In search of that perfect someone? Each year tens of thousands descend on the tiny Irish town of Lisdoonvarna in the far western reaches of Ireland looking for precisely that.
This is the final official weekend of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, an annual affair that sparks everything from flirtations to life-long unions.
The majordomo of Irish matchmakers is Willie Daly. His father and grandfather before him were matchmakers too. Over the years Willie has brought together hundreds of couples. Daly and his adherents understand the primal power of dance to break the ice. This coming weekend, Oct. 5 through 7, there will be plenty of that – not to mention the legendary live Irish music that keeps the beat. All of this is played out amidst Irish pubs and bars that are as authentically enticing as they come.
Matchmaking has been going on for about a century-and-a-half in idyllic Lisdoonvarna. The goings-on are now billed as Europe’s largest singles event.
Although the festival has been in full swing since September, things reach a bit of a fever pitch this coming autumn weekend, this as the festival finishes up with the Queen of the Burren competition. It’s aimed at identifying the year’s most eligible lady and gentlemen.
Already found your beloved? The festival is open to all folks in search of song, dance, and good Guinness. Epicenter of the festivities just may be the iconic Matchmaker Bar, whose storefront is festooned with a sign reading Marriages Are Made In Heaven…But Most People Meet in the Matchmaker Bar.
The nearest city of appreciable size is Galway. You can book an Aer Arann flight to GWY and then drive to Lisdoonvarna from there.
(Image: Cristiano Betta)
