LADIES, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES, IT'S LEAP YEAR

January 2008

Traditionally, on 29 February and throughout a leap year, ladies can take marriage proposals into their own hands and propose to their sweethearts. With this in mind, The Merrion Hotel in Dublin has taken action on behalf of women worldwide, with an ingenious ruse to make proposals this leap year as memorable as they should be.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833, is an iconic Swiss clock and watch company. Heads-of-states and other dignitaries have been presented with Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks and Queen Elizabeth II wore one of their creations for her coronation. The Reverso, designed in 1931 for British officers stationed in India with a swivel system capable of withstanding the hard knocks of a polo game, is a historic watch whose case lends itself perfectly as a blank canvas for engravings.

In an exclusive arrangement with Ireland's leading diamond jeweller, Paul Sheeran, The Merrion has created a fabulous proposal package - "Will You Marry Me?" - which includes a diamond-encrusted Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique watch engraved with the words 'Will you Marry Me?" as well as a night's stay in the romantic Georgian Main House, full Irish breakfast, a bottle of Cristal Champagne and a rose-petal turndown….all designed to assist with popping the question in style.

Dublin is the perfect backdrop for all things romantic, as the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church holds the relics of St Valentine. And The Merrion is equally evocative - created within four Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, with a very private 8th century style garden. With its extensive art collection, two-Michelin star restaurant, intimate drawing rooms, working fireplaces, the hotel is the ideal setting for a romantic interlude - especially when a major statement must be made. "Will You Marry Me?" includes the following romantic ingredients:

• Overnight accommodation in a deluxe room in the Georgian Main House
• A welcome bottle of Cristal Champagne in the guest room on arrival
• Full Irish breakfast for two
• Rose petal turndown service (spelling out the words "Will you marry me?" if desired)

• the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique watch with reversible case, engraved with "Will You Marry Me" and provided in cooperation with Dublin's Paul Sheeran Jewellers - with a retail value alone of €4,750.

For further information and reservations please contact The Merrion directly on +353 1 603 0600, facsimile +353 1 603 0700, e-mail or alternatively via the website.

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