Okay, so date number one was an amazing success. He made you laugh, he scrubbed up well and you felt that all-important first date ‘spark.’

There were no awkward silences and you’ve already agreed to see him again as soon as possible. Awesome.

There’s just one downside to this otherwise perfect situation – it’s your turn to pick the date. Uh-oh…

Everyone knows that the second date is crucial. It can make or break a budding relationship. You want to show your potential future spouse just how fun you can be, yet you also want to showcase the fact that you’re completely unlike anyone else that he’s ever met before.

Basically, you want to show him that you’re definitely girlfriend material and that he’d be a fool not to ask you for a third date.

How can you make sure that you’re completely unforgettable to him? Well the answer is simple: you take him on the best second date of all time.

Yes, we know it sounds daunting, but don’t despair. We’ve got you covered! Here are our top 10 second date ideas. Sure he’ll be hounding you for date number three faster than you can say ‘let me check my diary…’

10. Do it in the Morning: Yes, flip the script. Instead of arranging a rendezvous at 8pm, meet him at 4am. Find a nice place to sit and watch the sun rise and then treat him to a full Irish breakfast at your favourite café.  You’ll have that lovely early-morning glow about you and he gets some free rashers. The perfect date? We think so! Just maybe not on a work day...or night, for that matter.

9. Go to an Open Mic Night: Open mic nights are great, mainly because you never know what you’re going to get. You could see an amazing unsigned band or witness the next big thing in comedy or something so underwhelming, it’ll give you both a good giggle.

If you’re feeling brave, take to the stage yourself and try to impress your date with your vast knowledge of knock knock jokes.

Eh…on second thoughts, it’s probably a good idea to keep that talent hidden until your fourth date…at least…

8. Have a double cinema date: If you have the cash to spare, then a cinema marathon is always the way to go – especially if your date should fall on a particularly dreary day. Get your date to close his eyes and pick a film at random. Order up some popcorn and go to see it. Then repeat the process again, only this time it’s your turn to randomly pick.

A double cinema date is a great way to pass a rainy day or a few hours in the evening. Plus, picking the movies randomly adds a little mystery to the process. Will you end up seeing the latest blockbuster or the worst comedy of all time? Who knows!

7. Stargaze with a Soundtrack: This one works best on a balmy summer night. Find a place where you can clearly see the stars. Lie down with the object of your affections and just watch the night sky. For extra ambience bring along an iPod and play some of your favourite tunes.

6. Cycle around Dublin City: Did you know that Dublin City is one of the best places in Europe when it comes to cycling? Why not rent a pair of city bikes for the day and follow the cycling lanes around the capital? Where ever you are in Ireland, cycling is always a good bet – weather permitting, of course.

It’s guaranteed to be a bit of a laugh and you’ll be getting some exercise too. Two birds, one stone and all that…

5. Go Pub-hopping and Play People-Bingo: Seek out some unusual pubs and spend the afternoon hopping from one to the next. Make a list of things that you’re most likely to see, for example: “man walking dog” or “woman struggling with twenty shopping bags.” The first person to spot all the things on their list wins a drink.

4. Go to the Beach: Yes, even if it’s raining and the depths of winter. Just go and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing. Extra points if the two of you brave hypothermia and go for a paddle. It’ll be a fun story to tell the grandkids.

3. Do Something Neither of You Has Tried Before: Sharing a new experience is one of the quickest ways to bond. Whether it’s anti-gravity yoga or learning how to dance the tango, sign up for something new and let the laughter ensue. You never know, you might just discover a shared new hobby.

2. Have an Unexpected Picnic: On your balcony, in the backseat of his car, on your living room floor, in the park – the possibilities with this one are endless. Bring a packed picnic with you and then whip it out when he least expects it. Make sure to include a bottle of something bubbly and a decadent dessert.

1. Take him to an Arcade and Play Some Games: Find your nearest arcade, make sure you have a bucket of change and challenge him to a Street Fighter duel. A gorgeous girl playing video games with him? He won’t be forgetting you in a hurry. Trust us.