The Grand Stretch = Romance?
A recent analysis of online search trends by HenParty.ie shows a surge in interest for dating apps, pubs and bars as soon as the clocks go forward!
On Sunday, March 30th, the clocks will leap forward once again and this data ranks towns across Ireland based on their search activity in late March/early April for terms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, pubs, beer gardens and bars, revealing where people are most eager to get out, meet new people and perhaps spark some new connections this spring!
The Key Findings: How Ireland’s Social Life Changes Along with the Clocks
The experts at HenParty.ie took a closer look at how the nation’s online search habits change in-and-around the clocks going forward, examining trends between March 20th – April 10th over the past four years. Here's what they found -
- Dating apps surge: Tinder searches increased by 27% in 2024 between March 20th to April 10th, the highest jump in the four-year period examined (2021-2024), while searches for Hinge rose 5% after a 14% dip in 2023.
- Pubs & bars remain popular: Pubs saw a 76.6% increase in searches in the 2023 period, but interestingly declined by 28.8% in 2024, possibly indicating shifting social habits amongst younger cohorts.
- Beer gardens losing appeal? A consistent drop in beer garden searches for three consecutive years suggests a shift towards indoor venues or alternative social spots (although the weather doesn't help!)
Based on HenParty.ie’s data, if you’re looking to find the love of your life this Spring it’s time to head to … Navan?
- Navan – Taking the top spot with high search activity for both dating apps and nightlife, Navan is Ireland’s most social hotspot as we enter the days of the ‘Grand Stretch’.
- Croagh – A hugely surprising contender, the small village of Croagh, Co. Limerick ranks highly in dating app searches, showing locals are actively looking for connections.
- New Ross – With strong interest in pubs and bars, it seems social life is in full swing here after the clocks change.
- Dundalk – A consistent performer, Dundalk sees spikes in both nightlife and dating searches during this time of year.
- Athy – Climbing into the top five, Athy proves a hotspot for love as the evenings get brighter.
Local Insights: Where Ireland Is Searching for Love and Social Life
- Wicklow tops the nation for Tinder searches, showing a high level of dating app engagement as people look for romance.
- Newbridge leads the way for Bumble, indicating a strong trend towards more serious dating in the town.
- Shannon dominates Hinge searches, a hotbed for those seeking meaningful connections. Something in the water, perhaps?
- Wicklow ranks highest for 'bar' searches, suggesting a thirst for social engagement.
- Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford leads the country for pub searches - and with only a few pubs in the town, they must be very popular indeed…
- Clonroche, Co. Wexford has inputted the most searches for ‘Beer Gardens’ despite the overall decline in searches for outdoor drinking spots in early Spring.
The Experts Comment
Experts suggest that longer evenings and increased daylight play a big role in boosting social confidence and romantic interest. Studies have shown that sunlight increases serotonin and dopamine levels, making people feel more positive, a bit more social and generally open to new experiences.
According to Kate Hyde of HenParty.ie the time change creates the perfect conditions for socialising: “As the days get longer, people naturally feel more inclined to go out, meet new people and actually enjoy their evenings, especially after a long winter. The increase in dating app activity and searches for pubs and bars is no coincidence – it's a seasonal shift in behaviour that happens every year.”
How The Data Was Collected
The rankings were determined by analysing Google Trends data from March 21st to April 8th over the past four years (2021 – 2024), identifying where searches for dating apps and nightlife-related terms saw the biggest spikes after the clocks changed. Each town was given a final score out of 600 based on search volume for six key terms.
What This Means for Singles in Ireland
Whether you’re looking for love, a fun night out or just a chance to meet new people, these towns are where the action is this spring. With the brighter evenings setting the stage, there's no better time to put yourself out there.
About HenParty.ie - HenParty.ie is a leading online platform for planning bachelorette parties and girls' getaways, specializing in creating unforgettable experiences across a range of destinations and activities. From spa weekends to adventure-packed getaways, HenParty.ie ensures every celebration is memorable.
