5 Cool Alternative Events Going On For Valentine’s Day

With the dreaded V-Day fast approaching, you may be wondering to yourself "how do I impress my boyfriend/girlfriend?"

Everyone knows that just going out to dinner is boring. What you want is something a little bit different, perhaps something that's not even technically on Valentine’s Day.

We’ve got you covered.

1. Go to the movies

Dinner by itself? Forget it. But add in a little something extra and then you’re talking.

For the old-fashioned type, you can check out MVP on Clanbrassil Street, where the upstairs lounge will be turned into Rick’s Café from Casablanca. There’ll be cava, classy tunes and the movie playing silently in the background. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

For the hardcore romantics, The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is putting on a showing of When Harry Met Sally. Seats are limited, and tickets include popcorn, chocolates and Coca-Cola.

For those who want something a bit different, Brooks Hotel on Drury Street is providing a three-course meal and a showing of Gone Girl in their private cinema.

And for ‘80s fans, Number Twenty Two on Anne Street is giving you the option to have a three-course meal while watching Dirty Dancing, followed by an afterparty. Hopefully you’ll have the time of your life.

2. Catch a show

Smock Alley Theatre is doing loads of shows on Valentine’s night, split into two rooms with six ‘blocks each’ as part of their ‘Scene + Heard’ Festival.

Essentially you could see six shows from 6.15pm until around 9.30pm. You can pick and choose which ones you want to go see and go between rooms.

Here’s what’s on offer.

3. Get beer with brunch

As Valentine’s Day is on Tuesday, this brunch is on Sunday February 12 instead.

Couples will get a guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, followed by a gourmet three-course meal in Guinness’ 1837 Bar & Brasserie on site.

The meal includes:

Starters like scotch egg of Guinness sausage and saffron aioli, or crab on toast with horseradish cream
Main course dishes like prime Guinness beef burger with fried egg and skin-on fries, and mushrooms on toast with rocket & scrambled eggs
Desserts like Guinness chocolate mousse, or créme brulee

You’ll of course get to drink Guinness, and even practice making the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy.

You can choose either the 11am or 2pm sitting.

4. Go wild

This event also takes place on the weekend, rather than the official day itself.

Dublin Zoo is hosting a couples morning on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12, with a limit of 100 couples.

This will include a romantic breakfast picnic from Haughton House, followed by keepers giving talks on the breeding, courtship and romantic rituals of some of the animals.

The event itself takes place from 8am to 10am, but the ticket allows you to stay in the zoo all day if you’d like.

5. Get high

What’s more romantic than a sunset?

Croke Park's Etihad Skyline Dusk Tour will take you on a tour around the rooftop of the stadium, showing you panoramic views of Dublin.

The guide will tell you tales about Dublin's rich history and about St Valentine's unique connection with the city. Loved up couples will also be treated to a glass of bubbly and sweets in the Blackthorn Café following the tour, and will get free entry to the GAA Museum.

The tour takes place at 4.30pm on Sunday February 12, Monday February 13 and on Valentine's Day, Tuesday February 14.