8 things to do this Valentine's Day whether you're dating or not

Valentine's Day can be a lot. If you're in a couple there’s pressure to find the perfect gift or organise some grand gesture, which can feel forced and performative. If you’re single, it can (incorrectly) make you feel like a little unloveable oddball just trying to survive the day.

However, it doesn’t have to be like that. Valentine's Day can be a celebration of all the people we love, including ourselves. So whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend or simply treating yourself here are some fun things to do this 14 February.

Take a hike to a heart-shaped lake
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than to hike to Ireland’s heart-shaped lake, Lough Ouler in Co Wicklow? This is perfect for couples, friends and solo adventurers. I recommend checking the weather before you head out on the hike because, after all, we live in Ireland and a picnic by a heart-shaped lake is no fun when it’s absolutely lashing.

Chocolate tasting
Valentine’s and chocolate go hand in hand, so a trip to Neary Nógs in Co Down is a must. Book yourself in for the Master Craft Chocolate Experience (£21 per adult and £7 per child) which takes you through the entire bean to bar chocolate experience and includes a glorious tasting. You can book your experience directly on their website here.

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Forge a ring for yourself
Listen, no one needs to propose on Valentine's Day, that’s a cliché. But, making yourself or your friend/loved one a unique piece of jewellery is a great way to spend the big day. Silverworks in Dublin offers a silver ring-making workshop in George’s Street and Drury Street. Each workshop costs €85 per person and includes all the tools/materials needed to create your wearable masterpiece. You can also choose to add personalised engraving, gold plating and more. My friend Jess actually made her wedding rings with her husband at a workshop like this!

Get mystical
I love a little tarot or oracle card reading when I need some clarity or inspiration. A relationship tarot reading with your friends is a fun way to spend Valentine's if you're solo and curious about what the year might bring. I've had a couple of readings done by Charlotte Madden of @that_witchy_life_ and they’re always exciting and spookily accurate. She sends readings via voice note or email. There’s no better girls night activity than dissecting each other’s readings!

Book a foodie experience
The Wicklow Escape in the Glen of Imaal is a boutique foodie retreat that’s perfect for any food-lover this February. I’ve been to a couple of their immersive dining experiences with family, friends and even an ex and it received rave reviews from all parties. The chefs use all local ingredients from surrounding farms/producers and each course is better than the last. If you book a room and stay overnight you can take full advantage of their on site wood-fired hot tub. Book your foodie getaway here.

Cosy getaway
I recently stayed at Mount Congreve's new Eco Pods in Co Waterford and they were gorgeous - picture a luxurious hobbit house and you’re on the right track. Each pod has its own private hot tub which is the perfect spot for a bit of stargazing. Staying at Mount Congreve also gives you private access to the gardens even when closed to the public which is a really unique experience. You can check availability here.

Sip and soak
If you’re in and around Athlone this Valentine’s Day then book yourself a hot tub boat to take in the sights of Lough Ree. The Hot Tub Boat Experience is perfect for celebrating with the girls or for a romantic day out. The experience lasts 90 minutes and it is BYOB (as long as the booze is in plastic containers). Don’t worry about the Irish weather, you’ll be nice and toasty in the hot tub. You can book online here.

Take a trip down Love Lane
Love Lane is a small alleyway in Dublin's Temple Bar. It is lined with murals as well as a colourful mosaic wall full of quotes about love as Gaelige and in English. It’s worth a quick stroll if you’re out and about in Dublin this Valentine’s Day and looking for some everyday romance.

Valentine’s has never been my favourite celebration, I’m more of a Halloween girl. But while it may be a bit cheesy to say, we could all do with a bit more love in our lives (platonic or otherwise). And, in the meantime, I’ll be here, patiently awaiting my award for not using the words "Galentines" or "Palentines" at all throughout this article. I would never disrespect any of you like that.