22 Cheap Date Ideas In Dublin

The best things couples can do in the capital for under a tenner

1. Take a free walking tour

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Cost: free (tips appreciated)

The nice people at Sandeman's offer a three hour tour of Dublin every day that doesn't cost a penny.

You meet at City Hall at either 11am or 2pm, and off you go around the city. You'll take in Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Christ Church and St Stephen's Green, all the while learning about the history of the city, from Vikings to 1916 to er, U2.

2. Cycle through the Phoenix Park

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Cost: free

Take advantage of the stunning green enclave on the outskirts of the city by cycling along its many dedicated paths. You'll see roaming deer, take in the President's gaff at Aras An Uachtarain, and if you bring a frisbee you can have the lolz in one of the wide open spaces. If you have a tenner between you, visit The Lo-Cal Kitchen (beside the race track) for coffee and some famous Paleo Chocolate Brownies (€2.40 each)

3. Picnic along the canal

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Cost: A couple of sambos

From wild swans to a tribute to Patrick Kavanagh, a ramble along the Grand Canal is an eye-opener (and great exercise). There are food markets dotted along it on Thursdays and Fridays if you have the cash to buy. Start at the Harold's Cross junction and wander all the way to the dock.

4. Stroll around Trinity College

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Cost: free

A beautiful and romantic setting, take a walk around the college's grounds and take in the gorgeous buildings. Best to visit in summer when the students are off and the weather is good, so you can stretch out on the lawn outside The Pav and relax.

5. Visit the "dead zoo"

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Cost: free

The Natural History Museum makes for a cool and quirky date (and some hilarious photo ops). Plus its location on lovely Merrion Square means you can stroll around the park and pay Oscar Wilde a visit too.

6. Stroll around IMMA

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Cost: free

You can visit one of the most beautiful spots in the country for free. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is chock full of gorgeous pieces, but the grounds themselves are pretty spectacular. Even if you don't fancy going inside, it's a great spot for a double dog walk – just keep them on their leads!

7. Travel to Teddy's

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Cost: Around a fiver for two cones

If you have a car (or DART fare), head out to Dun Laoghaire. Not only can you walk around the beautiful pier and take in the sights, you can head to national institution Teddy's for a 99. At only €2.20 each, you can grab a cone and go for a ramble.

8. Climb Killiney Hill

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Cost: free

While in South County Dublin, you should hit up Killiney Hill Park and climb to the top for spectacular views all the way out to Greystones, Co Wicklow. Amazing photo ops and fresh air, it's not to be missed.

9. A pint and some people watching

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Cost: varies

Once you avoid Temple Bar, you should be able to get two pints for around €10. Check out Grogan's on South William Street – also known as the Castle Lounge, you can sit outside and watch the hipsters go by while enjoying a cold one.

10. Hit up The Science Gallery

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Cost: free

Interactive and always impressive, this free museum on Pearse St is a winner whether you're big in to science, or were the type to snooze through the class in school.

11. Grab some chips in Howth

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Cost: around a fiver for two bags of chips

Another place that's ideal for a walk, grab a single each from Beshoff's and walk the pier to munch them.

12. Ramble out to the South Wall

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Cost: free

On the opposite side of the city to Howth and close to town, you can walk or cycle the 4km stretch out to the famous red lighthouse behind the iconic striped Poolbeg towers. You can also amble down Sandymount Strand and take in the sea views on the south coast.

13. Get some culture at the National Gallery

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Cost: free

Open 7 days a week, this is an art lover's dream. Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh are all included in the vast collection, and exhibits change often so you can go again and again. Free in, it has a beautiful café to chill out in if you have the cash for a coffee and cake.

14. Chill with a coffee

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Cost: about €2.50 per drink

There are numerous great spots for a cup of Joe around Dublin, but Accents is the most intimate. Comfy sofas and slouchy beanbags, as well as great drinks, this is the perfect place to while away a couple of hours chatting over cappuccinos.

15. Pizza slices from DiFontaine's

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Cost: €6 for two slices

Grab some pizza from this Temple Bar institution, and take 'em to Temple Bar Square, where you'll be able to sit on the steps, and more than likely catch some free live music.

16. Have a laugh at Dublin Comedy Improv

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Cost: €5 each

In the mood for a laugh? Head along to the International Bar on Wicklow St on a Monday night at 9pm for a barrel of laughs on a budget. Going since 1992, it regularly features comedy heavyweights Tara Flynn and Dermot Whelan.

17. Feed the ducks in Stephen's Green

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Cost: a bag of stale bread

Smack bang in the middle of the city centre, this oasis of calm is a beautiful place for a romantic stroll – and has lots of feathered friends to feed with leftover Brennan's.

18. Visit a farmer's market

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Cost: whatever you buy to eat

Browse, taste and select something delicious to chow down on at the People's Park Market in Dun Laoghaire. Open every Sunday, you can go and chill out in the sun and eat as much or as little as you like.

19. Go dancing in the dark

Soda Bread Box

Cost: €5 each (incl coat check)

A new addition Dublin's Monday nightlife, this is a darkened room in Filmbase Soda Bread Box is the place where you can literally dance like nobody is watching. One hour, no booze, loud music and the space to throw yourselves around like a maniac without actually having to see each other's dance moves – what's not to love?

20. Or try a morning rave

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Cost: from €7 per person

This one costs about a tenner each, but it's worth it because it's a truly original date. If you're both early risers, head along to Morning Gloryville to bop your sorrows away before work. Smoothies are served, everyone is up for a laugh, and you won't have a hangover. Result!

21. Try hiking in Ticknock

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Cost: free

There are loads of waking trails around this gorgeous wooded area in south Dublin, so why not grab your hiking boots and a bottle of water and head out?

22. Go hunting for street art

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Cost: free

All you need is your camera and each other, then go looking for the masterpieces painted on walls around the city and snap away. Hot spots include the Four Courts area along the Luas tracks and Smithfield in Dublin 7, The Liberties in Dublin 8 and the Creative Quarter in Dublin 2.