Lisdoonvarna is a spa town and people traditionally visited there to "take the waters" for their health. It was popular with the well-to-do. While in Lisdoon (as it is frequently called) they would steer their young folk towards finding a partner among their peers. From this it evolved into the matchmaking center it is today. Even if you don't meet your match you will have a good time.

PJ you are one hundred precent correct I went as a child with my grandmother ..she made a yearly visit to take the waters ..and that's exactly what she said..to me

the matchmaking  festival is great craic..you may find love  if not .. you will defintily have great fun, and dance with a 100 men/women...:)...see you there...

Annettte, I spent more time in Lisdoon over the years than I should admit to. As a child my mother took us to the dressmaker there to have cardigans made. I hated them. I attended the Mary Immaculate Secondary School then run by the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Margaret Mary only recently retired to her native County Mayo. Dances at the Kincora were attended on a regular basis. There was the Ritz (Connelys), Royal Spa, Irish Arms, Roadside Tavern and others. Crowds would line up to gain admittance to The Savoy in September. The Spa Wells fell into decline and are now being restored. Oh, I almost forgot the Matchmaker Bar. Ballinalacken Castle is out the coast road. Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora are only a short drive away. A lot of people are familiar with the Christy Moore song "Lisdoonvarna" but that is more about the music festival that was held near the town a few years in the 1980s. I was in Lisdoon a few weeks ago. Being March it was quiet. I did get my car washed - there was a fundraiser going on in the square outside Lynches Hotel.

Hello again PJ....since you are a famillar face in Co. Clare ...you must travel with cupids crusade to Clare sept 14/22, forget about life for a week...  this time you will fall in love...you will have a private meeting with the matchmaker...

Tis a possibility. My wife would not be too keen in me falling in love - unless it is with an antique car, a motorcycle, a book, a Jameson or some auld museum. The meeting with the matchmaker - Willie O'Dea or whoever it is - is definitely out. Interestingly, I have been asked about taking a group to Ireland so many times I am looking at September/October. I will direct suitable candidates your way. Since I am a museum guide in Illinois and have the gift of the gab I wouldn't mind showing some of your people around the Burren region of North Clare. I even have mini-bus drivers lined up. Sure, you'd never know what might happen.