Get crafty

For a wholesome Valentine's/Galentine's activity, why not indulge in some pottery/glass painting? Located just five minutes from campus is Belfast Pottery Painting, which is hosting a BYOB pottery painting event on 11 Feb. In the city centre, The Pottery Nest is hosting a workshop in The Jailhouse on 12 Feb, where you can bring your own heart-shaped bowl to life over themed cocktails. 

Elsewhere, Grace O'Malley's on the Dublin Road is hosting a unique Gals & Guinness event on 12 Feb, complete with your very own Guinness glass and painting supplies, pint on arrival, plus a Belfast bap with Tayto crisps - a night that promises to be full of craic and creamy pints.

With 'sip and paint' events becoming popular amongst friend groups, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in some artistry while enjoying a beverage or two this Valentine's/Galentine's season:

• Galentine's Candle Painting - Margot x Le Contour (Feb 11)
• Sip and Paint Party, The Marcus Ward (Feb 12)
• Valentines Paint & Sip at Whites Tavern (Feb 12)
• Galentine’s Paint by Numbers Night at The Woodworkers (Feb 13)

Painting not your thing? Why not try out Cafe Parisien's Sip n Sparkle event, where you can design and stamp your own personalised necklace over some nibbles and a glass of prosecco. Find out more here.

Cosy cinema nights

Looking to get lost in romance on the big screen? Queen's Film Theatre is showing iconic rom-com When Harry Met Sally on the 14 Feb, as well as the highly-anticipated "Wuthering Heights" adaptation by Emerald Fennell.

In the city centre, The Avenue Cinema is playing host to a range of romantic classics, including 10 Things I Hate About You, The Notebook and Pride and Prejudice. Cosy up with your loved one and have food and drink delivered straight to your seats!

For a movie night with gal pals, head to Haymarket for their Galentine's movie night, complete with a cocktail of your choice.

Food and drink

Looking to catch up with friends over some food and drinks this Galentine's season? Head to House Belfast in Botanic for a boozy bottomless brunch, live DJ and glittery pink prosecco. Keep the party going at Revolucion de Cuba's Galentine's celebration event on Sunday 15 Feb.

For a more intimate gathering, check out Ruchira's Supper Club (Galentines Edition) in Stranmillis, complete with a 5-course meal, flowing cocktails and cosy vibes.

Or if you'd like to indulge your sweet tooth, book Galentine's Afternoon Tea at Titanic Hotel and enjoy a selection of fresh scones, dainty desserts and gourmet savouries.

Entertainment

For the ultimate girls' day out, the lavish Cabaret Supper Club is hosting a Galentine’s Drag Cabaret Lunch Show, complete with prosecco on arrival, a main course and dazzling entertainment from local drag queens.

For a Valentine's date with a musical twist, Belfast's Candlelight Concerts are perfect for enjoying live music in a romantic candlelit setting. Upcoming shows include Queen vs. ABBA and Hans Zimmer's Best Works.

If you prefer a more alternative celebration of love, make sure to visit The Botanic Inn on Feb 14 for their Blood Rave Part 2 - Your Bloody Valentines Night! - expect vampire pole dancers, cages and blood-themed drink promos.

Find out more

Galentine's or Valentine's?

Things to do in Belfast

International Students in Belfast: Date Ideas With Girl Friends

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I’m Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen’s Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen’s website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog.  I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen’s and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen’s Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!