Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while some are lucky in love and planning a romantic night in with their special someone, others are hoping to swipe their way to “the one.”
Online dating has fast become the go-to way to meet a potential partner, with more people than ever turning to dating apps to spark a connection. But which parts of Ireland are taking the search for love most seriously?
We’ve answered that question once and for all by revealing Ireland’s biggest online daters during Cupid’s busiest month.
To uncover where dating interest is highest, we analysed Google search demand for key online dating-related terms such as “dating apps,” “dating sites,” and “online dating in [X county].”
The data was collected each February over the past three years, showing where people are most actively looking for love during Valentine’s season.
Where is Ireland Swiping the Most This Valentine's Season
1. Dublin
Dublin claims the crown as Ireland’s online dating capital, with over 16,000 dating-related searches recorded overall for the past three years. This equals 1,124 searches per 100,000 people, the highest rate in the country.
As Ireland’s most populated county, Dublin is home to a large number of professionals balancing busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles. For many, online dating fits easily into everyday life, whether that means a quick swipe on the commute or arranging a coffee date after work.
2. Carlow
Carlow ranks second, with 1,001 dating-related searches per 100,000 people across February over the past three years. Valentine’s Day is a popular time for singles in the county to get back on dating apps, particularly as February consistently sees a spike in online dating related searches. With its busy nightlife and walkable town centre, Carlow makes it easy for online matches to move quickly from messages to real-life meet-ups.
3. Waterford
Waterford takes third place, with over 1,000 dating-related searches and 793 searches per 100,000 people. The county offers a strong mix of city and countryside, giving daters plenty of options once they match. From coffee dates in Waterford City to seaside walks along the Copper Coast or casual drinks by the quays, there is something to suit every style of date.
4. Longford
Longford ranks fourth, with 770 dating-related searches per 100,000 people. In a county made up of small towns and rural communities, meeting someone new can often mean relying on familiar social circles. Online dating helps locals widen their dating pool, with first dates often taking place in Longford town, whether that’s a coffee along Main Street, a walk through the Royal Canal, or a relaxed meet-up by Lough Ree.
5. Leitrim
Rounding out the top five is Leitrim, which recorded 270 dating-related searches, equal to an impressive 767 searches per 100,000 people. As Ireland’s least populated county, Leitrim proves that you do not need a big dating pool to have big dating ambitions. With fewer chances to meet someone locally, many singles turn to dating apps to expand their search beyond county lines.
Who else made the list?
Just outside the top five, Westmeath, Galway, Offaly, Sligo and Wexford complete Ireland’s top ten online dating counties.
This mix shows that the search for a Valentine is not just happening in big cities. Interest in online dating is strong all across the country, from busy towns to quieter rural areas. So, whether you are happily coupled up or still swiping, it is clear that Valentine’s season has people across Ireland open to making a connection.
Methodology
This study looked at online dating interest across Ireland using Google Keyword Planner. We analysed searches for online dating-related terms such as “dating apps,” “dating sites,” and “online dating in [X county]. The data was collected for the month of February over the past three years (2023–2025) to reflect Valentine’s season. Search volumes were reviewed at county level and adjusted by population to calculate searches per 100,000 people, allowing for fair comparisons across Ireland and highlighting where interest in online dating is strongest.
