Six IMAGE staffers on their ideal way to spend a romantic date night

Megan Burns, Deputy Editor, IMAGE, IMAGE Interiors

Back when we lived in Dublin, one of my fiance and I’s favourite things to do on a long summer evening was to cycle to the South Wall pier and walk out to the Poolbeg Lighthouse. Go through Sean Moore Park in Ringsend and follow the path that snakes along beside the sea, then park up and walk the cobbled pier, which is almost 2 kilometres. Bring your togs and you can even go for a swim halfway along, at the Half Moon swimming club. There’s nowhere better to be on a sunny evening, and if you’re there late, it’s a pretty great place to watch the sun disappear below the horizon, too.

Shayna Sappington, Senior Branded Content Writer, IMAGE.ie

If you and your partner are fans of Mexican food, I highly recommend a date night at El Grito in Mountjoy Square. The food is authentic, the margaritas are sublime and the atmosphere is truly unique, with colourful interiors, a wood-carved Mariachi band, and paper mache dolls. You can’t go wrong with the tacos (the barbacoa beef is mouth-watering!) or the gringa, which is basically a stuffed quesadilla. Afterwards, take a stroll down to Parnell St, where you can duck into The Big Romance for jazz and cocktails, Fibbers for some pints and punk rock, or Mema’s for funky surrounds, with amazing late-night pizzas, a DJ and lovely beer garden – depending on your vibe.

Sarah Finnan, Deputy Digital Editor

For me, date night is less about what you do and who you do it with (cue “aw” track) so I usually favour low-key activities – especially at this time of the year when the grand stretch takes up its summer residency. For a first date, Yamamori Izakaya on George’s Street does amazing cocktails (the Nama Lychee is a personal favourite). If you’re already a few dates in and are looking for something different to do together, I can’t recommend a trip out to Dalkey enough (it’s Ireland’s Amalfi Coast, don’t ya know!?). A dip at the Vico followed by fish and chips from Bubba’s Fish Market and sunset at Colliemore Harbour is the ultimate in romance if you ask me.

Holly O’Neill, Digital Editor & Beauty Editor

The Shelbourne’s 1824 Bar is an intimate little snug hidden in the hotel with beautiful wood panelling, low lights and great cocktails that would make for a cosy first date – and for sunnier days, The Champagne Terrace right beside it is open for summer and made for an after-work spritz in the sunshine!

Sarah Gill, Staff Writer

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just fancy celebrating yourselves, Blackrock Cottage should be on the top of your date night bucket list. Come evening time, the restaurant serves the most exceptional contemporary Irish cuisine, and the wine is truly top tier, but every mouthful is made more enjoyable by the views of the sun beginning to set over the Galway Bay. If you fancy something a little more lowkey, they’ve just opened a food truck serving up hot dogs, burgers, nachos and the likes, so you and your hot date could grab a little something, wander along the prom, and make your way to one of the many great pubs in Salthill. Oslo for craft beer aficionados, O’Connor’s for pints of plain.

Emily Farrell, Social Media Manager, IMAGE.ie

One of my favourite places to go for a date night is Hang Dai. It’s a beautiful Chinese restaurant on Camden Street with the coolest interior and the food is delicious. For a drink, I love Drury Buildings, L’Gueuleton or Vintage Cocktail Club.

Featured image via Yamamori