UK Couples Rate Ireland as Top Romantic Destination

19 November 2012

It seems our British neighbours consider Ireland a romantic destination, as the latest findings from research carried out by Select Hotels of Ireland is revealed! The research was carried out as Select Hotels exhibited at two of the UK's biggest wedding showcases in Earl's Court, London and the NEC in Birmingham.

Think romance, and you immediately think of Paris? This may no longer be the case, as statistics from the survey showed that 97% of those asked said they consider Ireland a romantic holiday destination! Just over half of respondents (52%) said they would consider getting married in Ireland with a further 89% saying they would definitely consider Ireland as their honeymoon destination!

On closer analysis of the results, it was revealed that only 10% of those asked were of Irish descent, with a massive 90% of British nationals citing Ireland as a romantic destination.

Commenting on the results, Una Young, General Manager of Select Hotels of Ireland said "This is fantastic news for the Irish hospitality industry. The fact that it was Ireland's picturesque scenery and rugged landscape that lead people to describe Ireland as a romantic destination is a great boost for Irish Tourism. The Irish were always proud of how beautiful Ireland is, but it is such a great achievement for those beyond the Emerald Isle to agree with us!"

Una went on to say "Every county in Ireland has a story to tell that has been handed down through the generations, making Ireland a haven for romance. With our twenty five independently owned hotels dotted throughout Ireland and located in the most spectacular and romantic settings, that set them apart from the rest, we believe that Select Hotels are perfect wedding venues with something to offer all tastes, pockets and heritages."

The survey findings are great news for Peter Loughnane, Marketing Manager of the County Arms, in Birr and one of the hoteliers who exhibited at the event as part of the Select Hotels team. Peter said "We originally wanted to target the Irish diaspora in the UK, people who are second and third generation Irish who had an innate understanding of the difference between Irish and English weddings, often subtle in the smallest of details, but things that can make a difference to the overall experience of the day. It is fascinating to find that there is such interest from non Irish too."

Select Hotels of Ireland has a collection of 25 hotels throughout Ireland and was established 11 years ago as a marketing platform for independently owned hotels, all with a recognised rich tradition of Irish Hospitality and premium 3 and 4 star establishments.  For further information visit www.selecthotels.ie