Things to Do

Looking for love at the festival? Join Met Through Friends and Mary Timby for a fun evening of five-minute speed dates at the Roadside Tavern Storehouse, with up to 120 singles taking part. Your ticket also includes guaranteed entry to Hydro Nightclub afterwards. All ages, genders and orientations welcome. Advance registration required.

Saturday, 26 September | 8 pm – late | €20 presale / €25 door

Live music is at the heart of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, with entertainment in pubs, hotels, and venues throughout town. Expect a lively mix of country, folk, traditional Irish music and popular favourites, with music running from daytime into the evening throughout September.

Dancing has been part of the Lisdoonvarna tradition for generations. During the festival, social dancing takes place daily in venues throughout town. Whether you know the steps or simply want to join in, it’s one of the best ways to experience the festival atmosphere and meet new people.

Pull up a stool and enjoy a pint, or a non-alcoholic drink, at one of Lisdoonvarna’s local pubs and bars. During September, the town’s venues are at the centre of the festival atmosphere, making them a great place to enjoy live music, strike up a conversation and soak up the craic.

Meet Willie Daly, Lisdoonvarna’s third-generation traditional matchmaker and one of the festival’s most famous characters. Willie and his famous lucky book of love will be at the Hydro Hotel every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the Matchmaker Bar from 8 p.m. to close. Stop by to meet Willie, hear about the matchmaking tradition and touch the lucky book for love - no appointment necessary.

Think speed dating, but on foot! Meet at the Hydro Hotel for coffee before heading out on Lisdoonvarna’s heritage trails. You’ll change walking partners along the way, giving you plenty of chances to chat and connect. Club Soda Dating Cards make it easy to let someone know if you’ve clicked. Afterwards, return to the Hydro for live music. Come on your own; most people do. Advance registration required.

Saturday, 19 September | 10:30am – 1pm | €42

Get into the spirit of connection! Designed for ages 25–45, this relaxed social mixer at the Hydro Hotel is a chance to meet new people, whether you’re single, coupled or simply here for the festival. Enjoy light-hearted activities to start conversations, make new friends, and see where the evening takes you. Free event. Registration strongly encouraged.

Friday, 18 September | 4pm – 6pm | Free

Celebrate local arts and culture with a weekend of live music, theatre, poetry, dance, local history, book launches and more. Events take place across Lisdoonvarna, including the Pavilion and the outdoor amphitheatre in Lisdoonvarna Town Park. Organised locally as part of Culture Night 2026.

Friday, 18 September – Sunday, 20 September

Visit the Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre in Lisdoonvarna to learn about the traditional craft of smoking Irish organic salmon, explore the visitor experience and browse award-winning smoked salmon and locally produced Irish gourmet foods. A great stop for food lovers exploring the Burren.

Lisdoonvarna is ideally located for exploring the Burren, one of Ireland’s most distinctive natural landscapes. Discover its famous limestone pavements, rare wildflowers, scenic walking routes and ancient monuments, all within the Burren UNESCO Global Geopark.

Explore the spectacular Burren coastline at Fanore, where the unique limestone landscape meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy sandy beaches, coastal views, scenic drives and walking trails, with the route from Lisdoonvarna offering some of County Clare’s most memorable scenery.

One of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions, the Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean along the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy spectacular coastal views, scenic walking trails, the visitor centre and opportunities to spot seabirds, including puffins during the breeding season.

Explore Aillwee Cave, enjoy birds of prey flying displays and discover scenic woodland walks in the heart of the Burren. Visitors can also sample award-winning Burren Gold Cheese and browse locally produced food and gifts.

Take a ferry from nearby Doolin Pier to discover the Aran Islands, with their dramatic coastal scenery, ancient stone forts and traditional Irish culture. Choose from Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin or Inis Mór for a memorable island day trip.

Discover the Great Stalactite, one of Europe’s longest free-hanging stalactites, on a guided underground tour of Doolin Cave. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding nature trail and learn about the unique geology of the Burren.

Discover the story of the Burren at this visitor centre in Kilfenora, with an introduction to the landscape, geology and ancient heritage of the region. It also makes an ideal starting point for a scenic drive through the Burren.

Visit Doreen Drennan Art Studio & Garden just outside Lisdoonvarna to discover original paintings and fine art prints inspired by the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. Meet local artist Doreen Drennan, browse her studio and gallery, and explore the beautiful garden surrounding her home.

Discover The Burren Perfumery, a family-run perfumery tucked away in the heart of the Burren. See perfumes and organic skincare being made on-site, explore the herb garden, browse the shop and stop for homemade cakes, scones or lunch in the charming Tea Rooms.