Consumers in Co Cavan proved they are the most romantic in Ireland, or perhaps most keen to make up for years' past, after Valentine's Day spending in the Breffni County more than doubled year-on-year.

Figures from Bank of Ireland's Spending Pulse show Valentine's Day spending in Cavan was up 126% compared to the same day in 2022. Nationally, outlay on spa breaks (+62%), grooming & beauty (+58%), jewellery (+47%), chocolates (+46%), cards (+31%), hotel breaks (+15%), perfume (+13%), and flowers (+3%) all increased.

“Forget Paris or Rome, Cavan was the place to be for Valentine’s Day this year. Those claiming that romance is dead need only look at Cavan to know that people were happy to splash out on Valentine’s Day," said Jilly Clarkin, head of customer journeys & SME markets at Bank of Ireland.

"Whether it was a nice bouquet of flowers, a hotel break, or perfume, consumers proved once more that they’re romantics at heart and they’ll go the extra-mile on 14 February."

Spending also increased on an annual basis in Offaly (+49%), Wicklow (+38%), Roscommon (+29%) and Sligo (+29%) while declining in Waterford (-35%), Leitrim (-28%), Kildare (-19%), Kerry (-18%) and Kilkenny (-12%).

In Association with

Of the overall spend on flowers, men made up 82% compared to 18% for women, while spend on boxes of chocolate was split evenly. Men (66%) spent more than women (34%) on jewellery, and on perfume, albeit only slightly (52% to 48%).

“Analysis from our digital team also revealed a 3% weekly spike in logins to our digital channels (mobile app, 365online) the day after Valentine’s Day, so people are still keeping a close eye on their financial wellbeing no matter how Cupid continues to fire his arrow," Clarkin said.

(Pic: Getty Images)