The lavish nuptials of pop princess Andrea Corr to Brett Desmond promises to be the society wedding of the year.

And the Diary can reveal that the loved-up couple have set a date for their eagerly-awaited ceremony. According to social insiders, they have chosen August 21 for their big day.

Given that Brett's businessman father Dermot is fourth on the Irish Rich List, with an estimated worth of €1.56bn, this is one famous pair who won't have to worry about keeping costs down for their big day.

It's believed that gorgeous Andrea -- ranked among the sexiest Irish women -- and Brett are also having their summer wedding in Ireland, despite the potential for dreary weather.

The luxurious Doonbeg golf and resort spa in Clare is rumoured to be the venue for their reception, with the cream of Irish society invited to help them celebrate the occasion.

Venue

A source said: "Unlike most couples getting married, cutting corners and keeping the number of guests down won't be a problem for Andrea and Brett -- they have their pick of the most exclusive wedding venues for their big day so everyone has been wondering where they were going to tie the knot.

"It has catered massive weddings before, including Tiger Wood's marriage to Elin, so they are well equipped to deal with celebrity events. "The fact his father co-owns the resort didn't hurt either, but now it's looking likely that Doonbeg is their final choice."

Renowned

Fuelling the rumour mill is the fact that the golf and spa resort has been block-booked for August 20-22, with most of the luxurious cottages and suites dotted around its grounds no longer available.

The Clare venue is renowned for its wedding packages and would pull out all the stops for the pair's special day.

Set against an ocean backdrop and within walking distance of the local village church, the hotel has an on-site marquee especially for weddings, with a resident planner to help couples plan their big day.

Among those expected to be on the guest list are many of the biggest names in Irish showbiz including Andrea's siblings, her good pals Bono, Gavin Friday and comedian Patrick Kielty.

There will also be some of the country's biggest business-people in attendance, given the Desmonds' extensive connections. Strapping Brett's pal Paul McMahon is rumoured to have been asked to be his best man.

Brett went down on one knee in Barbados on Christmas Day last year, presenting Andrea with a €70,000 sparkler.

They celebrated with an extended holiday in the paradise island, staying in Sandy Lane's luxury Ocean Room, which costs €8,400 a night.

Private

The couple have been together more than two years but are rarely photographed together and are notoriously private.

However, Andrea has admitted to feeling broody in the past after spending time with her siblings' children.

She said: "I want to have children, and I want to give them that same sense of security that my parents gave me.

"That's what I'm looking forward to. I do believe in love and I do believe in fidelity and I hope that I achieved that some day."

-MF