Singletons hoping to be swept off their feet at Bantry matchmaking festival

Event in West Cork town will run from September 12-14

The idea for the festival was the brainchild of a group of local business owners, including Ruby Morley. Picture: Larry Cummins

Singletons fed up with endless swiping need look no further than West Cork this September as preparations get underway for Bantry’s first ever matchmaking festival.

Organisers of Craic on! Bantry’s Single Festival are hoping to give Lisdoonvarna, which has enjoyed 170 years as Ireland’s most successful matchmaking event, a run for its money.

The event in the West Cork town from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14 will experience the likes of a live Blind Dates event similar to the ITV game show hosted by Cilla Black between 1985 and 2003, and a so-called “love doctor” who will be on call for the weekend in addition to astrologists and tarot readers. There will also be dance and art classes as well as yoga, hikes, and kayaking activities. 

The idea for the festival was the brainchild of a group of local business owners, including Ruby Morley (Sea Dog), Danielle Delaney (Bantry Business Association), Grainne Begley (Ma Murphy’s Bar), and Bantry resident Gareth Sweet. Nina Evans, who owns the local hair salon Nina’s Place, has taken on the role of matchmaker for the inaugural festival.

Ruby Morley from accessories store Sea Dog spoke about the motivations behind setting up the festival. 

“It all started with a conversation in the pub. Myself and a friend were talking about how we were both on the hunt but it wasn’t really working out. We did not doubt that many other people out there were feeling the same way. It was very casual really but the reactions we got after telling people about our idea prompted us to really consider this as a possibility. There are so many lonely people at the moment who just don’t need to be. Even if only a few made connections that would be amazing.” 

Ruby is issuing a call to action for those disillusioned with the dating scene.

“Getting the women for these things is always easy, so we’re trying to balance it out with as many men as possible. That there will be a lot of women should hopefully be encouragement enough for any man who is looking for love. People can come in groups. There will be wristbands for anyone attending; nobody has to be nervous about any potential misunderstandings."

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She is confident that visitors to Bantry will gain from the experience.

“We’re a really diverse bunch in Bantry so even if you don’t end up finding love, it’s always interesting to meet new and interesting people.” 

The festival aims to promote human interaction.

“The main takeaway we’re getting from this is that the apps aren’t working for everyone. The idea is to get people out meeting again in real life. Hopefully, there will be a positive and friendly atmosphere.” 

Anyone interested in signing up or finding out more can email [e-mail]. Updates on the festival will be available via the festival’s Instagram page.