be laughing, crying, and gripping on to the edge of your seat as various people get up to share their story.
Ticket prices vary and events are annouced on their website and Instagram account: https://www.seanchoiche.com/
14. Try a yoga class on Portmarnock beach, Co. Dublin
Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening, and Sunday morning, yoga teacher Seanie Smyth draws a crowd on Portmarnock beach for an outdoor stretching session. The energy is high come rain or shine, and a lot of people tend to swim in the sea after.
Donations to Seanie are welcome through Revolut before or after the class.
15. Try out Iris photography at Eyemazy in Dublin & Cork
A special piece of art to hang in your home - Eyemazy specialises in Iris Photography. They blend both your eyes together and let you choose from various printing options. A really fun experience, and something totally different.
Prints start from €46.
More details: https://www.eyemazy.com/
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