Last Valentines Day the team questioned my belief that a Red Heart Shaped Cast Iron Casserole Dish is a great gift idea for my better half, who loves to cook! Who is with me?

So this year I thought I’d share some other quirky things I think are great ideas if you are stuck and looking for something for that special someone this Valentine’s Wednesday. You can thank me later!

The Perfect Pairing: Whiskey & Chocolate 

“The Taste Table” brings together the world’s finest Irish whiskeys with mouth-watering hand-painted Irish chocolates by the renowned Bon Chocolatiers, in an unrivalled exclusive experience only available from Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Set Dublin’s only live maturation room and within the original distillery walls, I was lucky enough to try this and sample some of the most revered and accoladed Irish whiskeys such as Redbreast 27 and Red Spot. Each drink was accompanied by a delicious hand-crafted chocolate created specifically for each blend and designed to enhance the flavour profile of the liquid. I have never had a more perfect pairing!

Tickets for The Taste Table are available to book from the Jameson Distillery Bow Street website. They are priced €140 per person, which includes the tastings and a cocktail of your choice to enjoy afterwards in the JJ’s Bar where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of the distillery. It may seem like a lot to spend, but it is worth the treat as these are premium whiskeys that are rarely opened and the chocolates are unlike any other I’ve tasted!

Friends With Benefits 

The iconic experience, based around the world’s most iconic TV series, ‘The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Dublin’, will officially leave our shores on February 25th so VDay is the perfect time to treat a fan of the show.

The exhibition surrounding the globally loved television series “FRIENDS” lets you relive your favourite moments in a variety of nostalgic recreated sets and activations, including Monica’s apartment and the iconic “FRIENDS” fountain.

The interactive space invites fans to explore the show’s history and relive their favourite moments, such as knocking on Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliners, helping Ross move his new sofa, and more. And of course, there’s a recreation of the iconic Central Perk cafe, complete with the legendary orange couch.

Click here for tickets for all dates and time slots and more info.

Where Love Stories Begin

The luxurious five-star InterContinental Dublin celebrates the love and passion of some of the most romantic couples from popular literature, film and music with a lovingly curated new Love Story Afternoon Tea.

Served in refreshed Reading Room with its roaring fire or the elegant Lobby Lounge overlooking the Garden Terrace, the hotel’s award-winning Pastry Chef Orna Larkin has created a menu that includes a flamboyant Pear Sponge with Vanilla Whipped Ganache (inspired by Danny and Sandy from Grease), a Chocolate and Blood Orange Entremets (inspired by Johnny and June Cash) and a decadent Raspberry and Honey Cheesecake (inspired by Romeo & Juliet).

Available between Monday February 12th and Sunday February 18th, costing €62 per person, you can book on 01 665 4000 or [email protected].

Love Gone Wild 

On Saturday, February 17^th and Sunday, February 18^th, Dublin Zoo visitors can avail of the Love Gone Wild offer.

Costing €60 including entry to Dublin Zoo for two people, a special guidebook for the day ahead, romantic souvenirs and a tea or coffee to enjoy with sweet treats for two at the Meerkat Restaurant. There will also be an array of keeper talks themed around the celebration of love across the weekend.

Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week 9.30am to 5pm and you can book the package here.

Egg-citing Love At First Bite

Calling all cookie fans – the ultimate sweet treat is here! Domino’s has coupled up with Cadbury’s to launch the brand new ‘Domino’s Cookies made with Cadbury Creme Egg’, which fans can get their hands on nationwide from Monday 12^th February.

The limited edition ‘egg-stra’ special cookie sees Domino’s cookie dough stuffed with a whole Cadbury Creme Egg before being baked to perfection. The partnership has been a labour of love, two years in the making, resulting in a warm, heavenly, gooey Creme Egg Centre that oozes out with every bite…(*or so I’m told. I can’t wait to try it!)

Couples venturing out on Valentine’s Dates can also meet-cute at the Domino’s Digi Display at the entrance to the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Wednesday, 14^th February and share a couple of cookies.  All they have to do is yodel Domin-oh-hoo-hoo when they spot the Cookie Deliveries between 5pm and 7:30pm.