The time for buying that big bunch of red roses and a quality box of chocolates is fast approaching. Don’t panic, there’s still time to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day activity for your other half. And being home to restaurants that will transport you to the City of Love, vibrant cocktail bars, candlelit concerts, and more, you can expect to have a fantastic Valentine’s Day in Dublin. Check out this list of the best Valentine’s Day plans the city has to offer.
Enjoy a Candlelight Valentine’s Day special
Hands down, a Candlelight Valentine’s Day concert is one of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas in Dublin, especially if you’re looking for something unique to impress the one you love.
The stunning St. Andrew’s Church will be illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles on February 14, as the talented Avoca String Quartet plays soul-stirring, romantic tunes, including music from the soundtracks of films like Cinema Paradiso, Scent of a Woman, and Titanic.
If you want a Valentine’s Day date idea that’s a little more playful than the classic roses-and-chocolates routine, dive into Dublin’s unique Drink & Draw event. Grab a drink, belt out some cheesy tunes, and let your creativity flow as you paint your very own masterpiece. No prior experience is needed, with instructors on hand to guide you, and you’ll even get to take your artwork home as a cherished souvenir. Plus, join in the fun for a chance to win some wacky prizes!
Stroll through Phoenix Park
Dublin has to have some of the best parks in the world, and the best (in our opinion) has to be Phoenix Park. There, visitors can stroll through 707 hectares of lovely greenery. It’s the largest enclosed park in any European capital city and it originally opened back in the 1660s. So, there’s plenty of history to see and also plenty of deer to spot, who roam freely throughout the park.
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a sparkling show
There may not be a performance scheduled for the actual day of love, but isn’t every day supposed to be about appreciating that special person in your life? Anyhow, with Ballet of Lights, you can surprise your valentine with a thoughtful present that, hopefully, they’ll choose to share with you. This ballet show is inspired by The Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky’s longest ballet, presented in an abridged version. It’s an ode to a timeless fairy tale, featuring professional ballerinas dressed in costumes fitted with fibre-optic lights—a shimmering sight to behold.
Visit the Iveagh Gardens
As well as strolling through Phoenix Park, lovebirds can watch their love bloom at the beautiful Iveagh Gardens close to St Stephen’s Green Park. Designed by Ninian Niven in 1865, visitors will discover the yew maze, eye-catching fountains, the rosarium, and more. Enjoy each other’s company while admiring the natural space.
Snuggle up at Stella Cinema
You’ll find Stella Cinema in Rathmines and Ranelagh, and these cinemas are amongst the top 20 most beautiful in the world. The stunning, art deco cinemas are luxurious, complete with a cocktail bar serving delicious drinks.
Snuggle up for a flick with your other half on the leather armchairs, couches, and footstools under super soft cashmere blankets, and enjoy what is sure to be one of the best Valentine’s Day dates in Dublin. Afterwards, or even beforehand if you get there early, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the in-house restaurants. Head to the website to book your tickets.
See the saint himself
At Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin, you can visit the bones of auld St. Valentine. Look, it’s a bit weird to visit the remains of a saint on Valentine’s Day, we accept that. However, there are plenty of people who would love to do that and Dublin is lucky enough to have the actual remains of St. Valentine right here in the city.
Have a tipple together at Vintage Cocktail Club
While there are plenty of fantastic cocktail bars to choose from in Dublin City, why not try Vintage Cocktail Club for a change? You’ll find this unique space hidden away in Temple Bar. A tribute to the golden age of speakeasies, simply ring the doorbell and enjoy a multi-award-winning cocktail experience.
Dine at one of Dublin’s most beautiful restaurants
The way to many of our hearts is through our stomachs, so sitting down for a delicious meal in an impressive setting is a tried-and-true option for Valentine’s Day plans. Luckily, the city offers plenty of restaurants with great food and even better ambiance, whether you prefer dining in the city center, in Ranelagh, or somewhere further afield. Check out our list of favourites to help you find the perfect spot.