World’s only LGBTQ+ matchmaking festival expects to attract 1,000 revellers to Clare

 The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare will host The Outing from February 9-11. Picture: Eamon Ward

The world’s only Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) matchmaking festival returns to Co Clare this weekend.

Named The Outing, the matchmaking festival is now in its 11th year and expects to attract over 1,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as straight singles from across Ireland and the world.

The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-On-Fergus will be the host venue for the next five Outings, including this year’s festival from February 9 to 11.

Festival Director of The Outing, Eddie McGuinness is “delighted” to have secured a “lasting home” for the festival.

“People have travelled from all over the world to our festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals, and interactive events,” he said.

Mr McGuinness cited that two marriages and over 100 relationships blossomed from the festival to date.

“Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part in the festival. With more than 100 relationships and two marriages, I have helped play a part in putting together our event in recent years.

The Outing expects to attract over 1,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as straight singles from across Ireland and the world.

“The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGTBQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend,” he added.

The festival will be co-hosted by Irish drag queen Victoria’s Secret, who is “excited” to “escape to the West.”

“I am excited to escape to the West after what already feels like the longest January on record.

“Whether you’re coming to find love, mix and mingle with some new faces, or just have a bop amongst like-minded people, there is something for everyone at The Outing.

“So, pop on something sparkly, shake off the January blues and come party with me. Well, it's Valentine's, after all.” 

Drag Queen and gay rights activist Panti Bliss added that The Outing is “quintessentially Irish” and “drips in glamour.” 

“It opens up the idea of traditional Irishness to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish,” they added.

Europride

The Outing organisers confirmed that they are working alongside the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Shannon Chambers, Quare Clare and Limerick Pride to submit a joint bid to bring EuroPride to the Midwest region in 2028, which would also coincide with the 35th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.

Karen Ronan, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau said they are proud to support the Mid-West’s bid to host EuroPride in 2028.

“The [Shannon Region Conference and Sport] Bureau is proud to support The Outing and their partner organisations in their bid to secure this prestigious event for the Mid-West which, should it be successful, would mark a landmark moment for the Pride movement in Ireland.

“Bringing the event to Limerick and Clare also would deliver a significant economic boost to the wider region and would follow on from the hosting of the World Rally Championship and the Ryder Cup.”

Tickets and further event details for The Outing can be found at theouting.ie.