A Day in the Life of a Dubliner: 5 Unique Date Ideas

Whether you’re about to go on your first date or you’re in a long-term
relationship, it can be quite stressful deciding the perfect outing that is fun and memorable. Most people end up going out for a candlelight dinner or classy cocktails, but why not shake things up a bit for this weekend? Don’t get me wrong, a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant can be nice every now and then, but it can become repetitive. There’s more to dating than going to bars and the cinema – especially when it comes to Dublin. The city offers a wide range of amazing and unique dating options to choose from. So, without further ado, here are five fun, unique and alternative date ideas that will ensure that you have a wonderful time.

1. Try a few kitesurfing lessons

For the adventurous couples, try your hand at kitesurfing. Kitesurfing has become one of the fastest growing watersports in Ireland. It’s an amazing and exciting sport with a growing community of young and old riders alike, making it a sport for everyone. For those of you who don’t know, kitesurfing combines aspects of wakeboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and skateboarding into one extreme sport. It uses power of the wind to drive the rider across the water on a kiteboard.

Dollymount Strand is the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys kitesurfing, however, unless you’ve had lessons before or you’re a pro and have your own equipment, it’s best to take a few lessons with a school such as Pure Magic. The lessons they offer range from classes for complete beginners for the first thrills on the water to advanced riders to improve their trick repertory. If you’re not a big fan of kitesurfing though, don’t fret, because Pure Magic also offers stand-up paddle boarding lessons.

2. Face your darkest nightmares at The Nightmare Realm

If you and your date are daredevils, then The Nightmare Realm is the event for you. It is Ireland’s most terrifying scare house and this year it is expanding its reign of terror to Dublin for the first time, where its gruesome village of the damned will see Dublin’s darkest nightmares and fears brought to life. This is not your typical haunted house – there are no ghosts and goblins – the sets and live creatures prey on your deepest fears and nightmares, and twist them into a deadly reality.

The people behind The Nightmare Realm are masters at creating horror and fear by using live characters and vivid special effects which create a truly spine-chilling and imaginative experience. The event will be held at the RDS, where guests will be brought through a village of the damned in which its terrifying inhabitants wreak havoc on society. Nerves will be pushed to the limit with gruesome life-like props, alongside grotesque characters preying on the minds of fright fans and horror enthusiasts who are brave enough to enter the twisted event.

3. Have a romantic cliff walk in Howth

For some fresh air and spectacular cliff scenery, head down to Howth. The cliff walk is stunning, with breathtaking and spectacular views of Ireland’s Eye, Dublin Bay and Lambay Lighthouse. You’ll also spot some small dinghy sailing boats sailing in the water below as the seagulls fly overhead. This is definitely a perfect spot to switch off and relax.

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After your walk, head down to the village which is filled with different places to eat for a well-deserved snack. Since the village is by the seaside, seafood takes centre stage in the many restaurants and pubs. Try Octopussy’s which specializes in seafood tapas, and has fresh fish and shellfish supplied daily. As you make your way towards your seafood treat, you may see some adorable grey seals diving for fish just offshore.

4. Enjoy a dreamy mug of hot chocolate

If you and your date prefer to go to a more relaxed and cozy place, and are chocolate lovers, then Accents is the place for you. The café has a warm and mellow ambiance as soon as you enter the door which just escalates as you go downstairs. With comfy couches, bean bags and board games, their unique hot chocolate is the icing on the cake. Instead of simply giving you a mug of hot chocolate, the café gives you a cup of hot, frothy milk and a bowl of chocolate buttons to blend in your delicious, chocolatey drink. Yum! The café also holds events such as weekly poetry and comedy evenings. It’s also open until 11pm, making it the perfect place for a soothing evening cuppa.

5. Drink a stein of ice-cold beer at Oktoberfest

For couples who enjoy exciting events filled with live performances, beer and delicious food, Oktoberfest is the festival for you. The atmospheric, typically Bavarian event, offers entertainment for everyone. You can experience Munich’s Oktoberfest culture with a cold Erdinger Oktoberfestbier and plenty of delicious German specialties such as Pretzels, Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Crepes. If you’re not too crazy about beer, have no fear, because there’s also a wine bar that has a wonderful selection of German wines for you to try.

There are also performances including live music at the main tent such as the Mostlandstürmer, who play everything from authentic Oktoberfest music to current chart hits. DJ Udo (who is a crowd favourite at Oktoberfest) will also be performing at the main tent. He is known to take the night to another level, not only due to his musical talent, but also because of his creative, wacky costumes! 

So there you have it! The 5 unique date ideas that you and your date can enjoy this weekend!

Can you think of any other fun, unique and alternative date ideas? Leave your ideas in the comments!

Irine
Irine

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