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Content creator Tara Povey shares her tips for meeting romantic partners away from the apps.
Being single in the modern world can be, to put it very politely, a struggle. Apps that make catfishing easier than ever, an ever-shrinking pool of options, and an increasing level of unhinged behaviour from potential matches can all be a bit devastating.
When I asked the people of Instagram what they wanted to read about when it comes to dating, the overwhelming response was: how to meet people in real life.
The entire single population of Ireland seems to be sick of the apps, and rightly so. The apps serve a purpose, but they get old fast and can slowly chip away at your self-esteem if you let them.
Every partner I've had for the last decade I’ve met in real life. Of course, I’ve been on the apps in between, had flings and dates from the apps, but a relationship? Not since I was in my very early 20s (and I’d rather forget about that one).
Meeting a potential partner face to face is not always something magical, where you accidentally bump into each other on a busy street, look into each others’ eyes and boom - love at first sight. In fact, that’s rarely how it happens.
What I’m trying to say is, you can’t just wait around for your dream person to turn up. There are plenty of ways that you can actively increase the likelihood of you meeting a partner in real life that are simple and doable.
Get set up
Your friends and family know you best. They often know what you need better than you do. Ask them if they know anyone that they think you might get on with. Match-making is a very real tradition and while your loved ones may not be official match-makers, they could be exactly what you need.
There's also a great level of security in knowing that you can’t really be catfished and the potential match is probably not an awful person if your friend has pre-vetted them for you. And if your friendsor family are useless at pairing you up then there’s always the world famous Lisdoonvarna Match-Making Festival in September 2025.
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Be open
Be receptive to people in your everyday life. This is a really simple one but something most people overlook. For example, don’t wear headphones as much in public places; people probably won’t approach or attempt to chat to you if you look closed off.
I understand that is what a lot of us want sometimes (myself included), however, we can’t complain about not being able to meet people in real life and simultaneously do everything in our power to avoid contact with strangers. At some stage, you’re going to have to put yourself out there. Chat to people you interact with daily: the staff at your local coffee shop, people you see in your building/area etc.
Singles events
There are more singles events going on around Ireland than ever. There’s the legendary Singles Night at McGowans of Phibsboro where the first 50 attendees get a free Prosecco*.
Matchbox is a new event being held in Dublin that has an impressive track record in New York and London with over 500,000 successful matches. At a Matchbox event you are given three matches and you have three mini dates that are 20 minutes long. There is also time to mix and mingle with others after the mini dates.
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Korina Duffy of EcoFitness hosts several singles hikes and adventure mornings across Ireland. There are a couple coming up in Laois and Kilkenny (because Dublin is not actually the centre of the universe!).
2Connect offers speed dating, singles hikes and pub quizzes in Dublin and Cork. Your Friend My Friend has speed dating events, run clubs, wine tastings and more in Limerick, Galway, Cork and Dublin. Honestly, there are so many single events out there that are worth trying.
Break routine
Mix up your life a bit! You can’t expect anything to change if you keep doing the same things. Branch out from your usual routine. Go to a new coffee shop, try a new class at the gym, say yes to going out instead of staying in, again. The perfect partner cannot find you on your sofa reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. You have to put some effort in to increase your chances of meeting someone new.
Go somewhere new
Because I travel a lot for work, I’ve met most of my partners outside of Ireland. I’m actually dating someone at the moment who I first met in an airport lounge of all places. With budget flights these days, dating someone in a different country isn’t as wild a concept as it used to be. And if you're eco-conscious about travel, there are more ways to sustain a long distance relationship than ever before.
I mean, statistically, what are the chances that your perfect partner is going to be in the town/city you grew up in? Or even just in the one you happen to live in now? I’m no mathematician but I don't think the odds are in our favour. Why not keep an eye out on your next holiday? At the very least, you’ll have a fun fling and another great story to tell.
Hopefully, some of this encourages you to be brave and put yourself out there. Don’t worry about feeling silly or self conscious, everyone at a singles event or a match-making festival undoubtedly feels the same way. Dating is about being open and vulnerable, as uncomfortable as that might be sometimes.
And listen, if you’re still feeling stuck, you can always apply for the next season of First Dates.
* Drink responsibly
