Frequently Asked Questions

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is a celebration of connection, music, dancing, and Irish tradition that takes over the town of Lisdoonvarna each September. With roots stretching back more than 160 years, the festival began as a place for people from rural communities to meet and find a match. Today, that matchmaking tradition lives on alongside live music, dancing and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Whether you’re looking for love, coming with friends, or simply want to experience one of Ireland’s most unique traditions, everyone is welcome.

It's not simply a singles event. It's a tradition rooted in a real place and community, where matchmaking, music, dancing and Irish hospitality have brought people together for generations.

We're building on what's already here. The traditions and character of Lisdoonvarna remain at the heart of the festival, while we're exploring additional ways for people to meet, participate and experience the town.

Singles are obviously a big part of the story, but you don't have to be single to enjoy Lisdoonvarna. People come for the music, dancing, friendships, atmosphere and the experience of being part of something uniquely Irish.

The 2026 Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival takes place throughout September, from September 1–30, 2026. Events run throughout the month, with weekends generally bringing the biggest crowds and busiest atmosphere.

The festival takes place throughout Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, with music, dancing and entertainment happening across venues in town.

There is no general admission fee to come to Lisdoonvarna and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Some individual events and venues may have their own admission charges or ticket requirements.

Most of the festival takes place across the pubs, hotels and venues of Lisdoonvarna.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue on social media for individual entertainment updates. Check the individual event listing before you go.

The festival programme will continue to be updated as events are confirmed.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue for individual entertainment updates.

The festival attracts adults of all ages, from young singles to people who have been coming to Lisdoonvarna for decades. Individual venues and events may have their own age restrictions.

Not at all! While matchmaking is at the heart of the festival’s history, you don’t have to be single to enjoy it. Couples, groups of friends and visitors simply looking for great music, dancing and craic are all welcome.

No general festival registration is required. Certain organised activities or special events may require advance booking, so check individual listings for details.

Expect a lively small-town atmosphere filled with music, dancing and people from Ireland and around the world. There isn’t one festival site or entrance; the experience happens throughout Lisdoonvarna, with different venues, businesses and spaces getting involved throughout September.

Matchmaking is an important part of the festival’s history, and Lisdoonvarna has always been about something bigger: bringing people together. Today, the festival is a celebration of connection, community and local tradition, with music, dancing, matchmaking and the people and businesses of Lisdoonvarna at its heart.

Matchmaking in Lisdoonvarna is much more informal than a modern dating event. Visitors can meet the traditional matchmaker, have a chat and share a little about themselves and who they would like to meet. And sometimes the best matchmaking happens naturally — over a dance, a conversation or a pint!

The festival welcomes adults of all ages. One of the things that makes Lisdoonvarna special is the mix of generations who come together each September. Whether you’re here to meet new people, enjoy the music and dancing, or simply soak up the atmosphere, everyone is welcome to be part of the celebration.

You generally do not need to register for the festival in order to experience its matchmaking tradition. Details on when and where to meet the matchmaker during the 2026 festival will be shared as they are confirmed.

Willie Daly is Lisdoonvarna’s third-generation traditional matchmaker and has become synonymous with the festival. His family’s matchmaking tradition has been passed down through generations.

No. There’s no pressure or expectation when you come to Lisdoonvarna. Some people arrive genuinely hoping to find a partner, others are open to meeting someone, and plenty simply come to socialise and enjoy the experience.

We’re working on additional opportunities for people to meet, mingle and make connections during the 2026 festival.

Keep an eye on our Things to Do page and social channels as activities are announced.

Everyone is welcome in Lisdoonvarna. The festival is about bringing people together, and LGBTQ+ visitors are welcome to come, meet people and enjoy the festival.

Many people visit Lisdoonvarna simply for the live music, dancing, social atmosphere and the experience of being in town during September.

Music is a huge part of September in Lisdoonvarna. Expect a mix of country, folk and popular live entertainment across venues throughout town.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue on social media for individual entertainment updates.

Music and dancing happen across pubs, hotels and other venues throughout Lisdoonvarna rather than at one central festival site.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue on social media for individual entertainment updates.

There is social dancing every day from 12pm in venues throughout the town. You'll find opportunities to enjoy music, socialising and activities during the day as well as entertainment into the evening and night.

Check out our Things to Do page and social media for updates.

Yes. We want visitors to experience more of Lisdoonvarna and North Clare during their stay. Look out for local activities, outdoor experiences and other ways to get involved that don't revolve around the pub on our Things to Do page and social media for updates.

Yes. Lisdoonvarna's local businesses are a huge part of what makes September special. We'll be highlighting activities, experiences, food, shopping and other ways to support and explore local businesses throughout the festival.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue on social media for individual entertainment updates.

We're working to create more opportunities for people to meet and connect in different ways throughout the month, including options beyond the traditional late-night festival atmosphere.

Each weekend has its own programme of music, dancing and entertainment.

Check our Entertainment page for a list of venues and follow each venue on social media for individual entertainment updates.

There are hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and other accommodation options in Lisdoonvarna and throughout the surrounding North Clare area. Accommodation can fill quickly during September, particularly on busy weekends, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Check out our Where to Stay page to start planning.

As early as you can! September is one of the busiest times of year in Lisdoonvarna, and accommodation can book up well in advance, particularly for popular festival weekends.

Lisdoonvarna is served by public bus connections linking the area. If you're travelling from farther away, you can connect through larger transport hubs before continuing to Lisdoonvarna. Always check current public transport timetables when planning your journey.

Parking is available in Lisdoonvarna, but the town gets extremely busy during festival weekends. Allow extra time when arriving and follow any local signage, traffic management instructions and festival updates regarding parking.

Yes, taxis operate in North Clare, but demand can be very high during festival weekends. We strongly recommend planning your journey home in advance rather than relying on finding a taxi late at night.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Lisdoonvarna and the surrounding area, from cafés and casual bites to pubs and restaurants.

Check out our Food & Drink page to start planning.

Lisdoonvarna is surrounded by some of North Clare’s best-known scenery, attractions and experiences, making it easy to explore during the day before enjoying the festival later on.

Check out our Things to Do page and social media for ideas.

The biggest thing to know is that the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival isn't a formal matchmaking convention or a single ticketed event. It's a month-long tradition that takes over a real Irish town. There’s no main entrance, no requirement to register, and no pressure to participate in matchmaking. Come to Lisdoonvarna, explore the town, enjoy the music and dancing, meet people and experience the festival in whatever way suits you.

We are happy to help with media enquiries, interview requests and information about the festival. Please contact our festival team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..