You've worked up all your courage, or just swiped right, and found the perfect match, now it's time for that all-important meet-up. To help you find the perfect spot, we've whipped up a list of our favourite bars in Dublin for a first date. Whether you're looking to impress with a hidden cocktail haunt or blow their socks off with panoramic views of the city, consider us your well-wishing guides as we set you off on the path to romance.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Break the ice by getting competitive at one of Dublin's top activity bars, Wigwam. Pair tropical cocktails, from a mai tai to the classic piña colada, with ping pong, tiki bingo, karaoke and comedy nights. There's also a range of food options if all the fun sees you work up an appetite – think homemade pizzas, loaded fries and vegan burgers.
Farrier & Draper is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or two before heading downstairs to La Cucina. Dishing up sublime Italian dishes, with a well-stocked bar and a cosy ambiance thanks to the basement location, it's definitely one of the best restaurants for a date in Dublin.
The Blind Pig is hidden away in Dublin's city centre, with a speakeasy aesthetic and signature blends from award-winning mixologist Paul Lambert. Expect to encounter candlelit tables, mahogany furnishings and plenty of paraphernalia at this romantic cocktail bar.
Break the ice by having a go at the fun activities at Shuffleboard Bar Dublin. When you're not showing off your skills in pool or the game that is its namesake? Get to know the lineup of cocktails, craft beers and pizzas.
Disndat is a live music pub in the heart of Dublin, providing locals with a place to gather for laid-back pints, cocktails and toasties among friends. With musicians entertaining the crowds every night of the week and a drinks menu that includes tiramisu martinis and a Snickers old fashioned, there's no reason not to visit this buzzing haunt.
BrewDog Outpost was made for casual first dates; boasting 32 taps of amazing craft beer, shuffleboard, fire pit seating and a huge menu of pig-out food, you're sure to find everything you're looking for. Whether you're hungry for wings, Korean loaded fries, Buffalo burgers or a sourdough pizza, there's something for everyone.
Lucky Duck spans four floors and offers a different vibe on every space, so you can really cater to whatever kind of first date you fancy. Going from a pub to a slick cocktail joint and gorgeous restaurant, this Portobello spot is winning on all fronts.
Ohana offers a sense of paradise from its home in Portobello, serving up some of the finest rum creations in the city within its colourful interiors. A gorgeous date night idea in Dublin, the venue is not only beautiful to look at but its cocktail menu is really something special.
A laid-back wine bar with pretty in pink interiors, Bobbys is an Insta-haven with equally impressive food and drink to match. Stop by on your first date and you'll get to try high-quality wine list of classic bottles and unique finds with sharing boards of Irish cheese and charcuterie.
One of the city's most elegant eateries and bars, Isabelle's is a stunning choice for that all-important first meeting. With its stylish decor, impressive food offering and curated list of expertly blended cocktails, this bar is sure to make your date swoon.
Opium really does do it all; fronting a cocktail bar, swish restaurant, roof terrace and club all under one roof. One of Dublin's hottest tickets for a night out, its sure to impress that special someone with an evening full of eating, drinking and dancing, all in an undeniably cool location.
Sprawling over one of Dublin's most luxurious hotels, Rooftop Bar and Terrace is the perfect spot for taking in the sights of the city and sipping world-class cocktails. Offering sun-soaked views by day and a luxurious lounge when night falls, this bar caters to any date night plans.
This hideaway on Dawson Road offers quirky cocktails and an old school speakeasy vibe, perfect for those seeking out cosy first date bars in Dublin. Snuggle up in Peruke & Periwig's plush seating surrounded by vintage decor as you sip on quirky concoctions from the expert bartenders.
Proof is a trendy pizzeria and cocktail bar in The Liberties, offering a relaxed approach to first dates in Dublin. The bar's cocktail wall offers a plethora of mixes on draft, from Aperol spritz, espresso martini and old fashioned. Felling peckish? Try out the menu of Romano-style crispy pizzas.
Sophie's is definitely one swish rooftop bar for a date in Dublin. With ample list of cocktails alongside a curated selection of gin and alcohol-free options, the place is a great all-rounder with a lovely suntrap terrace for alfresco outings in the warmer months.
Bison Bar combines hearty grub off the grill with the largest selection of whiskies in Ireland, making for one quirky date night location. Head over to this American-inspired gem and dive into the menu of mouthwatering smoked meat paired with impressive signature sips.
