A summer of heat and sun is becoming the summer of love with engagements at one Donegal hotel having TREBLED on last year.
It’s not just ice-cream and prosecco sales rising in the best summer since 1976, romance is top of the agenda too.
And forget about ‘Love Island’ – it’s ‘Love Ireland’ when it comes to couples declaring their adoration for each other at the Shandon Hotel & Spa at Marble Hill.
“The number of bookings at the hotel involving marriage proposals has gone through the roof,” said Shandon Hotel & Spa resort General Manager Carolynne Harrison.
“Last summer we had around one every week; now it’s one every other day and of course we always put on a special welcome when we get a call saying a surprise proposal will be taking place during a couple’s stay.
“I think the warm weather since May has something to do with it. It really has been an incredible summer for businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way here in County Donegal.
“We’ve had to double orders for champagne and prosecco since the summer season began.
“I think the good weather must just increase the desire to celebrate something and the increase in the number of engagements is all part of that.
“And of course there’s simply nowhere better on our ‘Love Ireland’ than the most beautiful place on the island right here in Co Donegal.”
The Shandon Hotel is now practically booked out until the end of August, with advance bookings for the autumn at another record high.
“The season is no longer the summer months, it’s all-year-round now as more and more people come to Ireland on holidays, but in particular to Donegal,” said Carolynne.
The 4-star Shandon Hotel & Spa recently spent €2M on an extension and refurbishment and now has 68 rooms.
