There’s no need to join the elf on the shelf this Christmas, says Deirdre Reynolds, who talks to dating experts about finding a mate during the festive season.

With romance in the air at the annual Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Margaret Jennings discovers that finding someone special is still a goal for many over 50.

MARRIED men can be prone to exaggeration. Especially with a pint in our hands and reminiscing about the days when we were single.