Whether you're single, taken, or somewhere in between, Valentine's Day is as good an excuse as any to spread some love.
From cuddling up with your partner, celebrating your non-romantic relationships on Galentine's Day and investing that love into yourself, this time of year can be as romantic, fun, flirty and restorative as you want it to be.
Sarah Hanrahan of @i_come_undone shares her pick of the best Valentine's and Galentine's Day events around the country, from racy burlesque workshops and raunchy comedy nights, to mindfulness retreats and a doggy Valentine's Day get-together.
So whether you're spreading the love with a partner, partners, friends or just yourself, here's some of the best events to check out around the country.
Dublin
Doggy Valentine's Ball
Doyle's Corner, Wednesday 14 February at 7pm
If you're a dog parent looking for a partner, we've got the event for you. This dog-friendly night includes a three-course meal and glass of bubbly* plus a comedy show, all to raise funds for Dogs In Distress. It's not just the two-legged guests that get spoilt either, as there will be dog goodies on the night too, including puppacinos to keep the energy high. Tickets cost €80pp.
Find tickets here.
Valentine's Comedy Night
The Workmans, Wednesday 14 February at 9:30pm
Given The Workmans has no doubt been the scene for many a romantic rendezvous and dramatic break-up, it's only fitting that the popular bar hosts this comedy night. Promising to be a tribute to love going right and wrong, pull up a seat and cheer and cringe along in equal measure. Tickets start at €14.92pp.
Find tickets here.
Galentine's Manifest & Brunch
Opium, Saturday 10 February at 12pm
Described as "a day of creativity, manifestation, and delicious indulgence", this pre-Valentine's Day soiree is perfect for those wishing to celebrate all kinds of love. You'll recieve a cocktail on arrival, dine on an authentic Asian brunch and craft your 2024 vision board guided by Soul Circle, a wellness, spirituality and yoga coach. Tickets cost €44.44pp.
Find tickets here.
Love Song Tour of Dublin City
Phil Lynott Statue, Wednesday Feb 14th at 5.30pm
You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs, but this is Dublin, a city built by troubadours and poets. This romantic stroll through Dublin City will explore Dublin's most romantic songs over the decades - as well as some fun love stories. Tickets cost €25.
Find tickets here.
Dublin Story Slam - Love Story
DLR Pavilions, Wednesday 14 February at 8pm
If Taylor Swift can capture hearts all across the world with her universal tales of love and heartbreak, surely your secondary school romance is worth a few gigles? For the adventurous and chatty among us, this open mic storytelling night features real people sharing their stories of love. Come and share your own, or simply listen to the storytellers on the night. Tickets cost €14.
Find tickets here.
Kilkenny
Valentine's Together Cookie Class
The Maker's Market, Saturday 10 February at 9pm
The way to the heart is through the stomach, they say, and there's no sweeter way to say 'I love you' than cookies. This practical workshop will guide you as you make a batch of six cookies that pair well together. Come with a beloved or as a solo date.
Find tickets here.
Cork
‘Love Songs Only’ Vintage Valentine's Prom
Cyprus Avenue, Friday 9 February at 7pm
What says 'together forever' better than a retro-inspired prom? The theme of the event is Vintage Valentine's Prom and there will be spot prizes for the best dressed. Attendees are encouraged to don their best retro clobber: think prom dresses, ruffles, velvet suits and dickie bows. Tickets cost €20pp.
Find tickets here.
Pizza Making Party
Marina Market, Wednesday 14 February at 7.30pm
"When the moon hits your eye", and all that. This new event in the Marina Market will take you right into the heart of pizza making, promising lots of fun along the way. The one and a half-hour experience will have you eating, singing and living it up. Tickets cost €35pp.
Find tickets here.
Valentine's Day Stand-Up Comedy Show
The Roundy, Wednesday 14 February at 9pm
If comedy is your love language, a stand-up show might be just the place to shed some relationship trauma, or catch the eye of a witty stranger. This special night promises an unforgettable Stand-Up Comedy Show, tailored for the lovers, the friends, and even those brave souls flying solo. Because who says you can't find love in laughter? Tickets cost €22.42pp.
Find tickets here.
Kildare
Valentine's Candlelight Concert
McAuley Place, Wednesday 14 February at 6.30pm and 9pm
Candles are a must when it comes to romance, and you can't get more romantic than a candlelit concert. Susan and Alan from Chasing Pirates will perform vocals, piano and flute in the intimate setting of the Luisne Room at McAuley Place. This performance space was once a convent chapel which was built in 1839 and provides a memorable setting for this concert.
Find tickets here.
Galway
Love Train: a Night of Love-Themed Tracks
Cooke's Thatch Bar, Saturday 17 February at 8pm
Pull out your dancing shoes, Galway Funk are back in Cooke's Thatch Bar with another night of funky floor-fillers. They’ll be playing plenty of love-themed tracks from Donna Summer, Barry White, Loleatta Holloway, Prince, Chic, Sister Sledge and many more. Tickets cost €5pp.
Find tickets here.
RECONNECT TO YOU Day Retreat
Brigit's Garden & Café, Sunday 18 February at 10am
If you're looking to show yourself some love this Valentine's Day, this is the event for you. This retreat will be a beautiful gathering of like minded women and an excuse to pause and rest from busy life. Your opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on reconnecting with yourself. Tickets cost €135pp.
Find tickets here.
Drink, Drag & Draw - Valentine's Edition
Bar Nova, Friday 19 February at 7.30pm
If gifting is your love language, why not create a portrait in honour of your paramour at this arty drag brunch? Unleash your inner artist while enjoying bottomless prosecco and fabulous drag performances. An ideal event for couples, singles and friends. Tickets cost €25pp.
Find tickets here.
Limerick
Valentine’s Burlesque Workshop with Virgo Moon
Angel Times, Saturday 10 February at 3pm
Get ready for romance ahead of the big day itself by signing up for a flirty burlesque class. Whether you're planning to show off some skills, learn new ones, find a new hobby or just celebrate your body and what it cane do, this workshop is an immersive glimpse into the powerful world of burlesque. Tickets cost €25pp.
Find tickets here.
Singles Cabaret
The Commercial, Thursday Feb 15th at 8.30pm
Get flirty at this weird and wonderful variety show of music, comedy, burlesque, drag and more! Hosted by Limerick's mother of burlesque, Miss Lavelle with appearances from Virgo Moon and Tadgh, this raucous and racy event will definitely put you in the mood for love. Featuring a traffic light system upon entry, where red means 'taken', yellow means 'it's complicated' or 'open relationship' and green means 'single'. Tickets cost €15pp.
Find tickets here.
Mockie Ah's Valentine's Party
Pharmacia, Wednesday 14 February at 9pm
Hosted by drag star Candy Warhol, this ultimate Valentine's Day party features a glittering lineup of drag, burlesque, live music and DJs. Grab your tickets early as this is guaranteed to sell out, and make sure you dress to impress. Tickets cost €11.70pp.
Find tickets here.
Clare
Valentine's Burlesque & Cabaret Show
Hotel Doolin, Saturday 17 February at 8pm
Looking for a memorable night out? Pull on your raciest, lacy outfit and head on down to this Valentines Burlesque & Cabaret Show, which is sure to be one to remember.
Find tickets here.
- Written by Sarah Hanrahan of @i_come_undone, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
