10 Valentine's Day activities to do around Ireland this year
Valentine's Day can be a divisive celebration. Some people refuse to participate, calling it contrived and capitalist. Others go all out, decorating with rose petals and making proposals. Personally, I think somewhere in the middle is best.While flowers and chocolates are nice, I prefer shared experiences over traditional Valentine's gifts. Whether you’re happily single, loved up or in the depths of despair post-break-up, I have some ideas for you this Valentine’s day.
Go Ghost Those of us of a certain age will remember the pottery scene in Ghost. The sight of Patrick Swayze with his arms around Demi Moore and their intertwined hands crafting a somewhat phallus-shaped piece of pottery ignited a curiosity for wheel throwing in all of us. So why not recreate that for Valentine’s Day?!
The Painted Pot in Limerick offers couples wheel-throwing sessions that can be booked on their website. If you'd rather keep your hands clean, then The Medieval Museum in Waterford has a pottery painting and wine evening for €45 per person. This includes two glasses of wine* (non alcoholic options available) and your own hand-painted mug to take home.
Romantic EscapeYou can't go wrong with some quality time together. The Titanic Hotel in Belfast is one of the most stunning old-world hotels in Ireland. They have a romantic overnight package and a "Galentines" afternoon tea offer available to celebrate couples and friends alike. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room in the beds, so no need for anyone to hang off the edge and freeze a la Jack and Rose.For a more modern break in the capital, check out Citizen M in Dublin. They are running a First Impressions offer until the end of February, when Marriott Bonvoy members receive a limited edition keycard and a scratch card that guarantees a mystery prize (anything from a coffee to a 4-night stay in a Citizen M hotel is up for grabs).
Love GameIf it’s early days in your relationship and you want a date that is sure to break the ice, then Lane 7 in Dundrum or the city centre is perfect. This is also a great spot for a night out with friends to celebrate each other and all the heartaches survived over the last year.Whether it’s bowling, beer pong, darts or axe-throwing, it’s impossible not to have a good time here. The DJ doesn’t hurt either.
Get in the SpiritA cocktail-making* class can be romantic or perfect for friends/family celebrating Valentine’s together. The Stillgarden Distillery in Dublin runs several class options, from creating your own bespoke gin to cocktail masterclasses from €39 per person.The gorgeous Crafty in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, is hosting a cocktail-making class the day before Valentine’s Day, which includes three craft cocktails and has non-alcoholic options available too.
Put a Ring on ItI'm not talking about proposing! But making a bespoke Claddagh ring is a lovely, thoughtful thing to do in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.Silver Works in Dublin has Claddagh workshops with spaces available during Valentine’s week. The class costs €131.30 per adult and includes all your tools and supplies. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a friend or the love of your life, there’s something very special about hand-crafting something that will last.
Anti-ValentinesCompletely over the whole idea of Valentine's and love in general?! Then an anti-Valentine’s event may be for you. Dig out your studded belt and skinny jeans because "BYOB Emo Pottery Painting" is happening in Smithfield, Dublin, on 9 February and still has availability! Tickets are €5 plus an additional fee depending on which pottery piece you choose.Just out of a bad break-up? Looking for something cathartic? Then the "Felt Your Own Voodoo Doll" workshop might be the one for you. This will be held on 12 February in This Must be The Place in Dublin. Tickets cost €25.64 and include all necessary materials.Valentine’s can be whatever you want it to be. Whether it’s a heartfelt card, sitting in bed watching rom-coms or splitting a bottle of wine with your girls. With the current state of the world, there’s certainly no harm in celebrating love, in all its forms, for a day.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
* Always drink responsibly
