Yes Dublin is packed full of top class restaurants, pubs and the ‘craic’ but there is also a lot more to this small city than you may think. Here’s our list of top experiences in Dublin for Couples.
DUBLIN BAY CRUISES
A real treat and day to remember while visiting Dublin is a trip around Dublin’s coast with Dublin Bay Cruises. The takes in a variety of scenery and landmarks along the way. To the south you will view Dún Laoghaire Harbour, the James Joyce Martello Tower at Sandycove, then Dalkey Island with its adorable gray seals and more. To the north you will pass by Clontarf, Bull Island Nature Reserve, Baily Lighthouse, Ireland's Eye Island and the coastline of Howth Hill, ending at the picturesque Howth Harbour with its working fishing pier. Check out their website for special bookings such as cheese & wine evenings onboard and a full list of cruise options. The sailing season is suspended for the winter months on September 30th 2021 and sailings will resume in March 2022.
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
If you are looking for the perfect Instagram post, then a trip to the National Botanic Gardens is a must. It is just under 50 acres in size, home to over 17,000 different plant species, and with free admission, we can’t think of a prettier place to spend an afternoon. The gardens are famous for their exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses, notably the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture. Visitors can also enjoy such features as the herbaceous borders, rose garden, the alpine yard, the pond area, rock garden and arboretum. If you want to learn about the fascinating history and international significance of the National Botanic Gardens, you can prebook online the experienced guides, which are free of charge. It’s open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
HOWTH CLIFF WALK
When it comes to watching the sunset over Dublin, there is no better vantage point than the Howth cliff walk. Through paved walkways, laneways, and solid earth paths, the full loop is 12km and takes approx. 2.30 hours to complete but there are options for shorter routes depending on where you choose to begin. Click here to find five different Howth walk options with maps and routes. Enjoy the views, especially of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and the whole of Dublin Bay. You can even arrive using public transportation DART, so there is no reason to put off the Howth cliff walk any longer.
THE CROKE PARK MUSEUM & TOURS
The Croke Park Stadium is one not to missed for any sports fans! Get a real VIP tour and immerse yourself in the history of Irelands most famous stadium.
Through the Stadium Tour, you’ll access all areas, and discover from quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history.
For the true romantics go online and enquire about their Skyline Tour. Bring your adventurous spirit and camera to it, and enjoy a thrilling rooftop walkway, the highest open-viewing platform that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ireland’s vibrant capital, from the mountains to the sea.
A trip to Croke Park simply wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the treasured GAA Museum (Gaelic Athletic Association). Get ready to immerse yourself in the spine-tingling and completely unique story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day.
MALAHIDE CASTLE & VILLAGE
We are less than 15 minutes from Malahide Castle. With sprawling grounds it’s the perfect spot to explore or relax with a picnic and watch the world go by. There is castle tours daily, whiskey tasting at the weekend or you can just relax with a coffee at the Avoca Foodhall & Café.
The picturesque Malahide Village boasts a wide array of retail destinations and services including fashion boutiques, hair and beauty salons, florists, restaurants, pubs, cafes and two small shopping centres. Traditional shopfronts and several cobble-lock side streets give the village an intimate and welcoming feel.
LOVE LANE
Designed by Anna Doran, Love Lane is part of the Love the Lanes initiative by Dublin City Council. Artists were given free rein to create an ‘open-air gallery,’ with one becoming a very romantic tribute.