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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
Sarah Barrett

Unique Ireland date night ideas: Exploring castles, hot air balloon rides, cruises and more

Trying to come up with a unique date idea that not many have thought of before is difficult.

But don’t put too much pressure on yourselves to come up with the perfect “date night” scenario.

Whether you’re in a long term relationship and looking to get out of a rut, going on a Tinder date with someone new, or celebrating an anniversary - finding fresh, romantic and fun things to do together as a couple can be tough.

READ MORE: Ireland ‘Beast from the East’ causing event now ‘likely’ as ‘major’ weather alert issued

No matter if you're the outdoorsy, adventure-type, the foodie type, into cheesy romance or just need an idea we’ve got you covered.

Go on a Hot Air balloon ride

Hot Air Ballooning always features towards the top of people’s bucket-list as one of their ‘must do’ activities. It gives the opportunity to see the landscape from a completely unique perspective – being up with the birds.

Sky High Adventures in Co. Wicklow is an experienced aviation company.

Make like Baz and Nancy in 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy with a hot air balloon ride (Getty)

They don’t provide large group flights but focus on providing individual experiences to a maximum of 4 persons.

They cater for those who wish to experience a hot air balloon flight as a one-off experience.

Balloon flights take place shortly after sunrise or around 2 hours before sunset, when the winds are generally at their calmest.

You can get tickets online here https://skyhighadventures.ie/

Go rollerskating at The Rink in D12

Based in Finches Business Park, just off the Longmile Road in Dublin 12, the 4,500 square foot roller disco is perfect for a date night, and you can even get food and drinks there afterwards.

General Admission: €10.00 Midweek. €12.50 on Weekends.

The Rink at the Longmile Road, D12 (Trip Advisor)

Online booking is advised to guarantee entry into your preferred session time and you can do it here www.therink.ie.

Arena 5 in Limerick

Bring your date to Arena 5 to play a game of bowling in the 8 lane UV-bowling alley, or try your skills at a round of golf in the glow-in-the-dark 18 mini golf course

Spend some time in the Amusement Arcade, test your racing skills or throw some hoops in the baskets.

Arena 5 Activity centre in Limerick (Arena 5 Family Activity Centre Facebook)

You can finish the perfect day out by grabbing a coffee or some delicious food in “Cafe Haus”.

Address: Unit 1 Delta Retail Park, Ballysimon Road Limerick

Walk Ins are welcome at Arena5, however, to confirm your place make a booking here

Rise Nordic Spa in Wicklow

The Nordic-style spa offers both hot tub and sauna experiences

Rise offers 30-minute time slots in the Danish designed, wood-fired sauna.

The Hot Tub experience is perfect for relaxing on your date.

Rise offer 40-minute slots that can be purchased directly or as an add on to your Nordic sauna experience.

Located only 30 minutes drive from Dublin, on the beautiful Blessington Lakeshore, the wellness retreat allows you to escape the daily grind, recharge and rejuvenate in the perfect surroundings of The Avon resort.

Check it out here: https://www.risenordicspa.com/bookings

Go to the Chocolate garden of Ireland in Carlow

Any trip to the Chocolate Garden is guaranteed to please, whether you participate in a chocolate-making session or Afternoon Tea.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, based just outside Tullow in Carlow, is a working chocolate and ice cream factory.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland in Tullow, County Carlow (My Carlow)

Booking is essential for workshops. Email: info@chocolategarden.ie for more information

Kerry - Ross Castle

Visit Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house and keep on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park, County Kerry.

Park up for the afternoon before taking a stroll out to Ross Island.

Check out the Copper Mines and finish up with a coffee in JM Reidy's.

Kilkenny - Smithwicks Tour

A unique informative guided tour through a brewery which has made Kilkenny famous.

Visit and experience Ireland's most popular ale. Immerse yourself in the story of Smithwick's with your date.

Smithwicks Tour in Co. Kilkenny (Smithwicks Ireland)

Complimentary pints are offered at the end. For tickets see: https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/tickets

Leitrim - Moon River Cruise

Take a relaxing one-hour cruise on the River Shannon on the luxurious Moon River cruiser in Carrick On Shannon.

Moon river cruises (http://www.moonriver.ie/)

Enjoy the onboard entertainment and light refreshments, or sit on deck for a riverside view of the beautiful surroundings.

Book here: https://www.moonriver.ie/book-online/

Mayo - Westport House Lake

No trip to Westport House would be complete without a ride on the famous pedaloes on the estates beautiful lake.

Swan Pedaloes (Swan Pedaloes range)

These eight-foot-high swan-shaped pedaloes boats allow four pedalling passengers to take in stunning views of the house and gardens, with the real swans that reside on the lake gliding alongside.

For information see: here

Sligo - Eagles Flying

The Eagles Flying Show is both fun and educational.

Situated on 27 hectares in Ballymote, the sanctuary is home to about 350 birds and animals out of 75 species.

During the highly entertaining and interactive Bird Shows you can experience Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls swooping right over your head or landing next to you.

For more information see: here

Cork food crawl

Take a food tour of your city with your date.

Rather than staring at one another across a candlelit table, make your date more mobile with a local food tour.

A new romance will add a touch of spice to your life (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

Fab Food Trails runs a three hour Tasting Trail around Cork city which includes a tour of the English Market.

READ MORE:

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