Something different: ten places in Ireland to go for a ‘creative date’

Have a date coming up but not quite sure what to do for it? Going for the “creative date” option is sure to facilitate two things: good chats, and great distraction. The out-of-the-ordinary feel that you get when you attend a life drawing class, or embark on a woodworking adventure means that you’re sure to have a good time, even if your date in question is a bit on the drab side…

These activities don’t have to be confined to the realms of first dates either, as they all make for an equally pleasing way to spend time with friends, family and colleagues.

Throwing Workshop

Little Green Street, Dublin 7

Throwing is a one day workshop at Arran Street East to introduce you to the techniques of throwing pots. In a small class, you’ll work on a potter’s wheel to shape clay and try your hand at some throwing techniques, guided by our expert potters, with the aim of making a simple pot of your own by the end of the day.

Knitting

Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2

This Is Knit offer knitting and crochet classes for everyone: from absolute beginners to experienced enthusiasts on a weekly basis. Their “every day” classes are taught by friendly knowledgeable teachers who embrace the fun and laid-back side of knitting and crochet.

Pine Forest

Glencullen, Dublin 18

“Be a Pine Forest Big Kid for a day!”

Taking place on the first Sunday of each month, the Pine Forest crew invite all adults between ages 18-80 to channel their inner kid, with a day spent creating colourful artwork, going on fun outdoor walks and learning about everything from tadpoles to tree rings.

Adult art class

The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 2

The team at The National Gallery run a broad programme of tours, talks and drawing classes for adults nearly every day of the week (although activities are usually scheduled for lunch-times, Thursday evenings and Sundays). If the times don’t suit you, simply roaming around the gallery is always a lovely activity too, made all the better when followed by a coffee and cake in the cafe.

Pottery Painting

Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14

Pottery painting really is as enjoyable and relaxing as it sounds, and it can be such a laugh when paired with a glass of BYO wine at Giddy Studios. Located in Dundrum Town Centre, choose whatever you want to paint, be it a mug, bowl, plate, or ornament. And don’t worry about being creatively-challenged, the Giddy team is great at helping with hints and tips.

Merrion Square Open Air Gallery

Merrion Square, Dublin 2

On a Sunday afternoon when the sun is shining and the coffee is steaming, there’s nothing nicer than taking a stroll around Dublin’s own open-air art gallery along the railings of Merrion Square. If you’re not buying then it’s still nice to imagine what you would buy if you had the money. There’s some incredible talent to be seen on this square, and it might even encourage you to embrace your own creative talents again when you get home.

Spoon Making

Westport, Co.Mayo

Éamonn O’Sullivan runs this brilliant one-day spoon carving workshop at several points throughout the year and gives participants the opportunity to make some really beautiful wooden creations. You can buy a place on an upcoming workshop here.

“Crafternoon”

At home

Invite your date/ mate around for an afternoon of arts and crafts, chilled beats, treats, and maybe a glass of wine thrown in the mix too, if you fancy it! The crafts can include anything from t-shirt tye-dying to bunting making, birthday card-drawing or knitting/ embroidery. This is a really lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially when the weather outside is bad.

Life drawing

Rutland Street, Co.Cork

Visions School of Art in Cork city offer practice sessions that are open to people of all levels and abilities (and many places around the country offer a similar opportunity). These Cork Life Drawing practice sessions are not instructed, but it is always possible to pick up tips and insights through break-time conversation with other participants.

Woodworking

Ballinvalley, Co.Wicklow

Pick between the brilliant furniture or instrument-making course at Hill Picket Studio, both of which are open to all levels and take place in one full-day class. Beginners will get an introduction to various hand tools and techniques, and for participants with previous experience or who are a little more confident, you’ll have the opportunity to make projects such as stools, kitchen tables, guitars etc.