So... what's on in Lisdoonvarna?
Lisdoonvarna hosts an annual Matchmakers Festival and draws singles
from all over the world.
Each year, during the month of September, this small village on the
western coast of Ireland offers a quest for the romance holy grail
to hordes of lonely souls - the capturing of an Irish heart. Ah, 'tis a prize
indeed.
Hormones run high during Lisdoonvarna's month of revelry and the locals grit their
teeth while they stoically (and sometimes not so stoically) endure the
debauchery.
If you wish to attend the festival, do make your plans early because accommodations in the village of Lisdoonvarna fill up quickly and you'll want to be in the mix of things when
the activities begin.
The Matchmaker Festival is a spectacle to behold.
Women and men from all over the world flock to this bedlam in the
centre of the haunting Burren to find the charms of an Irishman
or the love of an Irish woman.
Unfortunately, many a lass may turn over a few limestone rocks to
find only bog farmers who are overly-sensitive to bathing and these
ladies soon discover they have set their sights a bit high.
In disappointment, they then focus their amorous attentions on fellow pilgrims who are,
likewise, finding it's practically impossible
to capture the heart of a beautiful Irish girl in Lisdoonvarna... in
September.
This is the irony of Lisdoonvarna's Matchmaking Festival.
Any decent match with a real Irish person is better made in the pubs
of Ennis or strolling along the beach in Lahinch because no
self-respecting Irishman or Irishwoman would ever find himself or
herself anywhere near
Lisdoonvarna during the month of September.
The Matchmaker Festival is sort of a Brigadoon gone terribly
terribly wrong.
However the lovely town of Lisdoonvarna is in the centre of the Burren and well worth the trip at
any time of the year.
There are a number of pubs with traditional Irish music and the
local B&B's will treat you like the kings and queens you are. Lisdoonvarna also has the only natural
spa water in Ireland.
On the other hand, if you're wanting to settle for a smile with no teeth or
you'd like to meet lots of other lonely travellers (and we do mean
travellers), by all means, visit Lisdoonvarna in September and beat yourselves up at the Festival.
Fair play to the bog farmers for seizing their opportunity. The
truth of it is, you'll be in Ireland, lads, so there's always the Guinness.
To be fair, the festival, itself, is brilliant, really. There will be dancing
and horse racing and a great opportunity for mingling with singles from all
over the world.
Places to stay in and around Lisdoonvarna
 Grove
Cottages
Lisdoonvarna
Kilshanny
These old style Irish cottage lodgings have been recently renovated.
Rosruadh cottage has five bedrooms: four double rooms and one single
attic room. Grove Cottage has four double rooms.
Both are fully fitted with modern conveniences such as TV, radio, washer
dryer, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, cooker, electric showers
and central heating.
Both Rosruadh Cottage and Grove cottage will comfortably accommodate 8
people and can be booked on a weekly or weekend basis.
065 7074397
Email
 Grovemount House 
Ennistymon
Location Grovemount House is a family run Guesthouse situated
on the outskirts of Ennistymon Town.
From here you can access with ease the renowned Cliffs of Moher and the
spectacular and unique Burren region. Just 5 minutes drive away from our B&B is
Lahinch Championship Golf Links and Blue Flag Beach making this one of the most
ideal places to stay.
Whatever is your pleasure - fishing, golfing, sightseeing or listening to the
best of traditional Irish music - enjoy! and return to luxurious tranquility in
Grovemount House.
Reserve Your Room
 Hotel
Doolin
Doolin
From € 55 pps
Location: Hotel Doolin located in the heart of Doolin,
traditional Irish Music and Cultural capital of Ireland, the contemporary Hotel
Doolin elevates hotel accomodation in North Clare to a new level.
The village itself is situated just 7 km from the awesome 213 metre high Cliffs
of Moher, 6 km from the match-making spa resort of Lisdoonvarna , 50 km from
Shannon airport and 70km from Galway city.
Reserve Your Room
 Bellbridge House Hotel
Miltown Malbay
Location
This Luxury Three Star Hotel, ideally situated on the West Clare Coast
line, overlooking the sandy beach & Spanish Point Golf Course is the
perfect place to relax and unwind and allow friendly and dedicated staff
to look after your every need.
Rooms
Excellent comfort can be found in our luxuriously appointed bedrooms.
The
majority of these offer breathtaking views of the scenic Atlantic Ocean
or the rolling hills of Spanish Point Golf Course.
Restaurant
One of the many treats the hotel has to offer is the intimate and
friendly dining experience of Tides Bistro.
Here one can sample the
delight of our extensive menu. The menu draws on a wide variety of local
fresh produce including locally caught seafood prepared by our
award-winning chefs.
Lounge/Bar
Relax & savour the atmosphere of our Traditional Irish Bar, with its cosy
open fire and enjoy our delicious bar food menu served throughout the
day.
Reserve Your Room
 Logues Liscannor Bay
Liscannor
Location: Situated in the picturesque fishing village of
Liscannor, overlooking the bay on the rugged West Clare Coast, the newly
refurbished Logue's Liscannor Hotel offers superb accommodation and quality food
in an idyllic location.
This beautiful Hotel is located within easy distance of Shannon Airport, Galway,
Ennis and Limerick, which makes it an ideal touring and recreational base.
The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, the Burren and Lisdoonvarna are all within a few
minutes driving and the world famous Lahinch Golf Links can even be seen from
the hotel.
Reserve Your Room
 The Falls Hotel
Ennistymon
From € 45 pps
Location: Nestled in it’s wooded vale beside the tumbling
waters of the River Inagh, the distinctive building known today as the Falls
Hotel Spa Resort conceals within it’s walls an eighteenth century mansion and a
late medieval castle.
The Hotel is located near to the centre of the market town of Ennistymon.
Reserve Your Room
 Fountain Court
Ennis
Location This guesthouse is located in a peaceful, rural
setting yet only four minutes drive to Ennis.
Six excellent golf courses within short distance. Fishing, horse-riding and
traditional music all within easy reach. Shannon airport 15km. Ideal base for
touring the West Coast of Clare, Lahinch town, Beach and Golf Course.
The Burren occupies 50 square miles to the north of Lisdoonvarna and the Cliffs
of Moher at 25km towards the west coast. Doolin near the Cliffs (famous for
traditional music) has many pubs and eating houses.
Daily trips to the Aran Islands are available from Doolin Pier. (Aran is a Day
trip and an extra night in a B&B is advisable.) Limerick & Shannon are approx.
30 Min drive from Ennis.
Reserve Your Room |
