Participants in the 'First Dates Ireland' reality television show share their experience of modern dating.
'First Dates Ireland' which began on RTÉ Television on 21 April 2016 was an immediate hit with viewers. The show quickly built a strong following on social media, turning several hopeful romantics into minor celebrities.
Some of the earliest singletons who entered the First Dates restaurant in search of love, included Rebecca Keogh, Simon Delany, Tynan Hooper, Ciara Donnelly, Kias Carroll, Sunita Wardhan, and Tony Connolly. They discussed their experience with Ryan Tubridy on 'The Late Late Show'.
Rebecca Keogh describes the dating scene in Ireland as scary, as it has shifted almost entirely online through dating apps. She characterises modern dating as a dog eat dog environment. In contrast, Ciara Donnelly favours a more traditional approach, choosing real world encounters over apps in her search for a partner.
Rebecca Keogh appreciates meeting people face to face but says that comes with its own challenges. Irish men can be intimidated by confident, attractive women and often rely on a bit of Dutch courage to make the first move.
However, Ethan Miles, a Canadian barman working in the First Dates restaurant, disagrees. As a non‑drinker, he rejects the idea that Irish men need alcohol to give them the confidence to approach women.
This episode of 'The Late Late Show' was broadcast on 6 May 2016. The presenter is Ryan Tubridy.
'First Dates Ireland' is produced by Coco Television.
