Valentine’s Day in Dublin – 10 Things to Do

Valentine’s Day in Dublin

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so we’ve put together a list of 10 fun things to do this Valentine’s Day in Dublin. Whether you’re planning to celebrate with a partner, a friend or with the gals, this list should help you choose a suitable way to mark the occasion on or around the big day! 

St. Valentine’s Dublin Connection

Did you know that the remains of St. Valentine are actually located in Dublin? So if you are celebrating St. Valentine’s Day in Dublin, then you’re in the right place. Curious as to how that happened? We were too! 

Although the Patron Saint of Love was executed and buried in Rome in the 3rd century, his remains were later exhumed and gifted to an Irish Carmelite named John Spratt. Spratt visited Rome in the 1830s and clearly made quite an impression. 

Today, the remains of St Valentine are now enshrined at Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin city centre. The shrine is visited throughout the year but more frequently in the weeks leading up to St Valentine’s Day. If you’re in the city, you might choose to pop in yourself before following it up with one of these fun date ideas.

1. Paint by the Pints 

Paint by the Pints provides the perfect fun night out without any pressure. No experience is required, so even if you’re a total beginner when it comes to painting, fear not. You’re pretty much guaranteed a great night and will walk away with your very own masterpiece for your wall. So why not sign up for the special Valentine’s themed BYOB event taking place on the 14th at Póg Cafe on Tara Street?

You’ll be guided step-by-step as you paint, so you can just relax and enjoy the company you’re in.  Supplies and materials are all included for the painting side of things. So you just need to turn up with plenty of enthusiasm and if you fancy a drink to help with the creative flow, you can bring your own booze along. What’s not to love about that!

2. Cocktails at a Dublin Speakeasy

If you’re out to impress, you can’t go wrong with some fancy cocktails and for a Valentine’s celebration, the more intimate the venue the better.  Luckily Dublin is home to some amazing speakeasy style cocktail bars, so you’re in good hands. 

Try Vintage Cocktail Club, discretely tucked away in Temple Bar or The Blind Pig Speakeasy, an underground bar located close to Grafton St. Reservations for food & cocktails can be made via their websites after which you will receive full details of the locations. But shush, don’t spread it around ok!

For the best non-alcoholic offerings, head to The Virgin Mary Bar on Capel Street where there is an extensive menu of cocktails. Spirits, beers & wines are also available and everything served here is alcohol-free, so you can have all of the fun without the hangover.  

3. Epic Museum

If you’re keeping things relaxed and casual, a visit the EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum is a great option. The museum is open 7 days a week until 6.45pm. You will need to enter by 5pm though, so this could be perfect for a weekend date or early evening date.

EPIC museum focuses on Irish culture through the lens of emigration, exploring what it really means to be Irish. Through the stories of Irish people who have travelled the world achieving greatness in music, sports, literature and occasionally slightly dodgier pursuits.

You’ll have plenty to talk about as you make your way through 20 fun and interactive galleries, perfect for settling any nerves! And since you’ll be finished nice and early, you’ll still have plenty of opportunity to grab dinner or drinks afterwards too. 

4. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Forget about usual connotations associated with a pub crawl and inject a bit of culture into your evening with The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. I did this a few years back and it was a great evening. Think street theatre, with a mix of history, literature and more.

Starting from The Duke pub, the tour lasts about 2 – 2.5 hrs, visiting a number of locations throughout the city. You’ll also visit four pubs so you can enjoy a little tipple along the way. You’ll be led by professional actors as they share snippets from the works of Joyce, Wilde, Behan and more. 

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl has been bringing the literary history of Dublin to life since 1988 and has been well recognised as one of the top things to do in Dublin. The pub crawl costs €15, though students can use the code iamastudent for a €2 discount. Visit The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl site for dates and times and to book. 

5. Dinner at Pink

What could be more Valentine themed than a pink restaurant! Pink is located on William St South in the city centre and looks like it was pretty much made for Instagram! So if you or your date love pink and taking pretty photos, then this is the perfect place for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dublin.

Pink is serving up a Valentine’s Day Menu, which includes 3 courses for €55. If you’re planning to celebrate with the gals, there is also a Ladies Night special each Wednesday with 2 courses for €28 when pre-booked. Or you might fancy the popular Pink Afternoon Tea, serving up the usual array of sweet & savoury delights but of course with a pink theme. 

 

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6. Movie & Meal at the IFI

You can’t go wrong with a classic movie date and there’s no better place than the Irish Film Institute (IFI). Considered the home of Irish Film, the IFI recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary in its current location in the heart of Temple Bar. 

Screening the best selection of independent, Irish and International cinema, the IFI is a cultural institution beloved by film buffs of all ages. The building is also home to the IFI Irish Film Archive & Library. The archive acquires and preserves Ireland’s moving image heritage, including a film which dates back to 1897 by the Lumiere brothers who are considered the pioneers of film and cinema. 

Enjoy a meal in the relaxed surrounds of the on site Café Bar. The food is decent, the menu varied and there plenty of craft beers and wine to quench your thirst, or nerves!

7. Doggy Valentine’s Ball

If you can’t bear to be parted with your furry friend, then this might be the event for you. Doyles Corner in Phibsborough is hosting their 3rd annual Doggy Valentines Ball. That’s right, you and your date can bring your doggy along for dinner too.  

With two sittings taking place on February 14th, tickets for the Valentine’s Ball are €80 per couple, including a 3 course dinner. Each couple can bring one large dog or two small/medium dogs. They will be also be treated to a feast of Brewski doggy beer, pigs ear and beef pawtare!

This would definitely be a pretty unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dublin. Tickets are available from Eventbrite. 

 

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8. Craic Den Comedy Club – Valentine’s Special

If you’re a fan of comedy then celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dublin with a lot of laughs courtesy of the Craic Den Comedy Club. Featuring Ireland’s best stand up comedians across two Dublin venues, live shows take place four nights a week. Tuesday evening shows are at Mulligan & Haines, while Thursday, Friday & Saturday night shows are at the Workmans Club. 

On the 14th, there are two Valentine’s shows taking place at Mulligan & Haines. While it looks like the later show at 9pm is sold out, there are currently still tickets available for the earlier 7pm show. There are 4 comedians in the line-up and of course they’ll be taking aim at relationships for the day that’s in it. Be warned, things could get pretty raunchy! Book via Eventbrite.

9. Dublin Valentine’s Flea Market

Grab yourself a ticket for The Dublin Valentine’s Flea Market taking place at The Grand Social on Saturday 11th February. Located close to the iconic Ha’penny bridge, the market will take over the entire venue with more than 25 sellers.

The market will run from 11am to 4pm and you can expect fashion, arts, crafts, handmade gifts and more. There will also be DJs and even some prizes up for grabs. 

If you’re on the lookout for a unique Valentine’s gift, then this might be the answer you’re looking for. Or maybe you could bring your date along too and find out exactly what they want! Entrance is free but you need to register via Eventbrite to reserve your spot. 

10. Enjoy Fondue at The Cheeky Piglet

Located in Fumbally Square in Dublin 8, The Cheeky Piglet is a popular spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch. In the evenings they offer a mix of Italian, Spanish & Brazilian tapas for private events only. However, for this Valentine’s Day, they have planned the perfect evening of Fondue delights with two sittings available at 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

So, if cheese and/or chocolate are the way to your partner’s heart, then you’d better get in quick and book a table at The Cheeky Piglet for the evening of the 14th. For €45 pp you can feast on cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, along with a glass of Rosé or Prosecco.

 

 

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