Valentine’s Day is another opportunity to show those you love just how much they mean to you - and really, should you need a nudge? - but rather than reaching for the usual roses and chocolates combo, use this list as an opportunity to plan something unique.
Donkey Date
Hosted by Kinedale Donkeys in Ballynahinch, Co Down, their Valentines Donkey Date Night will run from February 14 to 16.
Couples (or groups) will each pick a donkey and take them on an obstacle course, which, according to the website, will enable you to “forge a bond that’ll warm your heart”.
Afterwards, guests can discover serenity in a cuddly meditation session with the farm’s playful pygmy goats, before indulging in a love-infused late afternoon tea in their cozy barn.
For those aged 16 and above, the Valentine’s Donkey Date Night costs £27.50 per person.
Late Late Love Lab
Part of NI Science Festival the Late Late Love Lab at the Ulster Museum in Belfast s billed as an evening of “romance, relationships and revelations”.
Move to the music with DJ Marion Hawkes, get hands-on with Lush’s bath bomb making workshop and get your light-coloured t-shirt or tote printed by Leo Boyd.
Learn to send messages in a coding workshop by Sentinus or make your love permanent with a museum-inspired tattoo from Skullduggery Tattoo (or semi-permanent with temporary tattoos).
Step into the Rave Cave or do some Hearts & Crafts, explore the deadly allure of beauty with Kathryn Harkup and uncover the scandalous sex lives of insects with Jules Howard and Dr Erica McAlister. Curator Dr Mike Simms will also be discussing all things gemstones and whether or not they are a symbol of true love.
Chocolate Tasting
Discover your chocolate love match with Hotel Chocolat’s guided tasting experience.
The Belfast-based chocolate connoisseurs will take you on a tasting journey through five of the brand’s recipes to reveal the flavour profile that’s right for you.
From unapologetically fruity to decadently dark – the brand has spent 20 years obsessively developing a deep understanding of flavour, individual tastes and preferences, leading to this ‘unrivalled’ view on chocolate flavour profiles.
Each guided experience lasts 30 minutes, and you can book with up to three fellow chocolate lovers to share the chocolate happiness. Tickets are £7.50 per person.
Belfast Giants Valentine’s Day Game
On Saturday February 19, the Giants will hit the ice for their annual Valentine’s themed match, which promises to be a special night, whatever your romantic status.
Donning their exclusive Valentine’s themed jerseys, they will face off against the Fife Flyers to maintain their top spot in the league.
There will also be pyrotechnics, strobe lighting, various prizes and giveaways, as well as few other surprises. The game will take place at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
W5 Late
This Valentine’s Day W5 in Belfast will be hosting an adults-only evening - Get Animated.
A special after-hours event filled with interactive exhibits and unique activities you can explore, it has eight immersive zones with over 250 hands-on exhibits.
Embark on an exciting adventure with Wallace & Gromit in the new All Systems Go AR (augmented reality) trail from Aardman. Using the free app, help Wallace & Gromit prepare their rocket for launch, try on Wallace’s Techno Trousers, and snap selfies with the beloved duo.
Or get creative and grab a £3.50 model-making kit from the W5 Gift Shop and head to the Wallace & Gromit ‘claystation’, where you can create your very own Gromit.
Or simply relax and unwind at the fully licensed bar, where you can sip on a glass of wine or enjoy a cold beer.
Candlelight Concert
A candlelit concert in St Anne’s Cathedral to celebrate Valentine’s Day is the perfect event for any music lovers in your life.
Taking place in the Belfast cathedral on February 15, enjoy a concert of timeless love songs performed by a string quartet in the beautiful setting. The program will feature songs from Elton John, The Beatles, Hans Zimmer, and many more.
With tickets starting at just £14 it’s also a brilliant way to celebrate the romantic holiday without breaking the bank.
Death of a Viking – Valentine’s Murder Mystery
Step back in time to an age of fierce warriors, ancient legends, and dark secrets as the historic Navan Centre & Fort in Co Armagh hosts a thrilling Viking-themed murder mystery event on February 14 from 7pm-10pm.
At a celebration of the Christian feast of St Valentine, presided over by King Ivar the Short and in celebration of another great victory over their Danish foes, the body of the great Viking warrior, Bolli Broken Tooth, is discovered.
As you enter the world of Viking clans, mysterious rituals, and treacherous deeds, you’ll become part of an exciting, unfolding mystery.
Engage in interactive storytelling, where every decision counts and every conversation could hold the key to solving the mystery, and work alongside fellow participants to unravel the truth.
An evening meal is included in event ticket which is priced at £55 per person.
Stargazing on the HMS Caroline
Come on board the HMS Caroline and discover how sailors once navigated their way across the seas using the night sky.
The event will be held on the iconic vessel in Belfast on February 14 from 5pm – 7:30pm with tickets costing £11 for an adult, £9 for a child or £26 for a family.
Bike Ride
There are plenty of free bike trails across Northern Ireland where you and your loved ones can take in our outstanding natural beauty.
Or you could hire a Belfast Bike and cycle through the city viewing some of Belfast’s most popular landmarks, like the Albert Memorial Clock, the Big Fish and City Hall.
Belfast Bikes are available for hire on a pay-as-you go system, or you can hire one out for three days for only £6.
