You can’t go wrong on a first date having Galway as your venue. There is such a buzz and a great atmosphere around the place and always something on.
For dates, there are loads of delicious restaurants and pubs filled with character to choose from and fun activities to do.
When planning a first date you want to pick somewhere that will be fun, memorable and where you can happily get to know each other.
These five places have been chosen with this in mind. There’s something really attractive about somebody who knows their mind and is decisive so suggesting any of the places below is sure to impress your date.
Who knows, hopefully, if the date goes well you can come back to this list to decide where to go on your second date. Happy dating!
1. Black Cat – for a quirky first date
Popular Spanish-style tapas restaurant serving dishes made from local ingredients. It could make for a cute, quirky first date. This tapas restaurant in Salthill is the perfect place for a romantic date.
It would be a good way to bond and have loads to talk about on your first date as you sample new and exotic foods together.
Since opening in 2011 Black Cat prides itself on a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled with jazzy tunes.
With Black Cat’s diverse menu of shareable tapas, you’re sure to find something you and your date can agree on or have fun exploring new foods together. They’re open till 9 pm most weekdays and till 10 pm Thursday till Sunday which makes it the perfect spot for date nights.
Address:Â 179 Upper Salthill, Salthill, Co. Galway, H91 WR8Y, Ireland
2. Hyde Bar – for cocktails and musicÂ
Hyde is a dream for the eyes as well as the stomach, the food is divine, and there’s a gorgeous bar to sit at while you wait.
Hyde ensures a memorable first date venue; on Saturday, prime date night, they have a live DJ and a professional photographer for their social media coming around taking pictures on Saturdays only.
If things work out, you could have a professional-quality photo of your first date to show your grandchildren. Maybe don’t mention that on the first date though.
They also do live music on a Thursday and Sunday and DJ’s on a Friday as well as Saturday. Booking ahead is advised.
Hyde is also a great option if you just want to do a drinks date as their bar scene is lively, elegant and their bar is very well stocked, especially if you’re a gin lover, as Hyde boasts Ireland’s largest gin collection.
Address: Forster Street, Galway
3. Tucos Taqueria – to add a little spice to your night
It’s quaint and cosy, just off Shop Street. It’s ideal for a first date if you love Mexican food. They do student deals, but it’s not going to break the bank regardless. Impress your date by carrying a Tuco’s loyalty card, where 10% of every purchase goes to Pieta House.
You can sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle of Galway city.
Tucos boats the best burritos, tacos and enchiladas in Galway City and you can bring your date here regardless of any dietary requirements as they also have paleo, coeliac and vegan-friendly options.
If you want to shake it up a little and have a Tuesday night date as it’s only €6 after 6 pm for Tuco’s Tuesday. They also offer a selection of beers and wines for a fancier date.
Address: 6 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway
4. Pálás Cinema – for a cosy first date
Pálás is a cool brand new cinema theatre in Galway funded by the government. With state-of-the-art technology, three screens, a coffee shop and a bar, the cinema is one of Galway’s cultural hubs.
Cinemas are a dating staple and choosing this particular cinema is a great way to pity a unique spin on them. As well as new releases this cosy cinema also shows old movies. For example, The Blair Witch Project is being screened at the cinema at 10.30pm on October 26th. This could make for a really cute, unique first date.
Address:Â 15 Merchants Rd Lower, Galway, Ireland
5. Take a hike – for a scenic setting
If you want to do something different and you’re both adventurous, you could plan a hike for your first date. Activity dates are always an excellent way to make your date stand out from the rest.
Plus if things are a bit awkward starting off you can always discuss the scenery and the weather and keeping active will shake off most of your nerves. Galway has lots of beautiful walks to choose from but here are two guaranteed to impress.
Salthill promenade? People don’t put ‘long walks on the beach’ on their dating profile for no reason. First dates are when you really get to know a lot about somebody and what better place to talk than a long walk looking out at a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. Very romantic!
Or why enjoy some Diamond Hill hiking? It is a large hill south-east of Letterfrack and a lovely place to hike. Considered to be one of the best walks in County Galway, it’s not too strenuous and the unbelievable views at the top make the hike totally worth it.
Address: Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Galway
Written by Sarah Talty.
