As Fortunes Rise in Ireland, So Do the Number of Marriages

As marriage in the UK declines to the lowest levels ever, Irish brides and grooms are tying the knot in record numbers, according to this article by the BBC. Many say it's because the economic boom in Ireland in the 1990s often referred to as the Celtic Tiger.
The number for 2006 was just under 8,300, a small increase on the 8,100 marriages registered in 2005. In 2006, there were 116 civil partnerships (65 male and 51 female), the first full year of same-sex couples being able to register their unions.
Just under 2,600 divorces were registered - the highest ever recorded.
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said there had been a significant increase on the recent low of 7,300 marriages registered in 2001.
Since the introduction of new marriage laws in 2004, there has been an increase in the number of religious ceremonies taking place outside religious buildings and civil marriages taking place outside Registrar's Offices.
The number of adults in the UK choosing to marry, on the other hand, is at its lowest level since records began, according to an article published by the BBC in February.