1. Steam up the windows at a drive-in movie
Take a short spin out of the city and catch a drive in movie at Movie Junction in Carrigtwohill. You’ll have the privacy of your steamed up car windows for making out and you can watch as much or as little of the movie as you like.
2. Take a bicycle trip for two, with the stars for company
Hop on a pair of Coke Zero bikes and wheel down Cork harbour via the old Blackrock railway line to Rochestown or Passage West. Stop off at Blackrock Castle Observatory on your way back for some star gazing. What could be more romantic?
3. Eat cake while watching the planes
Head for Cork Airport and follow the signs (hung on pink bicycles) to the Workshop Cafe where you can have tea, coffee and some seriously scrumptious cakes amid the cafe’s quaint antiques and haberdashery. Park up at the runway layby, just around the corner, afterwards and let your imaginations take flight to far flung destinations.
4. Soak up a sunrise over the city
Stay up all night (or get up early) and soak up the sunrise over Cork City from the top of Patrick’s Hill or Montenotte. Or why not make the 20 minute drive at dawn to Fountainstown beach to watch the sun come up over the sea?
5. Kayak under the bridges by night
Surprise your date by taking him/her for a paddle under the city’s bridges by night with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. Night time tours for two can be arranged throughout the year and no kayaking experience is necessary.
6. Drink Pimms at a summer game of cricket
Lie back on the grass sipping Pimms with your date at Cork County Cricket Club and watch a match. Games are free of charge for spectators and the bar stays open all afternoon. Who said that’s not cricket?
7. Climb up to the Shandon Bells and play the city a tune
Why not climb the Shandon Clock Tower at St. Anne’s Church and ring its historic bells? It’s a fun and unique thing to do – you can stick with Three Blind Mice and Molly Malone, or play a tune of your own if you’ve got the chops. All while taking in the 360 degree views of the city from the top.
8. Drink in South’s Bar at the Imperial Hotel
If you’re looking for sophistication and privacy, South’s Bar at the Imperial Hotel has lots of little alcoves for getting to know each other better in. A few cocktails and aperitifs might even lead to, dare I say, getting a room.
9. Get competitive with a games night of bowling and pool
Go ten pin bowling, play snooker, pool or ping pong and try a spot of karaoke at the Mardyke Entertainment Complex. It’s all under the one roof and there are several bars to keep fuelling your fun.
(If this causes trouble, it’s not our fault OK?)