Monthly Archives

December 2019

Posted on December 16, 2019

12 Dates of Crimbo makes Jenny Greene’s Best of The Week!!!

lifestyle

12 dates on jenny greene's best of the week

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, my 12 Dates of Crimbo series has come to an end. The good news however is that shortly after it ended, I was lucky enough to be invited to Jenny Greene’s weekday evening show on RTÉ 2FM to discuss all things festive dating – I know, who would have thought that consistently posting a new date idea for 12 days straight would pay off like this? I certainly didn’t! 🙂

I called into the RTÉ radio studio last Thursday 12th December for my first live radio appearance in the longest of times and to say I was nervous is a bit of an understatement! Thankfully Jenny Greene’s team quickly put any concerns I had to rest. They are the loveliest group of people and it wasn’t long until I started discussing my 12 dates and sharing some of my own funny dating stories on the national airwaves!

jenny greene 12 dates

The following day (Friday 13th), I found out that my little segment made Jenny Greene’s best bits of the week. It was amongst some fab contributions by comedians Alison Spittle and Joanne McNally to make The Best of The Week.

As you can imagine, I was over the moon to discover this especially after being forced to sit down and listen back to the sound of my own voice – something I seldom do. All in all, not the worst Friday the 13th!

If you want to listen to my chat with the stunning goddess that is Jenny Greene, have a listen here

My segment starts from 1:21 🙂

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    If I had to choose between watching reruns of Friends and spending an evening catching up on some of my favourite podcasts then I wouldn't hesitate in picking the latter. Filling my mind with enriching, educational and empowering podcasts, trumps (small t) the overeating and unnecessary sugar consumption that often accompanies…
  • 10000
    Photo Credit I think it’s safe to say that yesterday was by far one of the best Valentine’s Day I’ve had in a very long time. Without getting into the details of what I did during the day *wink* *wink* last night in particular, I truly did step outside of my…
  • 10000
    I never in a million years would have thought that my blogging achievements in twenty eighteen could ever amount to half of the accomplishments I had with Enhance What's Yours in 2017. In fact, I spent the early days of twenty eighteen (excuse the overuse of this millenial slang), crippled with…
Posted on December 10, 2019

Have the ultimate date night experience in The Stella Theatre

12 Dates of Crimbo

The Stella Theatre

The Stella Theatre is an absolute must for anyone looking to have the ultimate date night experience. The first time I entered this iconic cinematic landmark, I genuinely felt like I just stepped into The Great Gatsby set.

From the vintage popcorn machine at the refreshment bar to the art deco handrails guiding guests up to the first-floor balcony, every inch of this dine-in cinema reflects the glamour and glitz of its 1920’s glory.

I’ll admit that a regular visit to this Rathmines cinema could easily become an expensive habit, that’s why I would recommend it more for special occasions.

After sharing fun and festive date night ideas over the past 12 days, what could be more special than the last and final 12 Dates of Crimbo blog? 🙂

The Stella Theatre

When you first walk into this 1920’s setting, you’ll step onto mosaic floor in the lobby of The Refreshments Bar. At the bar you’ll be able to order popcorn from the traditional popcorn machine as well as other tasty bites such as Parmesan fries or chilli hot dogs.

The Stella Theatre

The Refreshments Bar also offers a variety of wines and cocktails to choose from. After paying for your order, you can head over to your seat with your glass and wait for the waiter to bring the rest of your order over to your chosen seating area.

Seating at The Stella Theatre

the stella theatre

The seating arrangement in The Stella Theatre is quite luxurious. Decorated with antiques lamps on vintage tables, there is a leather pouffe on each of the red armchairs, making it an even more comfortable experience. Armchair tickets costs €19.00 but you can pick from a selection of price areas.

The stella theatre

At €38.00 you can get either a bed or a 2 seater couch. As tempting as it might be to get a bed, I think it’s important to note that most of the beds are closer to the screen which means the view might not be great. There are also tickets for restricted view for €12.00.

The Stella Theatre

The Balcony

If you’d prefer a view that is less restricted, then seating in the upstairs balcony area might just do! We went upstairs to have a look at it is heavenly.

The Stella Cocktail Club

The Cocktail Club in the Stella is as swanky as the rest of the theatre. The décor and overall vibe  actually reminded me of an old New York cocktail bar.

The room was actually the original ballroom in the 1920s Stella where it hosted countless nights out for locals. Now there is a front facing window that overlooks the main street in Rathmines bringing in natural light and spacious feeling.

After an evening in this 1920’s setting,  I am quite confident that no other cinema will ever compare! Book tickets here. 🙂

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
  • 10000
    Paintclub is a date night idea I have yet to tick off my bucket list, so I’ll admit that we are now moving onto uncharted territory here. However, I remember first coming across the idea of unleashing my inner Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of prosec, exactly this…
  • 10000
    If you are looking to be a little bit more adventurous on your date night this December then a trip to Galway for their annual continental christmas market will surely do the trick. Running on its tenth year and still holding the title of being one of the top Christmas…
Posted on December 9, 2019

Dublin’s iconic landmark brings Christmas at the Castle

12 Dates of Crimbo

christmas at dublin castle

 

Christmas at the Castle is a boutique open-air Christmas Market that will be turning the historic Dublin Castle into a Disney-like dream.

Offering over 30 traditional market stalls in the courtyard of Dublin Castle as well as plenty of festive music and entertainment, this festive market will allow food lovers to indulge in artisan produce and craft lovers to shop decorative gifts.

There will also be a vintage carousel on site during the week and horse and carriage rides around the Castle grounds and gardens over the weekend.

Here is what you can expect from this air Christmas market:

  • Festive food and drink
  • Artisan craft stalls
  • Neapolitan Crib
  • Carol Singing
  • Vintage Carousel
  • Complimentary evening access to the State Apartments
  • Meet characters from the Nutcracker
  • Carriage Rides (weekends)
  • Special events programme

Not everyone will have get the chance to trek over to Galway for The Galway Continental Christmas Market and thankfully, there are other markets like Christmas at the Castle to put us all in the festive mood.

Christmas at the Castle will run from 12th – 22nd December. For more information, visit their Twitter.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    If you are looking to be a little bit more adventurous on your date night this December then a trip to Galway for their annual continental christmas market will surely do the trick. Running on its tenth year and still holding the title of being one of the top Christmas…
  • 10000
    Paintclub is a date night idea I have yet to tick off my bucket list, so I’ll admit that we are now moving onto uncharted territory here. However, I remember first coming across the idea of unleashing my inner Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of prosec, exactly this…
  • 10000
    The music industry in Ireland is soaring with artists from all genres making waves. As someone with quite a varied taste in music, I'm always looking to discover what else is out there. I can pretty much appreciate anything from pop to hip hop so when it comes to any…
Posted on December 8, 2019

Affordable date night ideas for music lovers

12 Dates of Crimbo

music in ghe wiley fox

The music industry in Ireland is soaring with artists from all genres making waves. As someone with quite a varied taste in music, I’m always looking to discover what else is out there. I can pretty much appreciate anything from pop to hip hop so when it comes to any live music performance, I am all game!

The Wiley Fox on Eden Quay, Dublin offers a variety of live music on Monday nights for those who share a similar sentiment. It has quite a small and intimate downstairs setting where singer-songwriters of all backgrounds can perform their work of art. The pub also has an upstairs section for separate music acts.

The first time I went to The Wiley Fox for a music gig, there was a songwriter who sang in Russian. I was impressed by how the multi-lingual artist was able to sing in her native tongue, play the guitar and still keep the Irish audience engaged. That’s what you call talent!

Speaking of talent…

Another gifted artist who never fails to grab the attention of large crowds is rapper Celaviedemai. The Galway artist will have her own headline show on December 18th in Workman’s Club on Wellington Quay, Dublin.

Celaviedemai has been climbing the ranks in the Irish Hip Hop scene for quite a few years now and has opened up for a number of household names including Lil Wayne, Mac Miller and Hoodie Allen. She has also been featured in Vice, New York Times and Ireland’s very own, Nialler9 following the release of her latest music video to her single called ‘Confessions.’

If you’re conflicted between the two, then don’t be! Live music in the Wiley Fox is on every Monday while Celaviedemai headline supported by Melina Malone will only happen on Wednesday 18th. Two birds in one week? I think so!

You can buy tickets for Celaviedemai’s headline here 🙂

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    Blue cheese. Brie. Camembert. Wensleydale. These are only a fraction of the cheeses that you'll get to sample at Eatyard's Wine & Cheese festival this month. The Wine & Cheese festival is back this winter after a successful summer event, giving fondue lovers a chance to taste some of Ireland's…
  • 10000
    The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn't have to hesitate to add one of the theatre's musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series. I don't know about you, but…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
Posted on December 7, 2019

Galway Continental Christmas Market 2019

12 Dates of Crimbo

galway christmas

If you are looking to be a little bit more adventurous on your date night this December then a trip to Galway for their annual continental christmas market will surely do the trick.

Running on its tenth year and still holding the title of being one of the top Christmas markets across Ireland, this much-loved event features festive gifts and food dishes from both local and European traders.

Overtaking the iconic Eyre Square until Saturday 22 December, foodies can expect to indulge in French pastries, crêpes and waffles, while beer lovers can enjoy a sample of traditional German beers and apple cider.

In terms of entertainment, the market will have amusement rides including a 32 metre high Big Wheel and a vintage carousel along with live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling and much more!

Date night in Ireland’s most multi-cultural city is one way to enjoy the Christmas festivities outside of the big smoke!

The Galway Christmas Market opening hours are Monday – Wednesday: 12 noon – 8pm and Thursday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm.

For more information, visit their Facebook.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    As you probably know from my Instagram stories, last Thursday saw yet another picturesque region of Ireland being ticked off my lengthy travel bucket list. Myself and my gal Lorna drove up to beautiful county Wicklow to celebrate the launch of the Garden Rooms & Bar at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf…
  • 10000
    Paintclub is a date night idea I have yet to tick off my bucket list, so I’ll admit that we are now moving onto uncharted territory here. However, I remember first coming across the idea of unleashing my inner Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of prosec, exactly this…
  • 10000
    A few weeks ago, myself and my blogger gals made our way to Limerick City. While two of the girls had already been, I was only visiting for the first time so I couldn’t wait to explore a part of Ireland I had never seen before. There are so many…
  • 36
      Christmas at the Castle is a boutique open-air Christmas Market that will be turning the historic Dublin Castle into a Disney-like dream. Offering over 30 traditional market stalls in the courtyard of Dublin Castle as well as plenty of festive music and entertainment, this festive market will allow food lovers…
    Tags: christmas, market, will, festive, galway, vintage, carousel, twitter, food, lovers
Posted on December 6, 2019

Why wine and dine when you can wine and cheese?

12 Dates of Crimbo
wine and cheese festival

Photo Credit: Eatyard

Blue cheese. Brie. Camembert. Wensleydale. These are only a fraction of the cheeses that you’ll get to sample at Eatyard’s Wine & Cheese festival this month.

The Wine & Cheese festival is back this winter after a successful summer event, giving fondue lovers a chance to taste some of Ireland’s finest farmhouse cheese and wine from the best names in Dublin.

Taking place in Jam Park, Airside Retail Park in Swords, the brie praising event will have plenty of music and entertainment for all attendees.

What better way to bond with someone than over a mutual love for le fromage bleu?

The video below will give you and insight on what to expect if you decide to purchase tickets for this festive event 🙂

Looks like a very fitting 12 dates of Crimbo if you ask me! 🙂

This winter festival is on until Saturday 12th December and you can get tickets here.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    The Late Late Toy Show is on tonight which means the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. While most people get excited around this time of year, I've often found the lead up to Christmas to be unnecessarily stressful. Between the lengthy shopping queues, overcrowded roads and the general anxiety…
  • 10000
    The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn't have to hesitate to add one of the theatre's musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series. I don't know about you, but…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
Posted on December 5, 2019

Comedy date night at The International Bar

12 Dates of Crimbo

the international bar

The International Bar has developed a reputation for being the original home of Irish comedy. Bringing together some of Ireland’s best talent for shows such as The Comedy Cellar, The International Comedy Club and The Dublin Comedy Improv, the Wicklow Street bar has live entertainment seven nights a week.

While I was enticed by the idea of receiving a free beer at the door for their Comedy Improv, it was not the show that tickled our fancy. Honestly, I think there would have been far too many opportunities for us to be singled out of the crowd.

We opted for The Comedy Cellar instead, which has been housed in the International Bar for more than 30 years. Being Ireland’s longest running comedy club, it would have been rude not to start there – at least that’s what we told ourselves!

the international bar

The Comedy Cellar runs every Tuesday and Wednesday night and is hosted by Davey Reilly. Every set has a mix between up and coming comedians and well established artists. We were lucky enough to be blessed with the talent of Emma Dornan, who in the end, did single us out from the crowd in the most gas possible way.

In a nutshell, comedy night in The International is a cheap and cheerful date night idea particularly for the festive season! Best part? You can usually pay at the door for no more than a tenner which is an absolute steal for the talent you get! 🙂

For more information on shows and ticket prices, be sure to visit the website.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    Paintclub is a date night idea I have yet to tick off my bucket list, so I’ll admit that we are now moving onto uncharted territory here. However, I remember first coming across the idea of unleashing my inner Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of prosec, exactly this…
  • 10000
    The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn't have to hesitate to add one of the theatre's musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series. I don't know about you, but…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
Posted on December 4, 2019

Paint and drink! Channel your inner Van Gogh on this arty date

12 Dates of Crimbo

paint and date

Paintclub is a date night idea I have yet to tick off my bucket list, so I’ll admit that we are now moving onto uncharted territory here. However, I remember first coming across the idea of unleashing my inner Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of prosec, exactly this time last year, when photos of Prosecco and Paint events were flooding my Instagram feed.

It didn’t take me very long to discover that tickets for Prosecco and Paint sell out fairly quickly and more importantly, they only had events in Dublin. So in a desperate attempt to see if I could find any similar events closer to me, I discovered Paintcluba premier social painting events company that provides pop-up art classes for people of all levels in nine locations nationwide.

Paintclub classes currently operate in Galway, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Killarney, Athlone, Kildare, Howth as well as Dublin City. This means there might even be a workshop around the corner from you! 🙂

paint and date

At this point you’re probably wondering exactly how it all works.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can get in on the fun, straight from the horses mouth!

  • Step 1: Check out upcoming events near you.
  • Step 2: Book tickets online.
  • Step 3: Mark your Paintclub date in your diary.
  • Step 4: On the day of your workshop you will be provided all the materials, paint, brushes and even the apron.
  • Step 5: Have a drink and relax before getting started.
  • Step 6: Paint! Paint! Paint! Turn your blank canvas into a finished masterpiece with the help of guided instructions.
  • Step 7: Break! Take a breather or grab another drink.
  • Step 8: Voila! Take home your finished masterpiece!

For information on location and ticket prices, have a look on the Paintclub website.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn't have to hesitate to add one of the theatre's musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series. I don't know about you, but…
  • 10000
    As you probably know from my Instagram stories, last Thursday saw yet another picturesque region of Ireland being ticked off my lengthy travel bucket list. Myself and my gal Lorna drove up to beautiful county Wicklow to celebrate the launch of the Garden Rooms & Bar at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf…
  • 10000
    Throughout my years of attempting to navigate the bewildering world of modern romance, I’ve had many aversions towards online dating and widely used apps such as Tinder and Plenty of Fish. Without delving straight into it or coming across as deeply judgmental, I will simply say that for the good…
Posted on December 3, 2019

Skate and date with Dundrum on Ice is back!!!

12 Dates of Crimbo

skate and date with dundrum on ice

The Skate and Date initiative with Dundrum On Ice is back and it continues to offer a top quality seasonal ice skating experience for ice skating lovers of all levels.

I’ve decided to add this to my 12 Dates of Crimbo because the last time I availed of this offer, I was with my gal pals. It was such a great laugh and I think it would be just as fun with a special someone.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or an amateur skater, any couple who is even remotely interested in this winter activity can enjoy the skate and date experience along with an enticing two-course meal in Jamie’s Italian Restaurant across the way.

You can have a read of my full skate and date experience here.

Fun facts about ice skating that you might want to know:

  • Ice skating developed from the old school dance, the Waltz.
  • The ‘layback spin,’ a move that requires a great deal of flexibility is one that females tend to have more success doing in comparison to men *cough* women are better than men *cough*
  • It can increase chemistry in a relationship because moments of anxiety (for the newbies) and adrenaline rushes (for the self-proclaimed pros) can lead to heightened sexual attraction.
  • Gemma Collins went down one dress size after signing up to Dancing On Ice – now if that isn’t enough of a reason to go, then I don’t know what is!

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    The Late Late Toy Show is on tonight which means the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. While most people get excited around this time of year, I've often found the lead up to Christmas to be unnecessarily stressful. Between the lengthy shopping queues, overcrowded roads and the general anxiety…
  • 10000
    The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn't have to hesitate to add one of the theatre's musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series. I don't know about you, but…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
Posted on December 2, 2019

Up for a carpet ride to the Gaiety Panto’s Aladdin?

12 Dates of Crimbo

the gaiety panto

The Gaiety Theatre recently saw the opening night of the Arabian tale of Aladdin and following a successful date in the Gaiety last month, I didn’t have to hesitate to add one of the theatre’s musical productions to my 12 Dates of Crimbo series.

I don’t know about you, but I truly believe that one can never outgrow Disney and this year’s Gaiety Panto is one that is all about magic and embracing the inner child lurking in us all.

The Gaiety’s Aladdin is said to offer ‘magic wishes and dastardly dealings’ while promising to ‘excite and delight all ages with the extra helping of song, dance, slapstick and laughter.’

As you may or may not know, The Gaiety has hosted the annual Christmas Panto every year since 1873. Located on South King Street in Dublin, it is right and across from St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and sports bar, Sinnotts. 

That means you have the option of either doing a bit of shopping or having pre drinks before your date – we all know which is the obvious choice here!

This festive extravaganza has casted some favourites, including Joe Conlan as ‘Widow Twankey’ and Nicholas Grennell as ‘Abanazer.’ West End talent Julian Capolei will play ‘Aladdin’ and the beautiful ‘Suzie Seweify’ plays ‘Princess Jasmine’.

Performance Information:

  • Act 1: 60mins (approx)
  • Interval: 20mins
  • Act 2: 60mins (approx)

I already have my tickets booked for next week so keep an eye on my Instagram 🙂

the Gaiety Panto

For more booking information, be sure to visit gaietytheatre.ie

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    The Late Late Toy Show is on tonight which means the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. While most people get excited around this time of year, I've often found the lead up to Christmas to be unnecessarily stressful. Between the lengthy shopping queues, overcrowded roads and the general anxiety…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
  • 10000
    The Address at Dublin 1 is located in the heart of Dublin's city centre and it provides a date night deal that will undoubtedly whisk someone away during the run up to Christmas. You may or may not have read my recent blog about my stay at this 4-star hotel.  If so, then…
Posted on December 1, 2019

Relax and unwind in this Dublin City Centre hotel

12 Dates of Crimbo

the address at dublin 1

The Address at Dublin 1 is located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre and it provides a date night deal that will undoubtedly whisk someone away during the run up to Christmas.

You may or may not have read my recent blog about my stay at this 4-star hotel.  If so, then it should be no surprise that I am including it in my 12 Dates of Crimbo series.

Date night at The Address at Dublin 1 is currently offering champagne on arrival and an indulgent 4-course meal on top of an overnight accommodation.

In a nutshell, this boutique hotel makes for the perfect escape for two love birds to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Really and truly, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a full Irish after a luxurious over night stay? 🙂

the address at dublin 1The Address Date night offer includes (for 2 People):

  • Overnight accommodation
  • Full Irish Breakfast
  • A bottle of House Champagne
  • Four Course Dinner

Date Night at The Address at Dublin 1 is priced from €259 and subject to availability. To read about the full experience of staying in The Address at Dublin 1 have at my previous blog post. 

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Related Posts

  • 10000
    As you probably know from my Instagram stories, last Thursday saw yet another picturesque region of Ireland being ticked off my lengthy travel bucket list. Myself and my gal Lorna drove up to beautiful county Wicklow to celebrate the launch of the Garden Rooms & Bar at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf…
  • 10000
      Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign to celebrate the trucks return for the ninth year in Ireland. After a fun evening celebrating this festive campaign, I thought a stop at the Coca-Cola truck tour would make for the perfect addition to…
  • 10000
    The Late Late Toy Show is on tonight which means the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. While most people get excited around this time of year, I've often found the lead up to Christmas to be unnecessarily stressful. Between the lengthy shopping queues, overcrowded roads and the general anxiety…
  • 35
    I've recently had the pleasure of waking up to a rather picturesque view from my king size bed at The Address at Dublin 1. After a much needed overnight stay in the 4-star hotel which overlooked the long-standing central railway station of North Dublin, it quickly occurred to me that Dublin has…
    Tags: dublin, address, hotel, city, stay, night, instagram
Back to top
%d bloggers like this: