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Making a Match in Lisdoonvarna

Matchmaking is one of Ireland's oldest traditions and, for the last couple of hundred years, a good deal of it has taken place in Lisdoonvarna during September and early October.

The name Lisdoonvarna comes from 'Lios Duin Bhearna', which means the lios or enclosure of the fort in the gap. The town developed into a tourist centre as early as the middle of the 18th-century when a top Limerick surgeon discovered the beneficial effects of its mineral waters. People travelled from near and far to bathe in, and drink, the mineral waters. Rich in iron, sulphur and magnesium, the waters gave relief from the symptoms of certain diseases including rheumatism and glandular fever.

The Spa Hotel was the centre around which the village developed. The opening of the West Clare Railway contributed towards that development, although the nearest railway station was seven miles away at Ennistymon. This station opened in l887 and from that time onwards, until the advent of the motorcar, tourists travelled from the train in pony and trap to ''The Spa''.

It was due to the popularity of these mineral springs and the huge amount of people going there that led to the Lisdoonvarna "matchmaking tradition". September became the peak month of the holiday season and with the harvest safely in, bachelor farmers flocked to Lisdoonvarna in search of a wife.

By the 1920s, matchmaking was still in vogue and people continued to come and "take the waters", including many of Ireland's clergy. It was around this time that one of Lisdoonvarna's most famous sayings was coined, describing the town as a place "where parish priests pretend to be sober and bank clerks pretend to be drunk" .

Today, there are just two official Matchmakers left in Co. Clare: Mr. Willie Daly who runs the riding centre outside Ennistymon and Mr. James White, hotelier and proprietor of the Imperial Hotel in the village. With the exception of the pairings these two plan and negotiate, very little genuine matchmaking takes place nowadays. However, Lisdoonvarna's annual festival has evolved into Europe's largest single's event. People don't necessarily come to look for a spouse - they come by the thousands in search of a good time.

For the month of September, dances run from 12.00 noon each day and carry on into the small hours of the next morning. Set dancing exhibitions are also a feature of the event and there's live Irish music in most pubs, although getting to the bar can be quite a task, but don't worry or hurry, because the music carries on until the early hours.

If you can afford the time and the money, and you're single, head for Lisdoonvarna this September and early October. You never know - as well as enjoying all of the good-natured fun and grand "craic", you might also find the perfect mate!




2004 Festival Highlights
August 27th - October 3rd

The MatchMaking Festival starts on Friday August 27th and finishes on Sunday October 3rd. It is mainly concentrated at the weekends but there is also music and dancing during the week.

The music kicks off at 6pm on Friday evening in all venues around the town and continues until 4am Saturday morning. After a few hours sleep and a good hearty breakfast music commences again at the Spa Wells and all the other venues at 10am and again goes around the clock until 4am on Sunday morning. If you are still fit for more, Sunday's music starts again at 10am until the small hours of Monday morning.
The Spa Wells is traditionally famous for having your 1st dance of the day followed by a glass of spa water. This session is on daily from 
12 midday to 2.30pm.
Afternoon dancing commences in Ballinalacken Castle and O'Donoghues Pub from 4pm until 7pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Lisdoonvarna Race Meeting takes place with Horse- and Sulki-Racing. This is a three day flapping meeting (which is an amateur race meeting) run under the sules of the Horse & Pony Association. Some of the top international jockeys began their careers at these meetings. There are six races daily with prize money of up to Euro 1,500 per race. Entries are taken from all around the country and many bookmakers attend. Stabling for all animals is available free and accommodation can be arranged locally. All in all, a most exciting and colourful event not to be missed.

The latest craze of this festival is the Speed Dating Weekend! Looking for an alternative to the nightclub scene? Want the possibility to meet 50 dates for 3 minutes? Here are the details: register Friday 4 - 6pm, special 'get to know you' event on Friday. Speed dating event starts Saturday evening. Speak to your speed date for 3 minutes, bell rings, move on to your next speed date and start again. Men rotate, ladies remain seated. End of the event, enjoy a nights dancing while the organiseres tabulate yes matches. Next day, get your list of successful dates and the fun has just begun.

The grand final of the Matchmaking Festival is always the  'Mr. Lisdoonvarna' and the 'Queen of the Burren' competition when the most eligible lady & gentleman of the Festival are picked and awarded the coveted titles. The competition is held at the Hydro Hotel. This is always the Best Weekend of the Year!

The craic is mighty in Lisdoonvarna - come and meet your 'perfect match'.

Willie Daly, one of Lisdoonvarna's official matchmakers can be contacted by e-mail at matchmaking@eircom.net or you can visit his WebSite at: Willie Daly. He will be glad to answer any queries regarding all aspects of:
1.Matchmaking in the area
2.The number of different nationalities who come here for the festival and what their intentions are.
3.Any other relevant details in relation to matchmaking.


Resources:
Content:
Match Maker Ireland
Go Ireland
Irish Festivals
BBC

Images:
Swan Image
Matchmaker Pub
The Town