Mark and Denise Duffield-Thomas won the ‘Ultimate Job in the World’ competition organized by Irish travel company Runaway Bride and Groom, which attracted more than 30,000 applicants from across the world. Their ‘job’ is to travel the world for six months, testing out different countries, towns and venues as potential Honeymoon destinations. Tough job, but someone has to do it …

To date they have been to New York, Kenya, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Spain, London and Ireland. They are also renewing their wedding vows throughout their travels in an attempt to beat the Guinness Book of Records, with the current record standing at 84 renewals.

Ireland’s biggest independent hospitality marketing group, Select Hotels of Ireland, were delighted to welcome Mark and Aussie born Denise to several of their venues; Whites of Wexford, Celtic Ross, Silver Tassie, Falls Hotel, Royal Marine Hotel and Kenmare Bay Hotel, proving that Select Hotels is the only choice when it comes to weddings!

Una Young, GM of Select Hotels of Ireland stated “Select Hotels are honored to feature so predominantly in Mark & Denise’s busy schedule as we believe that Select Hotels are perfect wedding venues, located in the most spectacular and romantic settings, that set them apart from the rest. We also wanted them to experience the very best of each destination by organising interesting locations for them to renew their wedding vows near each of the hotels, including; the Matchmaker Bar in Lisdoonvarna, on a cruise boat on Kemare Bay, and at the Cliffs of Moher!”

Denise believes that Ireland is a romantic place with lots of breathtaking views and even pointed out that Ireland is her favourite destination out of all of the places she has visited so far: “We have been driving around Ireland from top to toe and are always stopping along the way to get a better look at the beautiful scenery. I love how green Ireland is and there are so many quirky shops and restaurants we have been to!  The hotels settings are perfect wedding venues, with many by water which I love as it reminds me of back home in Australia and brings this wonderful calmness with it.”

Denise went on to compare Select Hotels of Ireland to other venues they have visited: “The staff are way more friendlier and so much more relaxed and down to earth than the other places we have been to! They actually talk to you like you are a real person and make us feel so welcomed.”

With a collection of 24 hotels throughout Ireland, Select Hotels pride themselves on offering a taste of Traditional Irish Hospitality at its very best. For further information on Select Hotels of Ireland and member hotels visit www.selecthotels.ie. Also visit www.runawaybrideandgroom.com for an update on Mark and Denise’s continued travels and record breaking attempt.