10 romantic date night ideas for NI couples
Have you someone you'd like to impress?
We’ve all been in that terrifying position when your date/boyfriend or girlfriend says, “You can choose what we do tonight!” and the usual answer is “I don’t mind!” Then you usually end up doing the same old thing, time and time again.
Date night doesn’t need to be stressful or cause arguments, here at Cool FM and Downtown Radio – we’re all about the LOVE and we want to make sure all the lovebirds out there have a good time!
We’ve given you an expert guide to dating in Northern Ireland, so you’re never stuck again!
Check out our 10 Amazing date night ideas:
Picnic at the Beach
Everyone loves food, right? So, instead of the usual going out for dinner, why not go for a romantic picnic for two at a beach near you. Pick up all your favourite bits or a cheeky chippy, get a wee blanket, pack up the car and head off on the ultimate date night! There are plenty of beaches here in NI to choose from – Murlough, Helen's Bay and White Rocks to name a few!
Amusements
Everyone needs to let out their inner child every now and again and there is now better place than the amusements! If it's a first date or you've been together for years, it helps bring the fun side (or competitive side) out! Relive those childhood memories and don't forget to bring your 2ps and 10ps!
Sea Dip
If you're more of a daredevil couple then this is the date night for you! This trend really kicked off during lockdown when it seemed everyone was going for cold water dips! You don't even need a wetsuit – just pull on a pair of shorts and t-shirt (maybe no skinny-dipping as it is NI and you may freeze) and head to the sea. You can even have a wee cuddle after to warm each other up!
Walk/Cycle
This would be the perfect date night for the more active couples! Northern Ireland has so many lovely walks/hikes to choose from. You could cycle round your local park, sunset stroll along the beach, hike up Donard – whichever takes your fancy. You can talk about your day or week and enjoy some time outdoors together!
Paddleboarding/Hydro-bikes
Instagram is flooded with pics of people out paddleboarding so why not jump on board and give it a go for date night. You don't even need to buy a paddleboard as there's plenty of places to hire them from! If paddleboarding isn't your thing, why not give the hydro-bikes a go and peddle up the River Lagan. Strangford Lough, Life Adventures and Castle Archdale are a few which offer hire services. It's fun and something a little different to do in the summer months.
Games Night
This one is for all those competitive couples out there! Now games have been known to cause a little tension but it's date night - so spread the love! We all enjoyed playing board games when we were younger from Monopoly to Cluedo and the ultimate fav – UNO! Dig out all those old games, prepare your game face and get ready to take each other on!
Cinema
The old classic – the cinema. Almost everyone has had a cinema date at least once! We wouldn't recommend this as a first date because you need to get to know each other! If you're just looking for a chilled night then the cinema is perfect. Go all out, treat yourselves to popcorn, nachos, sweets – the whole works! If you're feeling very generous – reclining seats are were it is at!
Ice-Cream Date
There are certainly no shortage of ice-cream shops in Northern Ireland so this is an easy date night idea. You can stay local or take a picturesque road-trip further afield. The North Coast is known for their wide variety of ice-cream shops – Roughans is the best!
Mini-Golf/Bowling
Either of these is a great date night option! You can have a bit of fun and compete against each other – All is fair in love and war! If you're worried that about embarrassing yourself, have no fear! You're not the only one, having the sides up bowling is perfectly acceptable in our opinion! The Lost City mini golf at City Side is one of the best!
Tik-Tok Date Night Trend
This one has came up on the tik-tok feed time and time again and looks like a fun alternative for date night. You have four categories – Starter, Main, Dessert and Drink. Hit up a supermarket near you, rock, paper, scissor for each category and whoever wins gets to pick for each. Voila! You now have a 3 course meal for two – much cheaper than a restaurant too. You can even through in a cheeky snacks category because who doesn't love snacks!
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