From Schitt's Creek to Lisdoonvarna: US woman finds love at matchmaking festival

Mary said: 'I went in with an open mind, half for the experience, half for the adventure of traveling somewhere new.'

Intrigued by a reference to Lisdoonvarna’s matchmaking festival on the hit comedy show Schitt’s Creek, one American woman travelled to see the event first-hand - never thinking she would find her perfect match.

But cupid struck at the matchmaking bar, and now Mary Blair-Elizabeth Timby is looking forward to her seventh date with her Irish beau. Flying to Shannon Airport “on a whim”, Mary said she was unsure about what to expect.

“I went in with an open mind, half for the experience, half for the adventure of traveling somewhere new. At worst, I figured I’d have an amazing trip to Ireland. I wasn’t expecting to find a match, but I stayed open to the possibility,” she told the Irish Examiner.

Since 1857, tens of thousands of singletons have been flocking to Clare each year with one mission in mind – finding true love at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. But it’s not only Irish people hoping to meet the partner of their dreams, as many travel from far and wide.

Originally from Colorado, Mary first heard of Lisdoonvarna during covid, as it was referenced by the character Alexis Rose in an episode of Schitt's Creek.

Mary first heard of Lisdoonvarna during covid, as it was referenced by the character Alexis Rose in an episode of Schitt's Creek.

“I googled it, thought it sounded fun, and then forgot about it, until recently.” After going through what she described as a “major life change”, Mary had the time and flexibility to travel and booked a solo trip to the September festival.

“The festival is one big, lively party, more of a 'meet someone at the pub' scene than traditional matchmaking. I had a great time enjoying the music and atmosphere, but casual hook-ups aren’t really my style, so I kept it light-hearted and avoided making any commitments while I was at the pubs.” 

She has been documenting her experience at the festival, but also in Ireland, with one of her videos gathering 2.3 million views on TikTok. But what the 38-year-old's followers are most interested in his her dates with an Irish man – who she has decided to keep anonymous for now.

The mysterious man reached out to her on social media after briefly meeting her at the Matchmaker Bar.

“We had a quick phone call first, which felt safe and reassuring, and realized we had a lot in common. That’s when I agreed to go on a date,” she said.

From a first date in a seafood restaurant in Dublin to a second in Ballybunion Castle, they have been getting to know each other, taking it “day-by-day”. Because her beau lives “near Limerick”, they have been exploring the Treaty City together.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

Now back in Colorado, Mary said she will be returning to Ireland in October – for her seventh date with the mysterious man.

“Our dates while I was there went really well, and we both want to keep getting to know each other. We’re talking regularly in the meantime and plan to continue dating in person when I’m back,” she said.

“I’ve appreciated how genuine, communicative, and consistent he’s been. It’s been refreshing, and I’m really enjoying this stage of discovery.

Like many, Mary said she had grown tired of swiping right on dating apps. 

Since she started posting about her adventures, Mary has received thousands of messages from other singletons.

“It started to feel like a full-time job, lots of time and energy spent without really knowing who’s on the other side of the screen. That’s why this festival appealed to me. Meeting people face-to-face is more natural and fun.” 

Since she started posting about her adventures, Mary has received thousands of messages from other singletons.

“I’ll be sharing tips and recommendations on TikTok and Instagram at @marytimby. I even reached out to Tourism Ireland since this is going viral. It seems the area may want to prepare for a wave of singles next September.”