page_title: Lisdoonvarna
section_title: Events
hierarchical_section_title: Lisdoonvarna / Arts and culture / Events
caption_attribution_description: A group taking the waters at the Twin Wells on the banks of the River Aille at Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Lisdoonvarna is Ireland's only Spa town, and the healthy benefits of the water were noted as early as 1740. Date: Circa 1900 NLI Ref.: L_CAB_06206
context_page_description: Lisdoonvarna is a spa town of 739 people in County Clare in Ireland. The town is famous for its music and festivals. Although the music festival was discontinued in the 1980s, Lisdoonvarna still hosts its annual matchmaking festival each September.
context_section_description: In September each year one of Europe's largest matchmaking events is held in the town attracting upwards of 40,000 romantic hopefuls, bachelor farmers and accompanying revellers. The month-long event is an important tourist attraction. The current matchmaker is Willie Daly, a fourth-generation matchmaker.
  A now-defunct music festival which took place near the town is celebrated in a song of the same name written by the Irish folk singer Christy Moore. This festival took place until 1983, when the last event was marred by a riot and the accidental drowning of eight people.
caption: A group taking the waters at the Twin Wells on the banks of the Aille river at Lisdoonvarna, circa 1900
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