Here are 7 unique Valentine’s Day date ideas
Here are 7 unique Valentine's Day date ideas, recommended by Echo Newspaper reporter Aura McMenamin.
1. A stroll in the Hell Fire Club
Most people in Tallaght know that the best way to take in the beauty of South County Dublin is by strolling up to the Hell Fire Club.
While the idea of a ruined 18th-century manor with satanic undertones might not seem like the most romantic date spot, we would argue that it is.
We suggest taking your date, and a picnic, up to the Hell Fire Club, where you take in the stunning views. You can also stop off at the viewpoint on the way back down and pick up a 99 from the ice cream van.
2. Love, Love Me Do at Rathfarnham Castle
Love is in the air at Rathfarnham Castle this Valentine’s Day. For a unique and old-school date, why not take your Valentine for an afternoon of love songs performed by Blue Heaven Barbershop Choir at the historic castle.
This way, you won’t have to be the one serenading your loved one if music isn’t your strong point.
This event takes place from 2pm to 3.30pm and is free however, booking is advisable. Book your romantic afternoon of love songs by calling 01 493 9462 or emailing rathfarnhamcastle [at] opw [dot] ie.
3. BYOB Bowling
If you have ever found yourself torn between your love of bowling and your enjoyment of beer, now you no longer have to make the choice.
As Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, it might be hard to make mid-week plans. However, you can celebrate at the weekend by visiting the Leisureplex in Tallaght, which has BYOB nights on Friday.
BYOB bowling costs €13 at Tallaght Leisureplex and runs from 9pm to midnight.
4. Darby’s Bar at Weston Airport
A food and drinks date is the tried and tested way to spend your Valentine’s Day. However, you can turn it up a notch by dining at the Weston Airport in Lucan.
Darby’s Bar is located in the airport, where the bar and restaurant’s large windows allow customers to be privy to a great view of planes landing and taking off on the runway – with the Dublin mountains providing the perfect backdrop.
Darby’s is open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 9am to 5.30pm.
5. Picnic at Corkagh Park
If you want to impress your date, who may not be familiar with the local area, take them to Corkagh Park in Clondalkin .
There are many reasons to love this Clondalkin spot, the lakes, the rose garden, cycle tracks and many tree-lined walkways.
We recommend bringing a lunch, some hot drinks in a thermos and a blanket to enjoy a picnic here on St Valentine’s Day.
6. True Romance at the Sugar Club
You can sit back and watch this Quentin Tarantino-written classic on Valentine’s Day with a unique viewing experience at the Sugar Club.
The super-hip Sugar Club venue on Leeson Street will have a soul-music hour with cocktails and pizza before the film begins at 9pm.
Fans of this off-beat film will also be treated to complimentary popcorn.
Tickets cost €12.50 plus a booking fee and can be purchased here: http://www.thesugarclub.com/listings/event/true-romance-lovers-edition
7. An exhibition at Rua Red
The Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght usually has a thought-provoking exhibition on display.
For those who would rather steer clear of loved-up restaurants on St Valentine’s Day, you should check out the gallery’s upcoming exhibition, Fallout Pattern – which runs from February 9 to April 6.
Inspired by international espionage and Wikileaks documents, these ball-point pen series of drawings by Russian artist Andrei Molodkin originate from “a set of Wikileaks documents detailing the impact of a US nuclear missile strike on Russia, and the resulting nuclear fallout pattern and projected destruction”.
For something sweet after the exhibition, visit the Rua Red cafe.
