Ahhh, Valentine’s Day… Love it or hate it, this Hallmark holiday is coming your way. If you plan to get amongst the sweetheart celebrations this year then now is the time to get organised.

Many restaurants are already booked up for the night in question, but if you fancy something a little bit more memorable than an early-bird dinner-for-two spent rubbing elbows with the two other couples on either side, then scroll on, Romeo.

As with every year in Dublin, there are loads of events taking place for the romatically-inclined, but in an effort to take some of the pain out of this often painfully-cringey day, we’ve narrowed down the list to five alternative events that will make this a truly special night.

1. A Legendary Valentine’s

Leonards Corner Valentine’s Night @ MVP (from €8.88)

Leonard Cohen tribute act, Leonard’s Corner returns for a very unique Valentine’s Day event as they perform the songs and poems of the former legend in Dublin’s MVP bar. A limited online deal is available, which includes: 2 x tickets, 2 x glass of house wine + a sharing charcuterie board for just €50. If the success of last year’s sold out Valentine’s soirée is anything to go by, advanced purchase is advised.

2. A Folky Valentine’s

Lisa O’Neil in The Courtyard, National Gallery of Ireland (from €15)

Singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neil is one of Ireland’s most promising talents and her unique folk sound and distinctive voice is generating lots of positive attention at the moment. As part of The National Gallery’s Frederic William Burton: For the Love of Art exhibition, O’Neil is taking part in a special project entitled ‘Bad Romance’ which explores unrequited love, heartbreak and ache in the form of folklore, storytelling and song. Held in the beautiful surroundings of the Gallery Courtyard, this event promises to be a special one, for sure.

3. A Galentine’s Valentine’s

Thelma & Louise at The Lighthouse Cinema (from €8)

Hailed as one of the best road movies of all time, Thelma and Louise is a brilliant option for those of us celebrating “Galentine’s Day” with the girls (shout-out to Parks and Recreation for making “Galentine’s Day” a thing). Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, this classic is as fun as they come, and paired with a glass of vino in the gorgeous surroundings of Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema – sure you can’t go wrong.

4. A Magical Valentine’s

Valentine’s Dinner at Airfield Estate (from €48.60)

This Valentine’s Day, the Overends’ Family Home will be transforming into the romantic oasis of a bygone era. Kicking off with a pink prosecco and homemade hors d’oeuvres reception, attendees will be treated to entertainment in the form of enchanting music and a live reading of the love letters written by the late Trevor Overends and his wife Lily. As if that’s not enough, the walled gardens will be candlelit and will set the backdrop for a four course dinner prepared with farm fresh food from the estate.

5. A High-Brow Valentine’s

Declan O’Rourke at The National Concert Hall (from €13.50-€45)

Following his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in 2017, Declan O’Rourke returns to The National Concert Hall for another night of stunning serenading and showmanship, with support from our faves, The RTE Symphony Orchestra. Declan has been dubbed one of Ireland’s most masterful singer/ songwriters, so this will no doubt be a lovely way to spend the evening with your special someone.

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