Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival 2026 – Lisdoonvarna, Ireland
Overview
The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival 2026 is Europe’s largest and oldest singles event, a world-famous month-long celebration of music, dance, and romance. For over 165 years, the tiny village of Lisdoonvarna in County Clare has transformed every September into a vibrant social hub, attracting over 60,000 visitors from around the globe. While it originated as a way for rural farmers to find wives after the harvest, today it is a legendary party on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way that welcomes everyone from age 18 to 80.
The heart of the festival is the traditional matchmaking led by Willie Daly, Ireland’s last active traditional matchmaker. In his “office” at the Matchmaker Bar, he uses a 150-year-old “lucky book” to help hopeful singles find their soulmates. The town buzzes with energy from noon until the early hours, with every pub and hotel hosting live country music, ceili dancing, and spontaneous sessions. It is an authentic Irish experience where “the first dance is the first chance” to find love or simply enjoy the legendary Irish craic.
Event Highlights
- Traditional Matchmaking: Meet the legendary Willie Daly and touch his storied “lucky book” for a chance at finding love within six months.
- Non-Stop Music and Dancing: Daily ceilis, square dancing, and live country music sets across iconic venues like the Royal Spa and Imperial Hotel.
- Signature Weekend Themes: Specialized events include horse racing on the opening weekend and the crowning of Mr. Lisdoonvarna and Queen of the Burren during the finale.
- Inclusive Modern Socials: While rooted in tradition, the festival now features speed-dating nights and lively social mixers for a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
Why Attend
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival 2026 is the perfect antidote to the exhaustion of modern dating apps. It offers a refreshingly human way to meet people through the shared joy of music and movement. Whether you are single and searching for a partner or a couple simply looking to immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture, the festival provides a friendly, high-energy environment where strangers quickly become friends. The atmosphere is famously casual and welcoming, making it a bucket-list destination for cultural travelers.
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Beyond the matchmaking, the festival’s location in the heart of County Clare makes it an ideal base for sightseeing. Attendees can spend their mornings exploring the dramatic Cliffs of Moher or the lunar-like landscapes of the Burren UNESCO Global Geopark before returning to town for the afternoon dances. It is a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s most enduring social traditions while enjoying the hospitality, fresh seafood, and craft ales that define the West of Ireland.
Date & Duration
- September (Dates to be announced).
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland.
- Venue: Various Town Venues (Matchmaker Bar, Royal Spa Hotel, Roadside Tavern).
- Google Maps Address: Rathbaun, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Most events are free to enter; specific headline concerts or gala dances sell tickets at the venue doors or via hotel websites.
- Admission Type: Primarily Free Public Admission (Individual fees apply for specific social events).
- Ticket Pricing: Daytime pub sessions are free; evening dances or speed-dating sessions range from $11.00 to $35.00.
- Minimum and Maximum Range: General social events start around $11.00, while exclusive weekend gala nights can reach $35.00.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Personal matchmaking consultations with Willie Daly typically involve a small fee or suggested donation of approximately $12.00.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@matchmakerireland.com
- Phone: +353 65 707 4005
- Website: https://matchmakerireland.com/
- Social Media:
- https://x.com/lisdoonfestival
- https://www.facebook.com/LisdoonvarnaFestival
- https://www.instagram.com/matchmaking_lisdoonvarna
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Shannon Airport (SNN) is 60 km away (~1 hour drive); Dublin Airport (DUB) is 260 km away (~3 hours).
- Public Transport: Bus Éireann Route 350 runs daily from Galway and Ennis directly to Lisdoonvarna Main Street (~$15.00).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from Shannon Airport cost ~$85.00; local hackney services operate between Lisdoonvarna and nearby Doolin.
- Parking: Large public car parks are located at the Pavilion and near the Spa Wells (~$10.00/day); street parking is very limited.
- Other Access: Many visitors stay in Doolin (7 km away) and use the coastal walking trails or local shuttle buses to reach the festival.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Gregans Castle Hotel (Boutique luxury, 8 km, Michelin-rated dining, ~$350.00-550.00/night); Falls Hotel & Spa (4-star, 10 km, riverside hot tub, ~$180.00-280.00/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hydro Hotel (Historic 19th-century hotel, Main Street, ~$120.00-180.00/night); Royal Spa Hotel (Central, home of the Matchmaker Bar, ~$110.00-170.00/night).
- Budget Stays: Sleepzone Hostel Lisdoonvarna (Budget-friendly, 0.2 km, social atmosphere, ~$40.00-75.00/night); Burren Breeze B&B (Traditional Irish guesthouse, ~$70.00-110.00/night).
Attendee Experiences
- Touching Willie’s lucky book felt like stepping back in time, and the dancing didn’t stop until 2:00 AM.
- I didn’t find a husband, but I found the best group of friends and learned how to set-dance in one afternoon.
- The atmosphere in the Matchmaker Bar is electric; you can’t help but smile from the moment you walk in.
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FAQ's
Do I need to be single to attend the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival?
Absolutely not; while it is Europe's largest singles festival, many couples and groups of friends attend just for the music and atmosphere. The town is filled with people of all relationship statuses who come to enjoy the traditional Irish ceilis and the world-class country music acts. It is widely considered a "love of life" festival where the focus is on social connection and having a great time, regardless of your status.
How do I actually get a consultation with the traditional matchmaker?
Willie Daly is usually found in his "office" at the Matchmaker Bar within the Imperial Hotel throughout the month of September. There is no formal booking system; you simply visit the bar, find the snug where he is seated, and wait for your turn to speak with him. He will ask you questions about your interests and appearance before entering your details into his famous oversized ledger to find a potential match.
What is the best time of the month to visit the festival for the biggest crowds?
The festival runs for the entire month of September, but the weekends (Friday to Sunday) are significantly busier and more energetic than weekdays. The opening weekend is famous for its horse racing events, while the final weekend features the prestigious "Queen of the Burren" competition. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed pace with easier access to the matchmaker, visiting during the mid-week sessions is highly recommended.
Is the festival accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Lisdoonvarna is a small, relatively flat village, and most major venues like the Royal Spa and Imperial Hotel have ground-floor access. However, some traditional pubs are older and may have narrow doorways or small steps that could be challenging for larger wheelchairs. Organizers and venue staff are famously helpful and will typically go out of their way to assist any visitor with specific accessibility requirements.
What should I wear to the festival events and dances?
There is no formal dress code, but many attendees choose to dress in "smart-casual" attire for the evening dances and social mixers. Comfortable shoes are essential as you will likely be spending several hours on your feet dancing on wooden or carpeted floors. Since many events involve moving between different venues, it is wise to bring a light waterproof jacket for the unpredictable West of Ireland weather.
