Ladies, it’s time to take the “LEAP” on February 29!

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Miss Ireland, Sacha Livingstone, has used one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic estates, the stunning Mount Stewart and its gardens, as inspiration for her ‘proposal’ to model, James McDowell, as a violinist adds an extra flourish of romance. 

We all dream of one day being swept off our feet with a romantic proposal. But who’s to say it should be the man who goes down on one knee??

Tradition dictates that every four years, on February 29, women can propose marriage to their partner, so to celebrate, Tourism Northern Ireland is launching a loved-up competition to find the country’s most romantic proposal idea and help make it happen for one lucky lady and her unsuspecting partner! 

The only stipulation is that the proposal idea must be inspired by Northern Ireland, its wonderful countryside and landscapes, tourist attractions, history and people!

A proposal of marriage should be unforgettable, explained Rachel Quigg, Communications and Destination PR Officer, Tourism NI:

“We want to help one lucky lady plan a surprise proposal at one of Northern Ireland’s great beauty spots, like Mussenden Temple, or tourist attractions, like the Giant’s Causeway, that her partner will never forget!  We will help to arrange everything including a few romantic surprises,” said Rachel.

The tradition of ladies asking their other half’s for their hand in marriage is said to date back to the time of St Brigid and St Patrick when legend has it that she struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years as a way of balancing the traditional roles of men and women, in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.

Rachel continued:  “In order to win, the proposal idea must use Northern Ireland and its breath-taking scenery, award winning tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants, as the main inspiration.”

So ladies what are you waiting for? Time to show the men in our lives just how romantic we can be! Hehe!


To enter email your proposal idea to Tourism Northern Ireland in strictest confidence to marryme@duffyrafferty.com telling them in 200 words or less why your proposal, inspired by Northern Ireland, should be the winner.  Closing date for entries is February 10.  The winners will be required to take part in some publicity.


Massive thanks to Bronagh & Michael at Duffy Rafferty Communications for press release & all relevant imagery.

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