LISDOONVARNA is going pink!!
Yes, Europe's oldest and boldest Matchmaking Festival is getting more inclusive and is opening this season with a gay-themed weekend.
The media are already very excited about it, judging from the chatter, and thats just day one!
Dubbed ‘The Outing,’ the weekend will feature matchmaking events, concerts and more, all hosted by drag-queen Panti.
Event Director Donal Mulligan said, “We’re taking the best of old Ireland – music, dancing and matchmaking – and putting it together with the variety of entertainment on offer in the LGBT community.” 
Organizer Marcus White said, “We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend – we will have entertainment, music and dancing – but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend.”
Of course, all this is nothing new. In more innocent times, up until the 1970s, the Ballybunion Batchelor Festival was called the Ballybunion Gay Batchelor Festival. The prizewinner got an increase in prize money if they married within a year. We kid you not! See the cutting on the left from 1972, courtesy of Limerick Library on Twitter @Luimneach1913
For more details on the Gay and Lesbian Weekend in Lisdoonvarna see www.theouting.ie
For some articles in the press see the following:
The world famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival draws huge crowds of over 20,000 people to the busy pubs and hotels every year during the whole month of September. They come for love, dancing, music, racing and a good time, and judging by the numbers of returning visitors, they aren't disappointed! Have a look at some of the pics in the Lisdoon Festival or Willie Daly to get some of the flavour and colour of the festival...
and while you're at it check out our FIRST KISS VIDEO
Matchmaking Midweek Dancing
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - All September! Dance your feet off to the best live bands, in numerous locations throughout the town.
Matchmaking Lisdoonvarna "The Outing" Gay & Lesbian Weekend
31st Aug-1st Sept. A new twist on old traditions! Non stop entertainment all weekend.
Hosted by the Queen of Hearts herself - Miss Panti.
(See www.theouting.ie for more details)
Matchmaking Racing & Country Music Weekend
6th to 8th of September. The thrills and spills of live racing, including sulky races, with the sound of thundering hooves and the fresh Burren air. It would give you a thirst that would kill a camel! Plus down home Country Music to get your toes tappin' and your heart pumpin'! Don't miss it!
Matchmaking Festival Dance Weekends
13th-15th September, 20th-22nd September and 27th -29th September. Dance the weekend away in all the venues including the Q Dance Club Nite club with the best sounds and D-jays.
