Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is set to become even wilder over Valentine’s weekend when the world’s only LGBTQ+ matchmaking festival takes place in County Clare.
The Outing Festival (9–11 February) is a celebration of all things queer in a high-energy fusion of matchmaking, music, comedy, arts, film, parties, blind dates, sports (in heels), drag and dance.
The weekend is hosted by the RingMaster of Love, Paul Ryder and Queen of Matchmaking, Eddie McGuinness, who is the founder of the festival which is a spin-out from Ireland’s famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.
The Outing is based at the Inn at Dromoland, set in the gorgeous grounds of historic Dromoland Castle, and will present a fabulous programme of entertainment on and off site.
This year’s programme is yet to be finalised but confirmed music acts include Sparkle, Paul Middleton, Mark T Cox, Brew and Shobsy.
Drag queens Regina George, Victoria Secret, Dame Stuffy, Missy Onya Becks and Carrie Deway will among those ramping up and camping up the style. There will also be a chance for everyone to release their inner drag king or queen at the popular Drag in your Eyes event.
DJ sets, burlesque, cabaret, bingo, queer games, queer crafts and much more all add to the cocktail of non-stop entertainment across the weekend.
Hoping to create a rainbow of romance will be a number of matchmaking events including speed dating, ice breakers, tea dances and Blind Date shows.
And adding a queer twist to traditional Irish dancing, the ‘geili’ will be back. The Irish céilí is group dancing to traditional Irish music, which at The Outing gets a gay makeover.
There are also plenty of activities to be enjoyed within the grounds of Dromoland estate including walking, archery or relaxing in the castle spa.
The Outing Festival is a fabulous, fun-filled experience for everyone, queer or not, and welcomes one and all for an inclusive weekend of gaiety.
Before, during or after The Outing, festival goers should take the opportunity to visit some of the stunning natural and heritage sites in County Clare.
Not to be missed are the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and the wider Burren karst landscape which together make up a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Fifteenth-century Bunratty Castle is also nearby and just half an hour away is Limerick city where medieval King John’s Castle tells the story of 800 years of dramatic local history.
