Mitchel McLaughlin from the Bogside spoke with us first. He believes that Derry is a romantic place for visitors, although he isn't sure about the people who live here. When asked if Mitchel could remember his first date, he said: "No, I'm 80 years of age. Are you kidding me?" Describing what he believes is a good date he said: "If you can say at the end of the date that you had a very good night, that both enjoyed themselves. That would qualify." Mitchel wasn’t one for receiving any Valentine's Day presents, he said he was the one giving the gifts. ”I usually give presents, if I remember back to those days, I didn't get any back.”

placeholder image — Mitchel McLaughlin from the Bogside spoke with us first. He believes that Derry is a romantic place for visitors, although he isn't sure about the people who live here. When asked if Mitchel could remember his first date, he said: "No, I'm 80 years of age. Are you kidding me?" Describing what he believes is a good date he said: "If you can say at the end of the date that you had a very good night, that both enjoyed themselves. That would qualify." Mitchel wasn’t one for receiving any Valentine's Day presents, he said he was the one giving the gifts. ”I usually give presents, if I remember back to those days, I didn't get any back.”

People in Derry on what makes a good first date and the perfect Valentine’s Day present

By Jack Tibbetts

Published 10th Feb 2025, 15:57 BST

The holiday all about romance has arrived. Some hate it, some love it, but we wondered what makes a good first date and what's the perfect Valentine's Day present.

People in Derry from all ages told us what they think.

Photos from George Sweeney.

5. Elle and Sean Rang 7 pupils at Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir

Lastly, we chanced across two primary students who gifted each other Valentine’s Day presents, Elle and Sean, Rang 7 pupils at Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir. Elle gave Sean a plushie, a lollipop and a keychain, while Sean got Elle a Sausage dog teddy bear, mini eggs and a card. The two weren't quite sure what Valentine’s Day meant, but they got each other gifts because they believed it would be kind. Photo: George Sweeney

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People in Derry on what makes a good first date and the perfect Valentine’s Day present

The holiday all about romance has arrived. Some hate it, some love it, but we wondered what makes a good first date and what's the perfect Valentine's Day present.

5. Elle and Sean Rang 7 pupils at Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir

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