Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival - Food and Local Producers

What to Expect

Europe’s largest singles festival, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, runs throughout September 2026, drawing upwards of 60,000 visitors to the small north Clare spa town. Food is woven through the festival experience with traditional Irish fare available from stalls and local establishments throughout the town. Visitors can find Irish stew, soda bread, seafood chowder, boxty, and other traditional staples from food vendors. Michelin-starred dining is available at the Wild Honey Inn on the Kincora Road. Artisan producers from the Burren Food Trail are represented through local cafes, pubs, and pop-up stalls across the month.

Good to Know

• The festival runs the full month of September; the town is at its busiest on weekends.
• Food stalls, cafes, and restaurants operate throughout the town during the festival.
• Wild Honey Inn (Michelin star) is nearby on the Kincora Road; advance booking is essential.
• The Burren Smokehouse visitor centre and Roadside Tavern also operate throughout the festival period.
• Accommodation books up well in advance; book early if planning a visit.

Getting There

Lisdoonvarna is on the N67 in north Clare, approximately 35km north of Ennis and 8km from the Cliffs of Moher. Bus Eireann services connect Lisdoonvarna with Ennis. Car parking is available in the town, though it fills quickly on busy festival weekends.