Valentine’s Event Guide: 5 alternative excursions for you to book now

The Dublin Valentine’s Flea Market

Saturday 11 February, The Grand Social, Liffey Street Lower, Dublin

Whether your love language is gift giving or quality time, or you and your other half bonded early on over your shared love of vintage clobber, heading along to a Valentine’s themed flea market might just be the perfect option. Bringing over 25 sellers together across four different rooms in The Grand Social, you can expect a huge amalgamation of everything from fashion and art to handmade crafts and creative services.

PYE Dundrum Doggy Valentine’s Ball

Tuesday 14 February, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin

You weren’t planning on celebrating without your four legged friends now, were you? Opening their doors this past December, PYE in Dundrum is quickly positioning itself as one of the city’s most dog-friendly spots. In addition to hosting a dedicated doggy ball for all you love puppies, they’ve got a vending machine filled with dog-friendly treats, and a wall of polaroids of their puppy patrons. Where else would you rather be?

Galway Food Tours’ Single & Mingle event

Wednesday 15 February, more information here

A new take on a traditional V-Day celebration, Galway Food Tours is taking the pressure off so that the romantically undecided can enjoy a fun-filled evening that will take them from Farmhouse cheese paired with delicious wine to an award-winning restaurant, followed by a special seasonal Valentine’s cocktail. Incorporating that all-important romantic zing, this evening of mingling has proved successful in the past, so prepare for lots of flirty fun.

The Love Ball

Friday 17 February, Centre Point, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin

Returning due to popular demand, the Love Ball is bringing the all-inclusive, magical vibe of the 80s New York Vogue scene to Dublin city. While the full lineup is yet to be announced, you can expect two rooms, nine acts, face painting, vogueing, and an incredible catwalk. Naturally, the theme is all things love, and music stylings will range from disco and synth-pop to deep house and techno.

Valentine’s Ball 2023

Saturday, 18 February, The Ardilaun Hotel, Galway

The annual black-tie National Breast Cancer Research Institute’s Valentine’s Ball will take place at The Ardilaun Hotel, and will be MC’ed by Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM. This year guests will be greeted on arrival by ballerinas from the Regina Rogers Galway Ballet Academy, before enjoying a drinks reception followed by a four-course gala dinner. Music on the night will come from PK Brass and guests will be wowed by award-winning close-up Mentalist and Magician Jamie Skelton.