The capital of Ireland is a fascinating city, filled with enchanting mythology, world-renowned beer and whiskey, as well as incredible culture. Dublin is a city where you can find anything, from upscale Michelin-starred dining experiences to budget-friendly dates. Interested in visual arts? Hop on the gallery tour to explore the most famous masterpieces. Keen on nature? Head to the Phoenix Park or Iveagh Gardens to spend some time wandering through the lush and serene gardens. In the mood for something quirky and unique? Book a session at the Rage Room to smash an old TV set and heal your demons together.
In this article, we will cover the best things to do in Dublin for couples, from classic date ideas to adventurous journeys and weird experiences.
Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
Despite the city’s expensive price tags, it does offer numerous date options for travelers on a tight budget. From the best walking tours through the streets of Dublin to gallery hopping and book markets, you will certainly find a way to impress your partner without spending a fortune. In this part, explore the best free date ideas Dublin has to offer.
Join a Free Walking Tour Together
This enchanting Northern city is full of amazing experiences, from classic touristy destinations to hidden corners. For an overview and history behind the most iconic landmarks like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the Wall of Fame, book the Original Dublin Free Tour.
Mythology lovers will enjoy the Dublin Folklore Tour, opening the doors to stories of the past. On the tour, you’ll visit some hidden gems in Dublin and hear tales depicting mythology, folklore, and superstitions from ancient times to the present day.
What is a trip to Dublin without visiting the pub? For a laid-back drinking experience, join a pub crawling tour to meet like-minded people, socialize with locals, and explore the diverse nightlife.
Gallery Hopping: National Gallery of Ireland & Hugh Lane Gallery
The cultural center of the country, Dublin offers a fascinating art scene, with major collections housed in the National Gallery of Ireland and the Hugh Lane gallery. Start your date at the National Gallery, but choose the time slot wisely to be one of the few lucky guests who get to see the famous Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs. This iconic masterpiece is so precious and delicate that it’s only unveiled to the public at specific times on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Hugh Lane Gallery is another gallery holding modern artworks by Francis Bacon, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and other renowned artists from the previous century. Here, you can peek behind the curtain and step inside Bacon’s well-preserved studio. If your art thirst is still not quenched, head to smaller galleries like Kerlin Gallery or Temple Bar Gallery to marvel at contemporary art pieces from all over the world.
Coffee Date at Local Gems like Vice or Kaph
After a historic walk through the streets of the magical Irish capital or a gallery hopping tour, it’s time to explore some of the best brunch places in Dublin. Head to Vice or Kaph for a cup of delicious and refreshing coffee paired with a pastry or sandwich. Both these spots are known for their exceptional brews and laid-back vibe. Their central location makes them the perfect spots for an afternoon chat, people watching, and a relaxing brunch break.
Wander through Temple Bar Book Market
If you find yourself with no date ideas in Dublin on the weekend afternoon, the Temple Bar Book Market is an ideal destination. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, this unique literary market invites guests to explore a mix of second-hand books, rare editions, and vintage prints. Browse the countless stalls filled to the brim with classic literature, newest releases, and famous novels that spark conversations about your favorite genres, childhood fairy tales, and books that impacted you the most.
Its location at Temple Bar offers plentiful options to continue your date at a cozy pub or live music in Dublin. The market is covered in street art, offering the perfect setting for intimate chats, funny anecdotes, and sharing memories.
Classic Romantic Things to Do in Dublin
In this part, we will investigate some classic date night ideas Dublin has to offer. Whether it’s a stroll in a park, a romantic picnic near a duck pond, or a magical sunset at the Ha’penny Bridge, your significant other will not be disappointed.
Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or the Iveagh Gardens
Exploring the streets of the enchanting Irish capital is at the top of the list of the best free things to do in Dublin. However, if you want to have a short break from the city’s bustle, head to St. Stephen’s Green or the Iveagh Gardens. If the weather is on your side, enjoy a casual walk among blooming tulips, ponds, and historic statues. The Iveagh Gardens are known as a secluded spot where guests can take in a peaceful and serene nature in the heart of Dublin.
Both parks are equipped with cozy benches where you can have a short picnic, enjoy an intimate conversation, and marvel at the iconic, gorgeous greenery of Ireland.
Picnic in Phoenix Park
Among the best places for a date in Dublin is the Phoenix Park, the biggest enclosed public park in any European capital. For an adventurous afternoon, rent a bike at the entrance to explore this lush place, discover hidden corners, and quirky landmarks. Don’t forget to pack a blanket and some snacks to have a lovely picnic under a tree or near a meadow to take a rest after your biking session.
Perfect for daytime date ideas, the park is full of surprises. For instance, don’t miss out on the delicious ice cream, especially in the summer, and a cup of refreshing coffee from Dash to fuel your adventure.
Sunset at the Ha'penny Bridge or Howth Head
In the evening hours, head to the Ha’penny Bridge to enjoy a glowing urban sunset. Hovering over the River Liffey, the bridge is the perfect spot to meet the end of the summer day, overlooking the breathtaking views of the city skyline. This pedestrianized bridge is located near the city’s numerous charming bars and romantic restaurants in Dublin, making it a great end-of-day walk destination.
For an adventurous spirit who loves to find the best sunset locations, a journey to the Howth Cliff walk is worth the effort. Embark on a hike along the Cliff Path or drive up to this panoramic spot to witness how the sun slowly dips below the Irish Sea. Pack a bottle of wine and a blanket to protect yourself from evening winds and enjoy the mesmerizing vistas of the gorgeous waters with a deep conversation.
Ring Making Class
Among other classic Dublin date night ideas is taking a jewelry-making course at Silverworks. Lasting about two hours, the class will guide you through the intricate and fascinating process of crafting your own piece of jewelry, most commonly, wedding bands. From cutting the metal and shaping the ring, to soldering and polishing the result, the class offers a short deep dive into the ring-forging process. Especially great for anniversaries and other special occasions, this unique date will stay in your memories for years to come.
Quirky & Unique Date Ideas
Discover the list of quirky and cute date ideas in the Irish capital, including the infamous Rage Room and the exciting paintballing experience.
Cocktail Making with Jameson
If your date isn’t easily impressed, take them to a cocktail-making session at the old Jameson distillery on Bow Street. Here, you can listen to the full story of how Jameson is produced, along with a tasting menu that allows you to sample this exclusive whiskey. Additionally, you can book a class where you will learn hands-on how to mix this delicious liquor with different ingredients and create your special date cocktail. Under the supervision of a professional mixologist, you will experiment with various combinations, taste different beverages, and find your perfect drink.
Rage Room
For a therapeutic and rejuvenating rage session with your partner, consider visiting the Rage Room, a unique experience where you get to smash anything around you. An enclosed space filled to the brim with countless breakable objects, the Rage Room is the perfect excuse to get your anger out and bond with your significant other.
Once here, you’ll be suited up in protective gear to make sure you won’t hurt yourself and others, offered a weapon of choice like a hammer or crowbar, and led to the room where you can cut loose. From plates and glass bottles to heavy-duty stuff like printers and TVs, the place is a big junkyard. Among the most unique date ideas in Dublin, this place even allows guests to bring their own items to smash during a 20-minute-long session.
Paintballing
Those craving chaos and adrenaline can spend an evening fighting in a game of paintball, a popular action-packed activity for couples who don’t mind some friendly fire. Scattered across the city, paintball venues offer varied terrains and scenarios, allowing guests to enjoy good-natured competition. For example, The Mill is an indoor spot at €30-35 per session, while Flynn Park provides a giant outdoor arena for €24 per person for 90 minutes.
Among the best fun things to do for couples, Paintball can be exciting, fun, and bonding, but also accident-inducing. Be prepared for some light bruising, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and enjoy some friendly fighting. After the match, stop by a pub to relax over a few drinks, recover, and talk about your top moments from the game.
Vintage Bus Tour
The final item on the list of quirky and weird date ideas in Dublin is hopping on the Vintage Tea Tour. Inside a 1960s Routemaster, you will discover 50s jazzy tunes, a display of delicious tiny sandwiches, and exquisite English tea. The buses follow the famous routes that allow you to explore the city’s best landmarks, including Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, the Phoenix Park, and many others.
A Vintage bus tour is a charming and romantic way to get to know Dublin and share an intimate moment with your date. The bus is full of delectable snacks, warm beverages, and even prosecco, depending on which tour you pick. The journey is slow-paced and ideal for a relaxed conversation and sightseeing.
Adventurous and Outdoor Date Ideas
If you’re looking for private things to do in Dublin, hop on an adventure. From mountain biking and hiking to mini-golf and indoor bouldering, the city has a few secluded spots for you to connect with each other.
Hiking at Killiney Hill
If you aren’t afraid to break a sweat, you cannot miss the astonishing hike at Killney Hill along the pathway. Especially if you’re blessed with sunny and warm weather, make the trip to the south of the city and embark on your adventurous date. As you walk, you can enjoy the stunning views of Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains, and Dalkey Island in the distance.
When you reach the summit of the hill, you will discover the hilltop’s obelisk surrounded by a gorgeous park full of benches and trees. One of the most beloved outdoor date spots in Dublin, this secluded spot is ideal for private conversations and intimate moments, allowing you the space and quiet to truly connect.
Mountain Biking
Thrill-seeking couples might enjoy a mountain biking experience in the Tocknock Forest. A short drive from the city, the forest offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels, designed for visitors with different athletic abilities. As you enter the forest grounds, you can rent a special bike for mountain riding, choose the appropriate path, put on a helmet and other protective gear, and embark on this adventurous journey.
Mountain biking is a great way to bond through experiences and nature, allowing you to get loose, share some laughs, and enjoy an active day in the Irish wild. After your ride, stop by the Trails cafe to have some rest, indulge in a bottle of beer, and sample delicious snacks.
Rainforest Adventure Golf
In case mountain biking and hiking sound a tad too adventurous, consider Rainforest Adventure Golf, a mini-golf course, perfect for a casual outing. Here, you can truly test your partner’s nature, connect over quirky themed statues and obstacles, and enjoy a rather casual yet competitive game of golf.
Ideal for first date ideas in Dublin, Rainforest Adventure Golf in Dundrum is a place with a playful atmosphere, tropical decorations, and animatronic animals. Even if the weather isn’t suitable, the venue provides an indoor location, allowing you to enjoy an exciting game of mini-golf all year round.
Indoor Climbing
If the Irish weather is not on your side today, head to the Gravity Climbing Center, an enormous rock climbing hall. Located close to the center but away from tourist traps, the center is equipped with endless boulders, from easy ones for beginners to impossible ones for professionals. Among the best rainy day date ideas Dublin offers to adventure seekers, indoor climbing is a fun bonding activity for couples.
Rent a pair of tight climbing shoes, grab some chalk, and challenge your partner to climb a difficult route. Don’t worry if you slip and fall, as the floors have a bouncing effect that minimizes the fall’s severity. Indoor climbing is an ideal experience to bond, build trust, and create fun memories. The center also offers a small cafe where you can treat yourself to a delicious smoothie after your adventurous workout session.
Night Date Ideas
Finally, let’s take a look at the most romantic places in Dublin that transform after dark, allowing you to enjoy yourself and your partner in the glamorous setting of the roller disco or Stella Cinema.
Dinner on Water
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to take your date after dark, book a magical dinner on water cruise. The right blend of old-school glamor with an atmospheric ambiance and candlelit dinner in Dublin, the cruise offers a romantic twist to a classic date night in Dublin. As you float along the River Liffey or Grand Canal, you get to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the city lights next to the calming waters.
La Peniche is a popular choice among tourists, offering a charming tour in twinkling lights that sets the perfect mood for an intimate date. Some venues also provide some forms of entertainment, including dancing and musical performances to accompany your romantic evening.
Roller Disco
Among the fun date ideas in Dublin is the retro roller disco experience, a playful and nostalgic evening with laughs and light-hearted fun. Head to The Rink to rollerskate to upbeat 80s music, colorful lights, and a party atmosphere. Regardless of your level of rollerskating proficiency, this date idea will bring you together, allowing you to bond over awkward falls and romantic moments.
For only 12 euros per person, you can rent a pair of rollers and skate your way into the night. If you feel too shy and inexperienced, book a few lessons beforehand to impress your partner with your moves. The venue also offers a lounge area where you can take a break while sipping on a delicious wine or beer and cozying up to your significant other.
Stella Cinema
Since its inception in the 1930s, Stella Cinema has been a staple for romantic movie nights. Its interior has been carefully restored to embody the old glamor and glitz of the early 20th century vibe. Grab a cocktail, book a comfortable, cushy seat, and enjoy one of your favorite old-Hollywood classics with Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
The cinema conveys an old-timey luxurious feel with some modern twists for comfort. The seating is made of sophisticated burgundy armchairs with little lights on each side, allowing guests to cuddle and hold hands during the screenings. Pair your cocktail with some classic movie snacks or even a hot meal that will be delivered to your seat right before the film starts.
Under the Bridge Kayaking Tour
Why under the bridge, you ask? The acoustics are unbelievable while the atmosphere is truly magical, delighting guests with romantic guitar tunes. Hop on a small kayak to paddle to the stage boat and stop under a bridge to enjoy lovely musical tunes. Taking place along the River Liffey, the under-the-bridge kayaking tour passes through several bridges, allowing you to explore the unique local musical scene.
In addition to musical accompaniment, this incredible couples activity in Dublin will take you through the heart of the city, offering incredible views of the historic buildings and bridges in the night lights. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before, the instructors will swiftly show you the ropes, and you will sail away to your magical romantic journey.
Build Your Perfect Date
Dublin is not short on spots and experiences perfectly suitable for a romantic date. Start your day with a walking tour through the historic center, and later stop by 3fe to grab a cup of delicious coffee and a pastry to refuel. Explore iconic landmarks, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and check out the breathtaking street art of Smithfield.
If you’re looking for more secluded and serene date spots in Dublin, head to St. Stephen’s Green or Iveagh Gardens to enjoy a breath of fresh air and tranquility amidst the busy city. For a cultural experience, stop by the National Gallery of Ireland and the Hugh Lane Gallery to enjoy timeless masterpieces.
As for dinner, book a spot on the dinner-on-water cruise to indulge in delectable Irish meals while enjoying the stunning views of the city in the dark. Alternatively, visit one of the Dublin rooftop bars like Perch Rooftop Bar to share a nightcap while glancing at the city’s iconic skyline.
Whatever you decide, this truly magical city has anything and everything your heart might desire, from adventurous hikes to romantic things to do in Dublin, from quirky tea-sipping vintage buses to classic cinema experiences.
