150 years of Matchmaking 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, thereis just oneofficial Matchmaker left in Co. Clare: Mr. Willie Daly who runs the riding centre outside Ennistymon and practices match  making part time. With the exception of the pairings he plans and negotiates, 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!