Great places to go for a first date in Dublin

So you’ve only gone and bagged yourself a date with that stunner you’ve been eyeing up in lectures, or, maybe the one who’s Tinder bio took your fancy – it is 2018 after all. Now that the hard part is out of the way, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty; where are you going to go?

Well, worry not because I’m here with a list of the top 5 places to bring your potential new loved one that thankfully won’t cost a bomb.

Token

72-74 Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7

www.tokendublin.ie

Token is a restaurant, bar and retro arcade with a top notch menu and top notch entertainment to match. Their cheapskate deal is one to look out for if you’re looking to create the perfect date on a budget; it’ll set you back €19.95 and you’ll get 1 main, 1 side, a pint/wine/unlimited soda and 10 tokens in return!

If you or your date are a veggie there’s nothing to worry about here as they do vegetarian versions of practically every meaty dish; did someone say vegan chicken tenders? Delish.

Masa

43 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 H520

www.masadublin.com

Created by the owner of Bunsen, Masa is Dublin’s newest Mexican spot. This restaurant is ideal for a casual yet enjoyable bite with your date; it’s decked out with impressively large cacti and some ideal window seating if you fancy a goo at passers-by.

Masa specialises in tacos, quesadillas and other tasty bites. Prices for both the freshest and tastiest tacos in Dublin range from €4.50 – €6.45 while small plates come in at €2.95 – €3.95.

The best bit? P. Macs is just across the road so if you fancy prolonging the date pop in for a beer and a board game afterwards.  

Drop Dead Twice

18/19 Francis Street, Merchants Quay, Dublin

www.dropdeadtwice.com/byoc

This ‘bring your own cocktail’ bar is for the ones who want to go for a few drinks but, with a twist. Drop Dead Twice will set you back €20 for a 2 hour slot on a Wednesday and €25 for the same length slot from Thursday – Sunday.

How does it all work? Simply bring your own spirits, hand them over to the experts, let them know what tickles your fancy and Bobs your uncle!

If your belly (and your date) is calling for more than a few cocktails; they also do brunch and weekday meals.

National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Square W, Dublin 2

www.nationalgallery.ie

This enlightening spot won’t cost you a penny; what it will cost you? Maybe your humility if you try to impress your date with your knowledge on Irish culture; unless you’re actually a whiz, then please ignore my previous comment.

With that said, if you’re a fan of art, or just like the sound of a relaxed stroll around looking at some stunning work with your date – the National Gallery of Ireland is your spot. Here you’ll find work on display from both Irish artists and artists from abroad; meaning you shouldn’t run out of things to chat about.

International Comedy Club at the International Bar

23 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 VH59

www.international-bar.com

I know it seems weird to want another person to make your date laugh but, trust me, it’s definitely the route to go down for a first date. I mean, nothing breaks the ice more than realising you share the same humour or, don’t.

Two International Comedy Club shows take place in the International Bar on a Saturday night and they’ll set you back €10 a head. If comedy doesn’t wet your whistle you can find both Jazz and Spoken Word on throughout the week in the bar too!

This article was written by a SpunOut.ie volunteer. Check out our volunteering opportunities here and get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved.