Every autumn, about 60,000 people flock to the village of Lisdoonvarna on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to look for love in a traditional way while enjoying lots of music and beer. The festival has been running for over 160 years and is one of the oldest music events in Ireland.
Music Lineup
Live music is among the largest attractions of the festival. Bands play every night for the whole month at various pubs and hotels in town. Music and dancing starts at 11 am and lasts late at night. The music lineup mostly includes Ireland’s top country music musicians. You will hear plenty of traditional Irish music in every bar with Irish dances and old-fashioned craic. There's also a big stage for younger crowds with DJs and some big names.
Matchmaking
During the festival, guests can meet Ireland’s most famous matchmaker, Willie Daly, in his ‘office' in the Matchmaker Bar. During his career, Willie has set up over 3,000 marriages. Willie also has a legendary matchmaking book. ‘The Lucky Book’ is a 150-year-old notebook of love-seeking profiles. Supposedly, if you touch it with both hands, you’ll be married in six months. Singles from all over the world, ages 18-80, are welcome!
Festival Venues
The famous Matchmaker Bar is a top venue for the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. Located in the Imperial Hotel, the bar features not just matchmaking but also live bands and dancing. Other music venues include The Roadside Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in the region. The nearby Burren Storehouse, with Irish food and music gigs. Several hotels also host festival events. The Royal Spa Hotel & Café, located on Main Street in the center of Lisdoonvarna, features live music in the small bar. Ravine Hotel is known for live traditional folk music. The Rathbaun Hotel on Main Street also offers live Irish music and song. The Ritz House offers live music and dancing throughout the day in The Ritz House’s Function Room and Ballroom.
Festival History
Matchmaking is a tradition in rural Ireland. The Lisdoonvarna festival dates back to the Victorian times when the town was a small village, which attracted people from the surrounding area with horse racing, spa resorts, as well as music and dancing in the town square. September is the time when farmers can enjoy some rest after hard work during the summer. Bachelor farmers began to flock to Lisdoonvarna. Parents also started to bring their children to various social gatherings, sports competitions, and musical evenings, so the matchmaking flourished.
