7 of the best gastropubs around Ireland
7 of the best gastropubs around Ireland

IMAGE

WIN a luxurious 2-night stay at Fota Island Resort
WIN a luxurious 2-night stay at Fota Island Resort

Edaein OConnell

Cocktail Club: For something out of the ordinary, try this green tea infused tipple
Cocktail Club: For something out of the ordinary, try this green tea infused tipple

Megan Burns

Real Weddings: Sarah and Karl’s festive celebrations in Co Wicklow
Real Weddings: Sarah and Karl’s festive celebrations in Co Wicklow

Edaein OConnell

Lisa O’Connor talks art, activism, and the magic that happens when the two collide
Lisa O’Connor talks art, activism, and the magic that happens when the two collide

Sarah Gill

Friends as family: How the company we keep can change our lives
Friends as family: How the company we keep can change our lives

Roe McDermott

Poppy O’Toole (aka Poppy Cooks) shares her life in food
Poppy O’Toole (aka Poppy Cooks) shares her life in food

Sarah Gill

My Life in Culture: Director Louisa Connolly-Burnham
My Life in Culture: Director Louisa Connolly-Burnham

Sarah Finnan

The IMAGE Weddings 2025 Ultimate Venue Guide is out now!
The IMAGE Weddings 2025 Ultimate Venue Guide is out now!

Ciara Elliot

How to wrap a cylindrical gift: try this step-by-step guide
How to wrap a cylindrical gift: try this step-by-step guide

Megan Burns

Image / Relationships
premium
RELATIONSHIPS

‘I went to a matchmaker to find love. Here’s what happened’


by Christina McLoughlin
31st Aug 2021

Is it just an expensive Tinder, or does bespoke matchmaking at a dating agency actually work? Christina McLoughlin spent a thousand euro finding out

“My heart sank. Not another one. Another man in his 30s who doesn’t know what he wants. And every time I hear those words, I know that I’m not it. And it was burning me out and crushing my confidence. Looking through pictures of men on an app felt like a game to pass the time rather than a way to find potential dates. I used Tinder to distract myself from boredom or loneliness than...

You have reached a premium article.

For unlimited digital access to the stories worth paying for, subscribe now to IMAGE from just €4.99 a month
Subscribe