Imagine a matchmaking weekend – but just for the LGBTQ+ community. Sound interesting? Well, it exists and it’s called The Outing Festival – so, we went along to find out what it’s all about with Discover Ireland.
Held every year in the West of Ireland, just a few hours outside of Dublin, The Outing combines dance, drag and day trips with a whole bunch of chances to bag a date. And, even if you don’t find love, you’ll certainly learn about the LGBTQ+ community here in County Clare – and come away with some new best friends.
The festival, held on Valentine’s weekend, books out The Inn at Dromoland, meaning you can party like you’re at Glasto – but sleep in a comfy bed. Alone, or not, your choice.
What to Expect
Across the three days you can take part in walks, pool parties to talks from activists – as well as writing workshops and walking around the pop-up shops. In the evening, on both Friday and Saturday, there’s a live blind date game for the girls, gays and theys and it was hosted this year by the hilarious Paul Ryder.
There are also nightly performances from Drag Royalty like Charra Tea, Regina George, Dylatrix and Actavia.
On the Saturday there’s a chance to blow away the hangover with a trip to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the immense Aillwee caves and you can learn about the history of matchmaking with the murals in Lisdoonvarna.
Most people are there for the weekend and it skews slightly towards gay men, but there are also busses coming in from Dublin on the Saturday night – packed with sapphics. For us, one of the most iconic moments of 2025 has to be the showing of Kelly Maloney’s Knock Out Blonde, followed by Kelly herself, taking questions.
And on Sunday you can wind down with some karaoke. Said no one ever. But if you fancy a wholesome Sunday there’s the famous Dromoland Castle next door with falconry, gorgeous food at the Fig Tree restaurant and most importantly a cocktail bar.
So can you find love at a festival?
Founder Eddie McGuinness, the Queen of Matchmaking, told us there have been three marriages from the event in the 12 years it’s been running. He said: “It’s a new twist on an old tradition. It’s bringing people together, people from around the world to the West or Ireland. It’s for us amazing queers, no matter where you sit on the spectrum. From minute one it’s non-stop. Even if you’re sat on your own you’ll be asked if someone can join you.”
“Cilla Black eat your heart out we have Blind Date and to date – over the years – we’ve had hundreds of dates and several relationships have come out of it.”
“We’re not about any gender background, we’re about having fun in this safe, inclusive space.”
An added bonus – The location means you can combine the trip with a few days in Dublin before driving out, or sample the delights of the West Coast. You might meet the queen of your Irish dreams – and we all know the sapphics can and WILL do long distance. OR you might just get back with a hangover and a few new friends.
But we guarantee you’ll be head over heels with the West of Ireland, get a newfound appreciation of our community and have yourself some mighty craic.
Nonchalant x
