09 February 2021

Despite the challenges and uncertainty of the last 12 months, 80% of people feel the pandemic has strengthened their relationship with their partner, that’s according to a survey compiled by Irelandhotels.com ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’.

The ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ survey gives a fascinating insight into ‘love under lockdown’ identifying that in the face of adversity, love can grow even stronger in many cases. Although confined together for months, nine out of 10 people would still choose to have a romantic night away with their partner over a fun break away with friends.Suggesting that celebrations will be more postponed than cancelled this Valentine’s Day, 70% of
those surveyed revealed they will mark the occasion with their loved ones when restrictions are lifted.

Launched late last year by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and supported by Fáilte Ireland, the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ is the ultimate gift of amazing hotel and guesthouse experiences in 350 hotels and guest houses across Ireland. On the survey findings, IHF President Elaina Fitzgerald Kane said: “Even in these lockdown times, it is so uplifting to see the high value being placed in romantic breaks in Irish hotels and guesthouses
throughout Ireland as part of Valentines celebrations albeit in vouchers for breaks to be taken at a later stage this year.”

While travel outside our 5km remains restricted for now, romantic trips away are in our sights with 8 out of 10 people saying they’d opt for a night away outside of their home county if given the choice. “While restrictions remain in place for Valentine’s, we hope that couples will choose a ‘Go
Anywhere Gift Card’ as a promise to one another that ‘this too shall pass’ and we will be able to enjoy breaks away together again in the not-too-distant future,” Elaina Fitzgerald Kane continued.“It’s important that we all have something to look forward to and with the choice of 350 hotels
and guest houses around Ireland, it has never been easier. Known worldwide for our hospitality, our hotel and guesthouse community is very much looking forward to giving everyone a special welcome once again.”

When exploring how people have been dating during lockdown, socially distant walks and drinks/coffee outside proved to be the most popular activities for those looking for love. For those already partnered up, movie nights, preparing nice meals and takeaways were top of the list for date nights.Topping the list as the most romantic county in Ireland was the Kingdom of Kerry followed by counties Galway, Cork and Donegal.

The ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ is available to purchase on Irelandhotels.com and can be delivered instantly electronically, or by post in a signature gift box. Available in denominations of €50 to €1,000, the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ is valid for five years. For more information Irelandhotels.com.