Left: Trainee Garda Isbotis at Longford Courthouse during his placement in the town. Right: Garda Isbotis receiving his formal ID from Commissioner Justin Kelly at the Templemore passing out parade
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17 Feb 2026
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17 Feb 2026
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Longford has been marked as fourth highest for online dating
More people in County Longford are turning to their phones and laptops in the search for love. Virgin Media Ireland, Ireland’s leading telecommunications and entertainment provider, has analysed Google search data from February across the past three years to see where interest in online dating is strongest.
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Top online dater counties include:
Dublin
Carlow
Waterford
Longford
Leitrim
Dublin leads the way as Ireland’s online dating capital, recording over 16,000 dating-related searches during February across the past three years. This works out at 1,124 searches per 100,000 people, the highest in the country. With fast-paced lifestyles, busy work schedules, and plenty of social spots, many Dubliners are turning to online dating as an easy way to meet potential partners.
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 relates 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.
Waterford takes third place, recording over 1,000 dating-related searches and 793 searches per 100,000 people. As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford has centuries of romantic history behind it, from Viking love stories to modern-day Valentine’s dates along the coast. The mix of city buzz and seaside settings makes it a popular spot for those hoping their online match might turn into something more.
Longford ranks fourth, with 770 per 100,000 people. In a county where everyone tends to know everyone, Valentine’s season sees many singles widening the net through dating apps. Online matches offer a bit of mystery, making first dates feel that little bit more exciting in a place where familiar faces are the norm.
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Rounding out the top five is Leitrim, which logged 270 dating-related searches, equal to 767 per 100,000 people. As Ireland’s least populated county, Leitrim shows how online dating is changing Valentine’s Day for rural singles. Apps allow people to meet beyond county lines, turning quiet February evenings into the start of long-distance love stories, weekend trips, or surprise Valentine’s plans.
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