8 Alternative Valentine’s Ideas in Northern Ireland
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re aiming to break out of the mould of red roses, a candlelit dinner and a box of chocs, earn some serious brownie points by checking out this round up of alternative Valentine’s ideas. Regardless of whether you are celebrating with your other half, family or friends, these out-of-the box ideas will give them an experience they will love you for the whole year long.
1. When Harry Met Sally at Belfast Barge
What’s not to love about getting cosy, bobbing on the waves of Belfast Lough enjoying the classic love story ‘When Harry Met Sally’? Belfast Barge is screening this popular romcom for one night only on Wednesday 14th February, with two showings at 7:45pm and 9:45pm priced at £12.50. Your evening on board Belfast’s only floating venue will be accompanied with a free bottle of Prosecco, chocolates and popcorn. Tissues are BYO. If all goes to plan you can even talk to the team about hosting your wedding – this alternative venue has hosted a series of weddings on the water to date.
3. Here Come the Girls
For the ultimate Galentine’s event (that’s Valentine’s with the girls), head over to Titanic Belfast where you can enjoy an upbeat 5-star service at the Valentine’s Titanic Sunday Afternoon Tea from £25pp to get those love vibes in the air. Featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite patisserie in the luxurious surroundings of the Titanic Suite, you can step back in time and convince yourself that you are playing a starring role in the ultimate love story of Jack and Rose, as afternoon tea is served with replica White Star Line crockery.
Bring your little munchkins along too, children aged 2-11 can choose from their own Afternoon Tea menu for £12pp and all guests get to select their favourite Thompson’s luxury loose leaf tea blend. Add extra glitz with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne.
3. Eat Until Your Heart is Content in Derry
For foodie fans, give your Valentine an experience they will not forget by treating them to an award-winning food tour of Derry. This fun-filled 4-hour guided walking tour, organised by Made in Derry Food Tours, will lead you through six local eateries, giving you a chance to hear from the owners, amazing artisan producers and talented chefs. Throughout the tour, you will taste over 20 different food and drinks from local cheese, street food and mouth-watering fresh fish - all washed down with local craft beers. Tours cost £50pp and can be booked online.
4. Love Conquers All at Foylehov Activity Centre
If your nearest and dearest are adrenaline junkies, line up a fun filled day of new and exciting outdoor experiences to test their competitive streak. We suggest a best of three challenge consisting of Archery, Off Road Buggies and Laser Clay Shooting at Foylehov Activity Centre in Limavady, rounding off the day with a romantic stroll on Benone Strand which is just a 20 minute drive north.
This event is now over but check out Foyle Activity Centre for a list of other events happening at the centre.
5. Make the Connection Behind the Mask for Charity
If you are single and ready to mingle this Valentine’s Day, find love and donate to charity whilst doing it. Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have organised a Charity Masquerade Connection Night in association with the Tipsy Bird to add some mystery and intrigue to the day of love. Tickets are £22.25 each and the upper lounge has been reserved exclusively for this event, giving you a chance to meet like-minded folk and make some new connections.
6. Fly on the Wings of Love
Valentine’s Day can be a reminder that we should care for our loved ones but also the world around us. If you have beloved birds in and around your house, give your flying friends a new home by building a bird box at Crom Estate, County Fermanagh this Valentine’s. This FREE ‘Love Building Bird Box Day’ on Saturday 10th February from 2-4pm is the perfect opportunity to build a new bird box ahead of National Nest Box Week. Whilst at Crom, you can visit The Old Castle which was built in the early 17th-century. Make it a family day out by exploring the nearby National Trust locations Florence Court and Castle Coole.
7. “I wanna go out with you” … to The Treehouse, Belfast
Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a screening of one of the most romantic movies in history – Nicholas Sparks’ “The Notebook”. Where better to watch this tear-jerker than perched on one of Belfast’s most romantic spots: the heated rooftop terrace of The Treehouse. Sit back and relax with hot tapas, specially themed cocktails and prosecco. Tickets are £20 each and can be purchased online.
8. An Experience to Take You Out of this World
Enjoy the skies and stars this Valentine’s at ‘The View from Earth, the View from Space’ exhibition at EastSide Visitor Centre, Belfast. As well as capturing the majesty of the endless sky, this exhibition celebrates astronomy, the planets and the stars through scientific photographs and drawings on display from Thursday 15th February – Sunday 25th March. Admission to the exhibition, which is part of Northern Ireland Science Week, is FREE and there is a special preview on Wednesday 14th February at 6 to 8 pm.
Do you have an alternative Valentine’s idea? Share yours on our Facebook or Twitter page by using the hashtag #SmarterLiving.
