Our Guide to Valentine's Day in Dublin

Ah Valentine’s Day. Some love it, some loathe it. Whether you’re typically a big fan of the flower bouquets and bon-bon boxes, or a detractor who would rather choke on a chocolate covered strawberry than partake in the ‘Be Mine’ hoo-ha, why not turn February 14th into an excuse to simply get out on the town?

Here’s our guide to the Valentine’s Day fun and frivolities taking place this year throughout Dublin. The following is a mix of free, affordable and extravagant things to do and see on February 14th, from film screenings and live shows, to museum exhibitions and photo shoots. The Temple Bar Cultural Trust has paired up with various cultural organisations to bring you many of the events on our list.

For dinner suggestions, check out our guide to romantic dining in Dublin. And if you’re not a local, check out our Dublin accommodation listings.

So grab your sweetheart, wrangle your friends or let Dublin be your date, and do something, anything this Valentine’s Day.

Casablanca Screens at the Irish Film Institute

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the IFI is screening one of the greatest romantic movies of all time, Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca (1942). This Hollywood Golden Age classic stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as Rick and Elsa – one of the most iconic silver screen partnerships in film history. Set during World War II, this romantic drama screens at 4.20pm and 8.50. Book tickets at the IFI box office, or online at www.ifi.ie.

Where: Irish Film Institute
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 4.20pm and 8.50
How much: €8.50 for matinee, €9.90 for evening (concessions available)

The Workman’s Club Vintage Valentine’s Day Dress Dance

This Valentine’s Day, the Workman’s Club in Temple Bar welcomes the return of the ‘Vintage Valentine’s Day Dress Dance’. Tease that quiff, slap on some fire-engine-red lipstick, step into those rockabilly shoes and get ready for a night of slow sets, Tom Collin’s cocktails and a whole lot of rollicking, retro fun. The Club is throwing the perfect Valentine’s shindig, complete with €5 vintage cocktails and the sounds of the 40s, 50s and 60s, courtesy of Miss Paula Cullen. All are welcome – single guys and gals looking to kick up their heals, as well as going-steady sweethearts looking for a magical night of retro romance. Just make sure you dress to impress! Those who best embody the spirit of the era will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a romantic meal for two at the Clarence Hotel. Tickets are a very reasonable €5, available at the door, and if you make an effort to dress the part, they’ll knock a euro off! Doors open at 8.00pm.

Where: The Workman’s Club
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 8.00pm to 2.30am
How much: €5, €4 for those who look the part!

‘Lovers of Dublin’ Photo Sessions at the Gallery of Photography

The Gallery of Photography is inviting you and your loved one to participate in its Valentine’s Day Portrait Sessions, ‘Lovers of Dublin’ – a silver screen celebration of the love between you and yours. A unique, vintage-style portrait of you both will be presented as part of a special Valentine’s night outdoor screening in Meeting House Square. Sessions start at 1pm. Free places are limited, so book early! To make a reservation, email info@galleryofphotography.ie.

Where: Gallery of Photography
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
How much: Free, but reserve a spot!

An Affair to Remember screens at the Helix

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Helix is screening one of Hollywood’s great classic romances, An Affair to Remember (1957). This romantic drama, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, tells the story of a couple who meet on an ocean voyage. They are both engaged to other people, but they can’t help falling in love with one another. To test their commitment, they agree to meet on top of the Empire State Building in six months if they’re still in love. But do they get their happily ever after?

If you’d like to make your night at the movies even more romantic, pre-book an extra Valentine’s treat with your film tickets. The Helix is offering you and yours the choice of a glass of prosecco and petit fours, or a deluxe chocolate muffin and hot chocolate for an extra €5 per person. To book, call the box office at +353 1 700 7000.

Where: The Helix
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 7.30pm
How much: Film tickets are €6 per person (€4 concessions). The extra Valentine’s Day treat is €5 per person.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Concert & Dinner at the National Concert Hall

What could be more romantic than a night with Sinatra, Dino and Munro? The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Big Band favourite Matthew Ford are teaming up for a stylish night of great love song. To find out more about the National Concert Hall’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Valentine’s Day concert – and their special concert+dinner package – click HERE.

Where: The National Concert Hall
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 8.00pm
How much: Concert tickets alone range from €20 to €40 (concessions available from €18). Valentine’s Day package is €69.

‘Magical Movies’ on Meeting House Square

Meeting House Square is celebrating Valentine’s Day with special film series, ‘Magical Movies’. Cosy up under the cover of the square’s brand new umbrellas for a romantic movie marathon.

Opening the night, Michael Curtiz’s iconic Hollywood classic, Casablanca (1942), starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, screens at 6.30pm. Come and enjoy one of the most romantic films of all time, along with a Valentine’s Day mini-meal. For this screening, moviegoers can enjoy a bit of tender beef stroganoff on a bed of rice, creamy Thai red chicken curry on a bed of rose scented rice and ‘strawberry love potion pots’ for dessert – the ultimate dinner and a movie date.

This is followed by a screening of John Carney’s romantic Irish musical Once (2006), set in Dublin, at 9.00pm, and a third film, chosen by the public, at 11.00pm. You can vote for what film you would like to see on the night HERE. Choose from the list or pick your own! And make sure to grab some free popcorn and hot chocolate on the night!

Where: Meeting House Square
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 6.00pm to 12.30am
How much: €10 for all three movies

Romance-Themed Tour of the National Gallery

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the National Gallery of Ireland invites you to come along for a romance-themed tour of its permanent collection. This is a free public tour that will give you a look at how romance has been expressed in art throughout the ages. And after the tour, you can always check out the rest of the gallery, which houses a fine collection of European works from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Degas, Goya, Monet, Picasso, Vermeer and Tintoretto. It also houses a smaller British collection, with works by Hogarth, Gainsborough and Landseer, and a room devoted to the works of painter Jack B. Yeats. The special Valentine’s Day Tour takes place at 2pm. No booking is required; simply assemble in the gallery’s Atrium.

Where: The National Gallery
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 2.00pm
How much: Free!

Dirty Dancing at the Grand Canal Theatre

This Valentine’s Day, how about a live show? Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage has come to Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre just in time for Cupid’s big day. The stage version of the beloved 1980s classic film, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, offers a perfect night out for couples and gal pals alike. For loads more information on the show, click HERE.

Where: Grand Canal Theatre
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 7.30pm
How much: Tickets range from €25 to €60.

Book Speed-Dating at Gutter Bookshop

This Valentine’s Day, book experts at the Gutter Bookshop on Cow’s Lane will become matchmakers, as they set up literature-loving individuals with their dream book. What do you look for in a book? Do you prefer something slow and complex? Fast-paced and saucy? Or how about laugh-out-loud funny? Come along for a bit of ‘book speed-dating’ – you might just meet ‘the one’. You do not have to register, just pop in on the night. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.

Where: The Gutter Bookshop
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 6.30pm to 8pm
How much: Free!

Valentine’s Day Tour of the Hugh Lane

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is offering a special Valentine’s Day tour of the gallery collection and Francis Bacon Studio. This is a free event, but booking is required. To reserve a spot, call +353 1 222 5558.

Where: Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 3.00pm to 5.00pm
How much: Free!

I Heart Alice Heart I at the Abbey Theatre

After a sumptuous Valentine’s Day dinner, head over to the Abbey theatre for a fantastic new play from HotForTheatre. Amy Conroy’s I Heart Alice Heart I is a hilarious and remarkable love story that has been hailed as an excellent, fresh piece of documentary theatre. Read more about this award-winning docudrama by clicking HERE.

Where: Abbey Theatre
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 8.00pm
How much: Tickets range from €13 to €25.

Graphic Novel World Premiere & Art Exhibition

Exchange Dublin, a collective arts centre in Temple Bar’s Project Arts Centre, is hosting the world premiere of an art exhibition to accompany the launch of Seán Drawn’s graphic novel, Cupid’s Last Arrows. The exhibition consists of original and print art from the graphic novel, which tells the story of Cupid’s journey through the streets of Dublin as the ancient Roman god of love attempts to fix his mismatches. You can be drawn by Drawn, who will be creating portraits and caricatures of visitors throughout the day. He will also be speaking at the exchange at 8pm at the ‘Milk and Cookies’ storytelling event. ‘Milk and Cookies Stories’ is a Dublin-based, non-profit arts collective that hosts storytelling nights on the second Tuesday of every month. It transforms Exchange Dublin into a giant living room, complete with cosy cushions and duvets, fairy lights, hot tea and delicious cookies. And it’s free!

Where: Project Arts Centre
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 12.00pm to 10.00pm
How much: Free!

‘Love Sucks’ Interactive Games at the Project Arts Centre

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovers? Romance shmomance - just have some fun! The Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar is hosting ‘Love Sucks’, a night of interactive game playing from ‘Make and Do,’ for those looking for a few laughs instead of flowers and chocolate this Valentine’s Day. For the first game, called ‘Love at First Sight’, players will try to seduce as many partners as they can (bound to be hilarious). The second, ‘Invisible Playground Peoplehunt’, is a smartphone icebreaker game by Crowdscanner (bring your iPhone for this one!). Admission is free, but book in advance, as places are limited. To book, call +353 1 8819 613, or send an email to box-office@projectartscentre.ie.

Where: Project Arts Centre
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm
How much: Free, but reserve a spot!

Short Films at the Roasted Brown Coffee Shop

Roasted Brown Coffee Shop on the first floor of Filmbase is celebrating Valentine’s Day with short-film programme, ‘Brief Encounters’. Come along, sip a cup of coffee and nibble something sweet, while you watch a selection of lovely Irish short films. Space is limited, so be there early to get in! For a full lineup of the shorts to screen, click HERE.

Where: Roasted Brown Coffee Shop at Filmbase
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
How much: Free!

Viva School of Dance presents Happy Hour Dance Class

What could be more romantic on Valentine’s Day than a slow waltz with your sweetheart, or perhaps a cheeky cha-cha? This February 14th, Viva School of Dance presents a ‘Happy Hour Dance Class’ at DanceHouse Ireland. Perfect for beginners, this class is ideal for couples looking to spice things up, or friends simply in search of a bit of fun. Come along to learn some basic techniques and choreography. You can book via e-mail (info@vivaschoolofdance.com) or Facebook (@Viva School of Dance). Please quote ‘A Date with Dublin’ when doing so!

Where: Dance House Ireland
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: 8.30pm to 9.30pm
How much: Free, but reserve a spot!

The Shrine of St Valentine at Whitefriar Street Church

This Valentine’s Day, why not pay a visit to Saint Valentine himself? Whitefriar Church on Aungier Street contains relics of the saint, gifted to the church by Pope Gregory XVI in 1835. The relics are now housed in a shrine, found on the right hand side of the church when you enter from the main door. Choral music performances to celebrate St Valentine’s Day will take place as part of masses at 11.30am and 3.00pm.

Where: Whitefriar Street Church
When: Tuesday, February 14th
What time: open from 8am to 9pm on Valentine's Day; masses at 11.30am and 3.00pm
How much: Free!