Everyone! We’re welcoming singles, couples and groups of friends – straight or gay, lesbian, bisexual, Transgender and their friends – to The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking Festival for this fun-filled weekend, and we’ve seen bookings from all of the above  and Ireland and Internal guest so far! There’s no restriction (other than being over 18 years of age) on this inclusive and entertaining twist on an old tradition. Yes, there are matchmaking, blind dates to speed dating aspects for singles, but these are just one facet of the weekend and you’ll find plenty to see and do even if you’re already in a relationship, or not looking for one. We’ve put together a line-up of acts and entertainment that this little village in the west of Co.Clare Ireland won’t soon forget and we’d delighted to share them with you and your friends, whoever you are!

No! This isn’t that kind of festival and we’ve got aspects that are campy enough already, without tents and sleeping bags! The Outing is all about comfort and elegance for your weekend away and we’ve got you a great deal with two beautiful hotels in the area, who will be putting you up in 3-star accommodation for a maximum of 3 night stay, breakfast included!

Your best dancing shoes and outfits for the dance floor, your casual wear for cruising, caving, hiking and another other external activities (please see individual websites for advice on appropriate attire for activities). If you are daring enough, bring along something to participate in Saturday’s Drag Workshop and really work that glamour!

Booking into hotels will start from 2pm on Friday, you will be able to check out from the hotel at any time. We hope to finish on Sunday around 12:00 midday. You’ll be exhausted by the end of it! In 2017 we have taken the festival back to a 2 Day Festival.

Don’t worry, you definitely won’t be the only gay in the village, and certainly not the only single one! We’ve put a great deal of thought into activities that help people mingle and make new friends, and of course new relationships! There are plenty of ice-breaker and matchmaking events and the crowd will be a diverse fun group where you’ll fit right in and enjoy yourself thoroughly!

In 2017 The Outing is only a 2 Day Festival. We have changed from year 2014, 2015 & 2016 when we had an offer 3 nights for the price 2 this was in conjunction with the hotel which gave us the 3rd night free. This year in 2017 the hotel put additional cost for the 3rd night so we decided not to have 3rd night as most of our guests leave at Sunday lunch time or afternoon. This way we can bring you this years festival without adding extra cost to our valued guests.

Following some technical issues on our website earlier this year, our purchasing system was reset. This led to the option “All three nights for the price of 2” (a special offer from last year) appearing in the booking process. This addition went unnoticed by our team for some time, until being brought to our attention by one of our guests.

We apologies for any confusion this has caused, and look forward to welcoming you to The Outing!

Book Your Ticket Here!

Following some technical issues on our website earlier this year, our purchasing system was reset. This led to the option “All three nights for the price of 2” (a special offer from last year) appearing in the booking process. This addition went unnoticed by our team for some time, until being brought to our attention by one of our guests.

We apologies for any confusion this has caused, and look forward to welcoming you to The Outing!

Following some technical issues on our website earlier this year, our purchasing system was reset. This led to the option “All three nights for the price of 2” (a special offer from last year) appearing in the booking process. This addition went unnoticed by our team for some time, until being brought to our attention by one of our guests.

We apologies for any confusion this has caused, and look forward to welcoming you to The Outing!

Yes! These go on sale from 25th July and entitle holders to access all of the entertainment events of the weekend, without a hotel stay. Three types will be available; a 1-day pass and a weekend pass.

Yes! If you’re booking with friends, you can avail of a 10% discount on groups of 10+ people. We want to be able to accommodate your group’s needs in the best way possible, so contact us at tickets@theouting.ie and we’ll be happy to help!

A printed copy of your booking confirmation, or your confirmation ID will need to be supplied on entry to the Festival/Hotel, along with a photo id for check-in. You’ll then be supplied with a wrist-band which will allow you entry to events throughout the weekend.

Naughty you, just report back to The Outing’s on-site Office at The Hydro Hotel and we will see what we can do for you.

Yes, and you may be requested to present photo ID to prove you are over 18.

You will be missing out! However, you may ask The Outing Ticketing Staff to resell your ticket(s) for the festival. We cannot guarantee a resale and we reserve the right to sell remaining tickets before returned tickets. This service is charged at €40.00 per resold ticket. Contact tickets@theouting.ie

The Outing HQ is based at The Hydro Hotel, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Ireland
+353 65 707 4005
The Imperial Hotel, Main St, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Ireland
+353 65 707 4042

Yes, (This is available in certain areas and subject to the terms of provision of the Hotels).

Both hotels we’ve worked with are 3-star hotels and facilities include: ensuite bathrooms, restaurants, ballrooms and club (in which our entertainments take place), bars (including residents bar services). If you have special requirements, you can let us know during the booking process, or contact us to amend an existing booking at tickets@theouting.ie.

Following some technical issues on our website earlier this year, our purchasing system was reset. This led to the option “All three nights for the price of 2” (a special offer from last year) appearing in the booking process. This addition went unnoticed by our team for some time, until being brought to our attention by one of our guests.

We apologies for any confusion this has caused, and look forward to welcoming you to The Outing!

There are no ATMs in the small village of Lisdoonvarna. The nearest one is in Ennistymon (15 min. by car south of Lisdoonvarna). It may be advisable to bring cash for use in the village, but of course the hotels are happy to accept debit and credit cards.

Lots! Lisdoonvarna is situated among some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland, and close to some of the country’s most visited tourist attractions, like the Cliffs of Moher. There are plenty of activities to add to the entertainment on offer and you can review the excelent deals and discounts available to you as a guest of The Outing by visiting our Local Activities page.

We would advise foreign travellers to travel to Shannon Airport, which is located 45 mins from Lisdoonvarna. Alternatively, you can fly to Dublin Airport and avail of the Train transfer.

You’ll find a map, directions and information about connecting from airports, rail and bus services on our Directions page Here

Yes, our hotels have ample car parking.