Double daters return to the First Dates restaurant

This week on First Dates Ireland, best friends Siobhan and Nicole return to the restaurant with hopes of finding their perfect matches.

"You just need to be a little bit more open minded," Siobhan tells Nicole. "Just a little bit more open minded."

"I think you're too open," Nicole replies. "Your eyes give it away."

"We've a lot of work to do," they tell producers.

The two singletons first appeared on First Dates Ireland in 2024 when they were paired up as part of a double date with two boys - James and Stephen.

Although romance failed to spark that night, a fulfilling relationship did blossom between 25-year-old Siobhan and her soon-to-be best friend, 27-year-old Jade.

"I like someone nice but not too nice," Jade tells producers. "And I've officially stopped saying that I only kiss girls for the craic."

Dubbed 'double trouble' my maitre d' Mateo Saina, the pair entered the restaurant with gusto - even if they did struggle with the door. While Jade is hoping for a blonde with "Sabrina Carpenter vibes", Siobhan has her heart set on a muscle-bound and passionate gentleman.

"I'm still as hopeful as ever about meeting someone," says Siobhan, "maybe someone a bit, like, muscly and, like, tattoos on them."

"I want someone genuine and motivated and passionate," she adds. "Just a cool dude."

Happily, 24-year-old Cork woman Nicole (a Taurus) turned out to be the perfect shot of espresso for Jade (a Libra), with the two discussed star signs, height, and tattoos - all within the first few minutes of meeting.

The flirting was so intense, in fact, that Siobhan had to stand behind the bar with barman Neil to avoid getting between the two.

Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long before hopeless-romantic Stephen arrived with a bouquet of red roses in hand.

Once the confusion of who was being paired up with who was cleared it, it was time to part ways for their dates - but not before a protective Jade could pass a warning on to Stephen: "I could break your arm in three places."

While Jade and Nicole giggled over their soup starters, Siobhan and Stephen discussed wholesome activites and past relationships. Everyone seemed to be getting on well, but would they pass the best friend test?

To ensure they could all enjoy double dates in the future, Jade and Nicole swapped tables in order to suss out each other's match.

While Nicole was quizzed on her intentions by Siobhan, Stephen was dubbed as a 'green flag' for his love of musicals - which quickly led to a microphone being placed in his hand so he could perform ABBA's Dancing Queen.

Once the dates had wrapped, it was time for the big question to be asked: Do you want to see each other again?

Jade and Nicole were an instant yes, barely letting the producers as the question, with both calling the other "girlfriend material".

Elsewhere, Siobhan and Stephen agreed to head straight to the karaoke bar to keep the date going.