Written by Senna Manigo
One small, yet exciting door that college life opens, is into the world of going on dates. I say, ‘going
on dates’ instead of ‘dating’, because most of these dates can be enjoyed solo or with friends just as
much as with a crush or significant other. So, if you’re looking for date ideas that are unique, close to
DCU campuses and show off some of the best locations that define the history and spirit of Dublin City,
you better read on!
- The nature lover’s date
If you’re looking for a more casual, daytime date then this is the one for you.
Coming out of St Pat’s campus either solo, with friends, or that special someone, you’re going to take a
short 15-minute walk to Griffith Park. With the Tolka river and its own cafe, Griffith Park is a great picnic
location and handy amenity for students looking for local date ideas or simply if you just want to touch
some grass after a stressful lecture (we’ve all been there).
Next stop on this date for nature lovers is my personal favourite café in Dublin; McMahon’s of Botanic
Avenue. It’s hard to miss with its green-painted exterior and cosy outdoor seating (blankets are included
for those chillier days). They have delicious food options and not to mention arguably the best iced
caramel latte I’ve ever had. So, whether you’re chatting over coffee and a sweet treat with your friends,
chilling with a good book by yourself or grabbing lunch between lectures with bae, McMahon’s has got
you covered!
This date idea will really hit the spot for all the nature enthusiasts out there, because right next to
McMahon’s are the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. I mean it really would be a crime not to finish
your date off by soaking up some of the most exquisite plant collection our country has to offer. - Spooky season date
With the air getting a bit colder and the leaves changing colour, October is fast approaching. This date
idea is perfect if you’re looking to get into the spooky spirit.
Picture this: you finish up an evening lecture and take a stroll in the brisk autumn air to Glasnevin
Cemetery. It’s getting dark as you walk its grounds and soak up the history and atmosphere. Afterwards
you head to John Kavanaghs ‘Gravediggers’ for a drink. The pub earned its nickname because it sits right
against the cemetery’s stone walls and gravediggers used to come in after a day’s work; making it the
perfect location for a spooky date.
- Movie lovers date night
Including a sit-down dinner, this last recommendation is a bit more traditional.
The lighthouse cinema in Smithfield should not be skipped out on. It’s ideally located very close to the
city centre and shows a range of old and new movies. Not to mention it is my personal favourite cinema
in Dublin (yes even more than the Stella). Why not delve into the romantic literary wonder of Jane
Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with your significant other? Or bond over your shared sisterhood while
watching The Craft with your girlfriends? Or even a solo cinema trip to watch Saoirse Ronan in Bad
Apples.
Afterwards, walk 10 minutes to Capel Street, and grab a table in the absolute hidden gem that is
Ristorante Romano, a delicious and affordable Italian restaurant that has been loved by Dubliners since
the 80s. Once you’ve eaten, finish off the best night ever by heading further up Capel Street to one of
the best cocktail bars in the city—Bar 1661. While you’re there, why not get lit and try something
new ? I would recommend the Belfast Cream; I literally have not stopped thinking about it since the
last time I was there in July.
And with that our unique date recommendations in Dublin have reached their conclusion. So, whether
you’re flying solo, surrounded by your beloved friends or simply just your beloved, we hope that this
article has inspired your next date in Dublin City. Us girlies in Her Campus wish you the best in all your
endeavours!