Valentine’s Day heralds a flurry of panic purchases; heart-shaped chocolates, decadent bottles of bubbles, cuddly teddy bears and, of course, bouquets of roses.
But a lot of the well-meaning heart-shaped tat ends up in landfill; and in terms of romance, it’s hard to beat a thoughtful day out and a nice dinner that requires no washing up.
For those of us not organised enough to snag a reservation at a popular restaurant weeks in advance, but who still want to make their other half feel special, here are some date ideas that require little to no forward planning.
Dart to Howth and dine at Octopussy
Howth, Co Dublin. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Take the Dart out to Howth, making sure to sit on the sea side of the train carriage to take in the coastal views. If weather allows, embark on the Howth cliff walk, soak in the sea views and work up an appetite.
Whether you brave the elements or not, views are almost guaranteed at Octopussy, the walk-ins only Spanish tapas restaurant nestled on Howth’s west pier.
Indulge in seafood chowder, oysters, scallops, sherry monkfish and, if you fancy a splurge, lobster cooked in the shell with garlic butter.
Relics of St Valentine and a bite at Bar Pez
Bar Pez on College Court, Kevin Street Lower. Photograph: Alan Betson
It’s hard to get more festive than visiting an actual saint’s relics on their feast day. Believe it or not, St Valentine’s relics are housed in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin 2, where there is no charge to visit.
After a peruse of the Carmelite church, love birds can swing around the corner to nab a walk-in spot at the highly rated Bar Pez.
National Gallery of Ireland and Bang restaurant
For the Love of Art: Hellelil and Hildebrand, The Meeting on the Turret Stairs, by Frederic William Burton. Photograph: National Gallery of Ireland
Once voted Ireland’s favourite painting, Hellelil and Hildebrand (aka the Meeting on the Turret Stairs), will be on display at the National Gallery for two hours on February 14th from noon-2pm. The devastatingly romantic painting will also be on display on Thursday and Sunday of this week, and no booking is required.
If you fancy a more Mediterranean vibe, book a ticket to the National Gallery’s Picasso exhibit where the Malaga artist’s jubilant palette and cubist forms are on display.
Sticking with the Iberian theme, dine nearby on gazpacho cocktails and tortilla de patatas in Bang, the hottest new restaurant opening in Dublin, which reserves tables for walk-ins.
The Stella and Kodiak in Rathmines 
The Stella Cinema on Lower Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Hosting a string of romantic movies on Valentine’s Day, the Stella makes for the perfect movie date in very plush surroundings.
The luxury cinema will show Beauty and the Beast, The Notebook and Emerald Fennell’s divisive “Wuthering Heights” on February 14th.
If you fancy a casual dinner before or after the screening, saunter across the road to neighbourhood bar and wood-fired pizza spot Kodiak, where walk-ins are always welcome.
Museum of Literature Ireland and Frank’s wine bar
Connemara Oysters with rhubarb at Frank’s. Photograph: Alan Betson
The Museum of Literature Ireland, MoLi, is finishing up its romance novel themed exhibit Happy Ever After on February 15th. The exhibit celebrates Irish writers from Lady Morgan to Marian Keyes.
Once finished there, book lovers and lovers alike can stroll a few minutes away to Frank’s wine bar on Camden Street. Both a wine bar and wine shop, it serves delicious picky bits and requires no reservation.