Welcome back to The Date Edit, your trusty column for curated queer date itineraries so you don’t have to do any of the planning. Perfect for when you’re visiting a new city, soft-launching a situationship, or pretending you didn’t Google “best lesbian bars Dublin” five minutes before meeting.
This one’s set in Dublin, Ireland’s buzzy, charming capital – all cobblestones, Guinness foam, and flirtation in the air. It’s the kind of place where you can hop from brunch to bar to the River Liffey and feel like you’ve had a proper day out (and probably a few pints).
Vibe: Wholesome with a side of mischief
Area: City centre, Temple Bar, Portobello
Best For: City break flirts, post-concert debriefs, or your first weekend away together
Budget: ££–£££
Length: 6–8 hours
The Day Thing
Brunch at Groundstate Coffee
Start your date at Groundstate Coffee, a spot that serves up the best flat whites and avo toast combo this side of the Irish Sea. It’s industrial but cosy, full of quietly cool people who look like they’re either writing a screenplay or in a band. Go for the pancakes if you’re feeling bold – they will definitely line your stomach for what’s to come.
Upgrade for ad free browsing.
Price Point: ££
The Afternoon Thing
Walk Along the River Liffey & Grafton Street
Walk it off along the River Liffey. You’ll pass street performers, flower stalls, and the kind of buskers who make you want to quit your job and learn guitar. Take a detour down Grafton Street for a bit of window shopping (or actual shopping, depending on how it’s going). If you’re in the mood for culture, The Little Museum of Dublin is small but full of charm, ideal for killing an hour and you can look cultured.
Article continues below.
Price Point: Free- £
The Pub Stop
Dublin does pubs like no other city, but The Big Romance on Parnell Street hits a little differently. It’s got that low-lit, effortlessly cool energy, think craft beers, candlelight, and vinyl for the vibes. Ambience babes! It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear each other talk…until the DJ starts. Ideal for when you want to keep the day rolling without losing the mood.
Price Point: ££
If It Goes Well
Dinner at Bunsen or Pickle
Keep it casual with Bunsen, the no-frills burger joint beloved by locals, or go a bit fancier at Pickle, a modern Indian restaurant that’s always buzzing. Both options say “I made an effort” without screaming “I Googled this 12 hours ago.”
Bunsen Price Point: ££
Pickle Price Point: £££
Finish up at Street 66
Round things off at Street 66, Dublin’s most iconic queer bar. Expect good tunes, friendly faces, and a little bit of silliness. Grab a cocktail, hit the dance floor, or just hang in the corner with your date and debrief the day.
Price Point: ££
Bonus Round:
Morning-After Stroll
If things go really well, grab a coffee from Two Boys Brew the next morning and wander through Phoenix Park. It’s massive, peaceful, and occasionally full of deer, ideal for a gentle hangover and a soft goodbye.
Price Point: ££
See you next time for the next instalment of The Date Edit.
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
