Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Last year, my sister, her boyfriend, my friend and I all went on a fun UK excursion as a part vacation and part graduation present to myself. We first landed in Glasgow, Scotland and spent a few days there and then trained over to Edinburgh, Scotland, just an hour away.

Western Ireland, see Lisdoonvarna in the middle

Both cities were amazing and from Edinburgh we even did a Scottish Highlands day trip and the views were stunning. After our adventures in Scotland we flew over to Belfast, Northern Ireland (fun fact: yes the "Northern" is necessary because Northern Ireland and Ireland are actually 2 different countries! Northern Ireland is still "occupied" by England and therefore part of the UK, whereas Ireland is its own independent nation apart from the UK. So, Northern Irelands isn't just saying "the north part of Ireland", it's a different country). Anyways, Belfast was incredible, I was honestly not expecting how fun it would be and how nice the people were. From Belfast we then took a 3 hour train ride down to Dublin, Ireland.

Why am I telling you about a travel trip in a singleness blog? Well, from Dublin we did a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher that ended in Galway and on this tour we took what is called the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a road that travels the West coast of Ireland and is stunning. One of the towns along this route is called Lisdoonvarna. Haven't heard of it? Neither had I before this trip! And for most of the year this is just a simple, quiet farming town with some beautiful views. But every September, everything changes.

History of Lisdoonvarna

It is said that since the 18th century a cherished old tradition has been taking place in this little town: Matchmaking. And not just friends and family casually setting each other up with people, but the actual institution of matchmaking. Two things converged to give this

place the reputation for matchmaking. First, back in the day a well-respected doctor discovered the positive effects of the mineral water in this little town. Soon people were flocking there to receive the benefits of this water and the town gained a reputation as a bit of a spa town. Additionally, for generations after a long summer of bringing in the harvest, the young farmers would then come to Lisdoonvarna to rest, find some fun ("craic" in Irish) and most importantly, look for a wife. So with the farmers coming in and people from all around the country coming in, this was the perfect opportunity for the farmer's to not only get a rest but also have many women to choose from for a wife! The post-summer matchmaking festival now had its foundation and has continued to grow ever since.

What Happens at the Matchmaking Festival

Since the 18th century the events and activities have changed. In the modern era, the whole month of September is dedicated to the festival with the local pubs opening at 12pm and staying open all day till the early morning. There are also local spas with various services for relaxation. But if you are really serious about the matchmaking, you'll line up at The Matchmaker Bar to talk to the famous matchmaker himself, Willie Daly. Willie is from a family with matchmakers going back 3 generations and he claims his matchmaking has lead to 3,000 weddings! It's even rumored if you place both hands on his matchmaking book, you'll be married within 6 months (or your money back! jk). So whether you just want to come for a good time or you truly do want to find your happily ever after, Lisdoonvarna should be added to your bucket list ;)

Irony of the Trip

Unfortunately on our trip we didn't have the opportunity to stop at this famous town and meet Willie ourselves. But it turns out we didn't need the town and its matchmaking to celebrate love that day. Just an hour before, my sister's boyfriend had proposed on the Cliffs of Moher. (I wrote about it in more detail in another post, check it out here!) A moment that came after 2 years of dating and getting to know each other along with the magical cliffs of Ireland. So as our bus driver was telling us the history and fun of the matchmaking festival, I couldn't help but think there may truly be a little bit of love magic in Ireland.

So, would you do it? Would you make the journey to Ireland this September to see what all the hype is about?? It sounds like even if you don't find someone, you'll have a great time! Personally, I'd sooner buy a ticket to Ireland for this festival than do a dating app, but that's just me ;)

Cliffs of Moher