Ah, date night. This is likely one of three scenarios.
You’re either in a stable relationship and need an excuse to dress up and get out of your house O’Neills (we see you, we understand you).
On the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s a first date. Maybe you’ve met on the apps or maybe on a night out, and now it’s time to move things into the real world.
Somewhere in the middle, then, you’ve got the third or fourth date, things have been going well, and you want it to continue, so getting this date right is important.
Wherever you sit on the scale or whether your date is more of the friendly variety, we’ve got you covered with some of the best spots, ideas and hidden gems to hit up in Leopardstown. Ready? Let’s go!
Your dating quest is working well (we’ll assume), so mix things up and add a sense of competition into the mix at GoQuest Arena, and for this one, we recommend a double date situation, as most of the challenges require 3 or more players.
Choose from 29 unique challenges designed to test you in several ways; light physical, mental and skills-based challenges that offer something for everybody, whatever their personal strengths, abilities and likes.
If you’re a game show fanatic, love the Cube, or are curious and want to see your date under pressure, get Questing!
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/go_quest/
This one is car-dependent, but if you or your date drives, then use this one as an excuse to escape the city and head into the Dublin mountains for a wholesome weekend hike.
Just a 15-minute drive from Leopardstown, you’ll be greeted with vast green spaces, peace and the sound of birds (who knew), making it the perfect setting for long walks and deep chats to get to know each other.
Walking trails include Fairy Castle Loop, Dublin Mountains Way and Wicklow Way; take your pick, bring plenty of snacks (hanger must be avoided), take in the sights, and get fit simultaneously- a win-win! Just remember to clean up after yourself and leave the woods as pristine and picture-perfect as you found them!
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/pruska.aleksandra/
Food is the language of love, so make a pit stop for a freshly-cooked feed and a coffee or two at The Vanilla Pod Eatery.
Picture artisan, gourmet food is all sourced from small Irish producers, and all at affordable prices.
Whether for a pre-hike brunch feast (their Buttermilk Pancakes need a special mention here- thick, fluffy, Joey doesn’t share-food worthy), a healthy lunch like their kicking Korean Style Chicken, their speciality wood-fired pizzas, or just a coffee and a homemade sweet treat takes the pressure of committing to a large meal off. There’s no better, more chilled, or more delicious spot to try than here; trust us!
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thevanillapodeatery/
If you’re searching for something a little more adrenaline-pumping, it’ll come as no surprise that we suggest a gallop to Lepoardstown’s most famous stomping ground!
An Irish institution through and through, Leopardstown is a leading international racecourse and entertainment venue, offering world-class horse racing and a great day out, from racing to Bulmer’s live, music events and more. Truly, there’s something for everyone, and the best bit is that it’s a mere 8-minute drive from your front door!
We recommend checking out their upcoming fixtures, but with 23 race days annually, there’s always something to look forward to. Make sure to buy your tickets early, so perhaps this is one for the more serious daters out there!
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/leopardstownrc/
So there you have it, a plethora of options to swipe through and take your pick from. Now, the question is, is it a date yet?
