Single people all over the country are “just mad to get out” on the dating scene as coronavirus restrictions are rolled back.

Dating services are reporting “huge demand” as people, many of whom have been single since the pandemic began, prepare to get back out there.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie took to the streets of Dublin today to get a feel for whether the dating scene is roaring back – or if it ever went away.

One woman, who has followed the guidelines the whole way through, said dating apps are already beginning to heat up.

“I’d say there will be a massive rush, on Tinder and Grindr specifically, once people are vaccinated more,” she said.

“Some people have been dating right through the pandemic I think; like, some people have been breaking restrictions I have noticed.

“Not myself though. I’ve been a single pringle the whole pandemic.”

"Just like wild bulls"

This man told Josh there will be a major rush over the summer months.

“I feel like everyone might go mental for a few months and then calm down,” he said.

“Tinder is getting really big at the moment; it’s all they talk about now. Everyone is on the apps looking for love … or something else.”

Another said men around the country are, “just like wild bulls; mad to get out.”

“I suppose it will be a free for all for the first couple of weeks, won’t it?" he said. "Who knows, it could have changed the dating scene forever.”

"Huge demand"

Mairead Loughman, a Matchmaker and Dating Specialist, with Love HQ there has been massive demand for her services in recent weeks.

“I have seen a 200% increase I’d say on the first three or four months of last year compared to this year,” she said.

“You have to remember all the people that were single probably this time last year are still single now.

“Each week or each month has been different. Even from the beginning of 2021, what I have found is, depending on what stage of each announcement we’re at and everything, it goes up and down but I can tell you definitely, at the moment, people are mad to get going with their dating.”

"Work/Life/Love"

She said a lot of people have realised over lockdown that they have failed to prioritise their love life.

“Everybody talks about work/life balance but very few people talk about work/life/love balance,” she said.

Ms Loughman said the scene is now all about “quality over quantity.”

“People have realised that it is not short-term connections they are looking for,” she said.

“They’re looking for affection and intimacy, those sorts of things, as opposed to kind of, short-term stuff.”

Pandemic love

Josh also spoke to a number of couples that began their relationships during lockdown – including one planning their wedding already.

This couple, who met on Tinder, said the dating apps are still the way to go.

“It is tough but you just got to keep searching you know,” they said. “It is out there for you, I am sure

“It is definitely getting really popular. I know all my friends are doing it. It was kind of a bit taboo maybe five or ten years ago but now it is pretty common. All the cool kids are doing it.”