By Andy, founder
Autumn is my favourite time of year for a first date. The air is crisp, the parks change colour and the crowds thin out. A walk takes the pressure off too: you're side by side, there's always something to look at, and it's easy to end after an hour or stretch it into a coffee if things are going well. Here are some of my favourite places to try.
In the city
Phoenix Park
The wide open grassland, the old trees and the wild deer make this one of the loveliest autumn walks in Dublin. Pick a path, take your time and look out for a café on the way.
St Stephen's Green
A small park right in the middle of town, with a pond, flower beds and plenty of benches. It's easy to reach, easy to leave and ideal if you only want to meet for an hour.
The Grand Canal
A flat, gentle walk along the water, with the trees dropping their leaves on the path. It's good for chatting because there's no hill to puff up.
By the sea
Sandymount Strand
A long, open stretch of shore where the sky seems enormous on a clear autumn day. Check the tide and the weather before you go.
Howth and the Dalkey coast
The Howth Cliff Walk and the path up Killiney Hill both give you sea views and a good reason to be outdoors. Both are an easy Dart ride from the city, and there's somewhere to get a hot drink afterwards. Wear proper shoes, stay on the path and keep away from the edge.
Into the hills
If you both enjoy a bit more fresh air, the Dublin Mountains at Ticknock and the Bray to Greystones cliff walk are popular with walkers. Save these for later dates, once you know each other a little better. For a first meeting, I'd keep to somewhere busy and easy to leave.
Plan for autumn
- Check the weather. Autumn can be bright one hour and wet the next, so bring a waterproof and have a café in mind.
- Watch the light. The clocks go back at the end of October and it gets dark early, so aim for the morning or the afternoon.
- Wear sensible shoes. Wet leaves and muddy paths are slippery.
- Check the travel. Look up the Dart, the Luas and the buses before you set off, in case of delays.
- Keep it short. An hour is plenty. You can always add a coffee...then a second date.
Stay safe, and enjoy it
Meet somewhere public, make your own way there and tell a friend where you're going. Our guide to dating safely has more, and our first date ideas in Dublin are full of other places to try.
If you're ready to meet someone, you can find your area on Go Dublin Dating and take it from there. A good walk, a good chat and a hot drink afterwards is hard to beat.
- autumn
- walks
- dublin
