The Outing: The World’s Only LGBTQ+ Matchmaking Festival Returns

–        Bid underway to secure EuroPride for the Mid-West in 2028

The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare has been confirmed as the host venue for the next five years of the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival.

Now in its 11^th year, The Outing is expected to attract more than 1,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight singles and couples from across Ireland and overseas to the County Clare venue this coming Valentine’s weekend from February 9^th to 11^th.

Organised in conjunction with The Outing Queer Arts Collective with support from Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight Solutions, Visit Clare, Limerick Pride, and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs. This year’s event is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking”, Eddie McGuinness, and Victoria’s Secret.

Eddie McGuinness, who is the Festival Director of The Outing, commented, “We are delighted to have secured a lasting home for our festival and are excited about delivering an LGBTQ+ weekend like no other.”

“People have travelled from all over the world to our festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events,” he added. “Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part in the festival. With more than a hundred relationships and two marriages, I have helped play a part in putting together our event in recent years. The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGTBQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.”

Festival co-host Victoria’s Secret commented, “I am excited to escape to the West after what already feels like the longest January in record. Whether you’re coming to find love, mix and mingle with some new faces or just have a bop amongst like-minded people, there is something for everyone at The Outing. So, pop on something sparkly, shake off the January blues and come party with me. Well, it’s Valentine’s, after all.”

Drag queen and gay rights activist Panti Bliss, a longstanding supporter of the festival, said, “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of traditional Irishness to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish.”

EuroPride Bid

The Outing organisers have also confirmed they are working with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Shannon Chambers, Quare Clare and Limerick Pride to submit a bid to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028, which would mark the first time that the pan-European international event has been held in Ireland. Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.

According to Mr McGuinness, “Working with our partners in the Mid-West Region, we are hoping to bring LGBTQ+ tourists and activists from across the world to Limerick and Clare in 2028, which would also coincide with the 35th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. Limerick is well accustomed to hosting large-scale international events, and we are confident we can follow in the footsteps of Amsterdam, London, Lisbon, Copenhagen and Madrid in showcasing our vibrant LGTBQ+ community here in Ireland, as this would be the 1st time EuroPride would come to the island of Ireland.”

Karen Ronan, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, “The Bureau is proud to support The Outing and their partner organisations in their bid to secure this prestigious event for the Mid-West which, should it be successful, would mark a landmark moment for the Pride movement in Ireland. Bringing the event to Limerick and Clare also would deliver a significant economic boost to the wider region and would follow on from the hosting of the World Rally Championship and the Ryder Cup.”

The Outing 2024 takes place at The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare on February 9^th to 11^th, 2023. Visit www.theouting.ie for ticket and event details.

-Ends-

The Outing Festival is supported by Blacknight, Failte Ireland, Shannon Chamber, Visit Clare, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Shannon Chamber Skillnet, Spar and more here https://www.theouting.ie/festival-partners/

Photographs:

The_Outing_1 – **NO REPRO FEE** The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare will host The Outing this coming Valentine’s weekend from February 9th to 11th—photograph by Eamon Ward.

The_Outing_2 – **No repro fee** Eddie McGuinness, Festival Director of The Outing, which takes place at The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare on Valentine’s weekend from February 9th to 11th. Photo Arthur Carron Photography.

The_Outing_3 – **NO REPRO FEE** The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare will host The Outing this coming Valentine’s weekend from February 9th to 11th—photograph by Eamon Ward.

Eddie McGuinness, Festival Director of The Outing, is available for an interview on 086-3884242.

www.TheOutingFestival.com

Press Release

“Halloween event in Dolans Warehouse”

Halloween Weekend, 28th October  2024

The Outing Festival world’s only Queer Matchmaking Festival, returns on Valentine’s Weekend on February 2024 in its New home but still in the heart of Co. Clare on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland.

“Over 11 Years of Bringing People Together,” the festival has grown from 1st year in 2013 in Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. With Same-sex marriage equality in 2015, the festival has, with the help of Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness, brought together hundreds of couples and even two marriages in that time and a few more on the way. With some teaching from the 4th generation of Matchmaking, Willie Daly

To Editor:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness, Queen of Matchmaking/ Festival Director & Founder

Email: eddie@emcgpr,com

www.TheOutingFestival.com

Press Release

“Taking the online offline to find Love or friendship or both”

“11 Years of Bringing People Together”

The Outing Festival World’s Only Queer Matchmaking, Music & Arts Festival

Valentine’s Weekend, 9th-11th February 2024

We have had a breakup with life in the last few years. Now it’s time to get back out there and find that passion or even love again or both, and The Outing Festival is here to help in the areas of Arts, Music and most importantly, Matchmaking.

The ever-growing Off-shot and the stand-alone LGBTQ+ festival are now from the famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in Co. Clare, Ireland.

The Outing Festival world’s only Queer Matchmaking Festival, returns on Valentine’s Weekend on February 2024 in its New home but still in the heart of Co. Clare on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland.

“Over 11 Years of Bringing People Together,” the festival has grown from 1st year in 2013 in Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. With Same-sex marriage equality in 2015, the festival has, with the help of Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness, brought together hundreds of couples and even two marriages in that time and a few more on the way. With some teaching from the 4th generation of Matchmaking, Willie Daly

It’s not easy to find someone of like-mindedness out there online or offline before COVID and since, but this is what we do here at The Outing Festival, said Eddie McGuinness, Queen of Matchmaking, aka Mr Pride. This is a fusion of Queer Arts and culture plus that safe space where you can chat and meet someone from the LGBTQ+ community in a beautiful part of West Ireland in Co. Clare.

With hundreds of LGBTQ+ tourists from Scotland, the USA, South America, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and more coming from around the world to find love and friendship in the west of Ireland

Who needs online dating when you can meet in person or with an extra helping hand from Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness, aka Mr Pride, hosting Blind Date to speed dating and more events to get you connected?
“This is like a Gay Butlins with even more glitter and camp,” said Eddie McGuinness, founder & Queen of Matchmaking.

The Outing Festival has now developed into an even bigger festival by bringing the LGBTQ+ community and friends together in the areas of Arts, Music, Film, and Comedy, plus outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, water sports, horse riding, golf and more) with at the heart of the festival been Matchmaking the art of bringing people no matter who they are or backgrounds together.
Going into our 11th year as a festival, we never stop bringing people together by going online and showcasing excellent singer-songwriters to artists and bits of Fabulous Drag from Panti to Paul Ryder to Victoria Secret, even bringing in international drag artists with an Irish connection. This is a new twist on an old tradition with an extra Rainbow to make things happen.

For over 11 years, we not only hosted our matchmaking festival in Co. Clare but are Matchmaker Eddie McGuinness has visited other Pride festivals around Ireland, from the smallest ones in Mayo to Sligo Pride, then onto Dundalk, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Carlow Pride, to name a few.

We host a Géilí every year for Dublin Pride (that Trad session with Irish dancers in Panti Bar with a gay twist)

We have taken the festival and our Matchmaker to London, Manchester, and even Vienna with hopes to World Pride Sydney Australia next year.
Love is all around us

The Outing Festival’s love for Eurovision will keep growing with Irish and international winners performing at the festival: Johnny Logan, Katrina (Katrina & The Waves) UK winner, Irish winner Paul Harrington, a great friend of the festival Niamh Kavanagh (3rd time at the festival) alongside Linda Martin as a special guest in 2023.

Some of the Hosts over the ten years have been Panti Bliss, Brendan Courtney, Alan Hughes and, in the last few years, Paul Ryder (Ireland AM Virgin Media has co-hosted alongside our Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness.

At the festival’s core is bringing people and artists together who are Irish or with an Irish connection or hope to have one by the end of the festival, said Eddie McGuinness, Queen of Matchmaking and founder.

Matchmaking Festival like no other
“Who needs dating apps? At The Outing Festival, the glittery LGBT+ sister event of the 160-year-old Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, there’s no technology, just good old-fashioned parties in the unlikely setting of rural County Clare” The Guardian UK Newspaper.

Homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, but in May 2015, the country became the first in the world to legalise gay marriage by popular vote, and it did so resoundingly: 62% voted in favour. In the traditionally more conservative west, County Clare voted 58% in favour, so the festival isn’t quite as incongruous as it sounds. Except it still is 8 years or more later, there have been marriages and engagement parties after meeting at The Outing Festival.

To Editor:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness, Queen of Matchmaking/ Festival Director & Founder

Email: eddie@emcgpr,com

www.TheOutingFestival.com

International Media have said about The Outing Festival

“Taking the online offline to find Love or friendship or both”

“10 Years of Bringing People Together”

Time to find Love or friendship or both as The Outing Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend 10th-12th February 2023 after a breakup because of Covid.

Match Me if you can?

Who needs Grindr? The glittery LGBT spin-off of the 156-year-old Lisdoonvarna matchmaking
festival in rural County Clare is all about good old-fashioned partying, says Hannah Jane Parkinson The Guardian London

‘What a unique experience The Outing Festival was! I so much enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.  Everyone was there, the gay community, the locals, whole families. I have never seen something like this in my life.  Congratulations Ireland!’  Mariette van Beek , Netherlands, Zij and Zig Magazine, @DeVvanVer

‘Who would have thought a usually sleepy village in Ireland would be home to one of the most vibrant, colourful and diverse festivals we’ve ever experienced? The Outing Festival overflowed with love, positivity, acceptance and equality –  both from the festival attendees and the locals – with a massive dollop of fun, frolics and fabulousness. We laughed hard, partied harder, made new friends and wonderful memories’ Lee Dalloway, GB,  Social media executive @BBCThree, well known within British gay media @leefroydalvin

‘This weekend for The Outing was so surprisingly fun! I never would have expected such a colourful and vibrant festival in small town Ireland.  To see the rainbow flags and paper hearts throughout the town and alongside the roads was so comforting and welcoming. And to meet so many locals, advocates, performers in a small intimate and cosy atmosphere – it was all just so much fun and lovely.  Thank you for the warm welcome – I can’t wait to return to Ireland’ Adam Groffman, International Markets, Globetrotter, blogger, travel writer @travelsofadam

‘Gratitude …. a word meant to express profound thanks. Yet a word that just won’t do when referencing Co. Clare & Ireland. Open hearts and hands greeted us when one might expect fear or disgust. This place and this event will forever be one of the most memorable of my life as an open LGBT man. Ireland shows us how to do it yet again. It truly was #all about love.  Karel Bouley, USA, Huffington Post, Free Speech TV @therealkarel

“Taking the online offline to find Love or friendship or both”

“10 Years of Bringing People Together”

Time to find Love or friendship or both as The Outing Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend 10th-12th February 2023 after a breakup because of Covid.

We have had a breakup with life in the last few years now it’s time to get back out there and find that passion or even love again and The Outing Festival is here to help in the areas of Arts, Music and most importantly Matchmaking.

The ever growing Off-shot and stand-alone festival now from Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival,

The Outing Festival world’s only Queer (LGBTQ+) Matchmaking Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend on February 2023 in its New home but still in the heart of Co.Clare on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland for the second time since 2019.

“10 Years of Bringing People Together” the festival has grown from 1st year in 2013 in Lisdoonvarna and with Same-sex marriage equality in 2015 the festival has with the help of Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness brought together hundreds of couples and even a few marriages too and few more on the way. With some teaching from the 4th generation of Matchmaking Willie Daly

The Outing Festival has now developed into an even bigger festival by bringing the LGBTQ+ plus community and friends together in the areas of Arts, Music, Film, Comedy plus outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, watersports to horse riding, golf and more) with at the heart of the festival been Matchmaking the art of bringing people no matter who they are or backgrounds together.
Going into our 10th year as a festival we never stop bringing people together even in covid happening with going online and showcasing amazing singer-songwriters to artists and bit of Fabulous Drag from Panti to Ru Paul Ryder to Carrie Deweyy even bring in international drag artists with an Irish connection.
This is a new twist on an old tradition with an extra Rainbow put in to make things happen.

It’s not easy to find someone of like-mindedness out there online or offline before covid and since covid but this is what we do here at The Outing Festival said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking aka Mr Pride.

For over 10 years we not only hosted our festival in Co. Clare but are festival has visited other Pride festivals around Ireland from the smallest ones in Mayo to Sligo Pride then onto Dundalk, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Carlow Pride to name a few.

We host a Géilí every year for Dublin Pride (that Trad session with Irish dancers in Panti Bar with a gay twist)

We have taken the festival and our Matchmaker to London, Manchester even Vienna with hopes to World Pride Sydney Australia next year.
Love is all around us

The Outing Festival’s love for Eurovision will keep growing with Irish and international winners performing at the festival Johnny Logan, Katrina (Katrina & The Waves) UK winner, Irish winner Paul Harrington a great friend of the festival Niamh Kavanagh (3rd time at the festival) alongside Linda Martin as a special guest in 2023.

Some of the Hosts over the ten years have been Panti Bliss, Brendan Courtney, Alan Hughes and last few years Paul Ryder (Ireland AM Virgin Media has co-hosted alongside our Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness.

At the core of the festival is bringing people and artists together who are Irish or with an Irish connection or hope to have one by the end of the festival said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking & founder.

This is a fusion of Queer Arts and culture plus that safe space you know you can chat and meet someone from the LGBTQ+ community in a beautiful part of West Ireland in Co. Clare.

Matchmaking Festival like no other
“Who needs dating apps? At The Outing Festival, the glittery LGBT+ sister event of the 160-year-old Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, there’s no technology, just good old-fashioned parties in the unlikely setting of rural County Clare” The Guardian UK Newspaper

Homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, but in May 2015, the country became the first in the world to legalise gay marriage by popular vote, and it did so resoundingly: 62% voted in favour. In the traditionally more conservative west, County Clare voted 58% in favour, so the festival isn’t quite as incongruous as it sounds. Except it still sort of is. 7 years or more later there have been marriages and engagement parties after meeting at The Outing Festival

Who needs online dating when you can meet in person or with an extra helping hand from Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness aka Mr Pride hosting Blind Date to speed dating or even some water sports with our virgin pool party
“This is like a Gay Butlins with even more glitter and camp,” said Eddie McGuinness founder & Queen of Matchmaking.

To Editor:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking/ Festival Director & Founder eddie@emcgpr,com

www.theouting.ie

“Taking the online offline to find Love or friendship or both”

“10 Years of Bringing People Together”

Time to find Love or friendship or both as The Outing Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend 10th-12th February 2023 after a breakup because of Covid.

We have had a breakup with life in the last few years now it’s time to get back out there and find that passion or even love again and The Outing Festival is here to help in the areas of Arts, Music and most importantly Matchmaking.

The ever growing Off-shot and stand-alone festival now from Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival,

The Outing Festival world’s only Queer (LGBTQ+) Matchmaking Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend on February 2023 in its New home but still in the heart of Co.Clare on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland for the second time since 2019.

“10 Years of Bringing People Together” the festival has grown from 1st year in 2013 in Lisdoonvarna and with Same-sex marriage equality in 2015 the festival has with the help of Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness brought together hundreds of couples and even a few marriages too and few more on the way. With some teaching from the 4th generation of Matchmaking Willie Daly

The Outing Festival has now developed into an even bigger festival by bringing the LGBTQ+ plus community and friends together in the areas of Arts, Music, Film, Comedy plus outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, watersports to horse riding, golf and more) with at the heart of the festival been Matchmaking the art of bringing people no matter who they are or backgrounds together.
Going into our 10th year as a festival we never stop bringing people together even in covid happening with going online and showcasing amazing singer-songwriters to artists and bit of Fabulous Drag from Panti to Ru Paul Ryder to Carrie Deweyy even bring in international drag artists with an Irish connection.
This is a new twist on an old tradition with an extra Rainbow put in to make things happen.

It’s not easy to find someone of like-mindedness out there online or offline before covid and since covid but this is what we do here at The Outing Festival said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking aka Mr Pride.

For over 10 years we not only hosted our festival in Co. Clare but are festival has visited other Pride festivals around Ireland from the smallest ones in Mayo to Sligo Pride then onto Dundalk, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Carlow Pride to name a few.

We host a Géilí every year for Dublin Pride (that Trad session with Irish dancers in Panti Bar with a gay twist)

We have taken the festival and our Matchmaker to London, Manchester even Vienna with hopes to World Pride Sydney Australia next year.
Love is all around us

The Outing Festival’s love for Eurovision will keep growing with Irish and international winners performing at the festival Johnny Logan, Katrina (Katrina & The Waves) UK winner, Irish winner Paul Harrington a great friend of the festival Niamh Kavanagh (3rd time at the festival) alongside Linda Martin as a special guest in 2023.

Some of the Hosts over the ten years have been Panti Bliss, Brendan Courtney, Alan Hughes and last few years Paul Ryder (Ireland AM Virgin Media has co-hosted alongside our Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness.

At the core of the festival is bringing people and artists together who are Irish or with an Irish connection or hope to have one by the end of the festival said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking & founder.

This is a fusion of Queer Arts and culture plus that safe space you know you can chat and meet someone from the LGBTQ+ community in a beautiful part of West Ireland in Co. Clare.

Matchmaking Festival like no other
“Who needs dating apps? At The Outing Festival, the glittery LGBT+ sister event of the 160-year-old Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, there’s no technology, just good old-fashioned parties in the unlikely setting of rural County Clare” The Guardian UK Newspaper

Homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, but in May 2015, the country became the first in the world to legalise gay marriage by popular vote, and it did so resoundingly: 62% voted in favour. In the traditionally more conservative west, County Clare voted 58% in favour, so the festival isn’t quite as incongruous as it sounds. Except it still sort of is. 7 years or more later there have been marriages and engagement parties after meeting at The Outing Festival

Who needs online dating when you can meet in person or with an extra helping hand from Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness aka Mr Pride hosting Blind Date to speed dating or even some water sports with our virgin pool party
“This is like a Gay Butlins with even more glitter and camp,” said Eddie McGuinness founder & Queen of Matchmaking.

To Editor:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking/ Festival Director & Founder eddie@emcgpr,com

www.theouting.ie

New to The Outing Festival

Valentines Weekend 10th-12th Feb 2023

Our New Queer Film Festival  ‘Time Lapse Film Festival’

A showing of short queer films, creating awareness for minorities, people without a voice and of interests .

The Outing Festival in association with our festival partner Blacknight launch a new queer film festival in the west of Ireland at The Outing Festival at The Inn at Dromoland Co. Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way.

“Time Lapse Film Festival” is a short movies contest addressed to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer themed works, both released and unreleased ones. Contents can be artistically performed in all its possible meanings, interpretations and realities.

This is open to anyone worldwide with LGBTQ short movies in from UK, New York, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Films will be shown daily on our Stage – Main Room over our 3 day festival Valentines Weekend 10th-12th Feb 2023.

“This is another way of relaxing over the festival and getting to know others with a same interests, this is a matchmaking festival after all and all about bring people together and we been doing this for 10 Years now” said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking.

If you would like to have your short film featured, please drop us a an email at our website www.TheOutingFestival.com

To Editor:

The Outing Festival Ireland, This is a fusion of Queer Arts and culture plus that safe space you know you can chat and meet someone from the LGBTQ+ community in a beautiful part of West Ireland in Co. Clare. On The Wild Atlantic Way

Eurovision winners and a great friend of the festival Niamh Kavanagh (3rd time at the festival) alongside Linda Martin as a special guest in 2023 headline other amazing queer artists and performers from around the world.

Time to find Love or friendship or both as The Outing Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend 10th-12th February 2023 after a breakup because of Covid.

We have had a breakup with life in the last few years now it’s time to get back out there and find that passion or even love again and The Outing Festival is here to help in the areas of Arts, Music and most importantly Matchmaking.

The ever growing Off-shot and stand-alone festival now from Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival,

The Outing Festival world’s only Queer (LGBTQ+) Matchmaking Festival returns on Valentine’s Weekend on February 2023 in its New home but still in the heart of Co. Clare on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland for the second time since 2019.

“10 Years of Bringing People Together” the festival has grown from 1st year in 2013 in Lisdoonvarna and with Same-sex marriage equality in 2015 the festival has with the help of Queen of Matchmaking Eddie McGuinness brought together hundreds of couples and even a few marriages too and few more on the way. With some teaching from the 4th generation of Matchmaking Willie Daly

The Outing Festival has now developed into an even bigger festival by bringing the LGBTQ+ plus community and friends together in the areas of Arts, Music, Film, Comedy plus outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, water sports to horse riding, golf and more) with at the heart of the festival been Matchmaking the art of bringing people no matter who they are or backgrounds together.
Going into our 10th year as a festival we never stop bringing people together even in covid happening with going online and showcasing amazing singer-songwriters to artists and bit of Fabulous Drag from Panti, Ru Paul Ryder, Carrie Deweyy, Regina George plus Mr Pussy even bring in international drag artists with an Irish connection over the years.
This is a new twist on an old tradition with an extra Rainbow put in to make things happen.

It’s not easy to find someone of like-mindedness out there online or offline before covid and since covid but this is what we do here at The Outing Festival said Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking aka Mr Pride.

Find out more

The Outing Festival Ireland

World’s Only Queer Matchmaking, Arts & Music Festival

www.TheOutingFestival.com

To Edior:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness Queen of Matchmaking/ Festival Director & Founder

www.theouting.ie

The Outing Festival “We are on the Move & #ShareTheLove”

World’s Only LGBT+ Music & Matchmaking Festival

27^th & 28^th September 2019

The Inn at Dromoland, Co, Clare, Ireland

The Outing Festival, ‘Love for Music, Arts & Matchmaking’ – now in our seventh year, a new twist on old traditions. Our Award Winning and World Famous The Outing Festival is calling all singles, couples and groups – gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, straight and their friends to join us for this fun-filled LGBT+ Weekend like no other in the world in the west of Ireland 27^th & 28^th September 2019.

The Outing Festival is on the move from the village of Love Lisdoonvarna after six year, as we share the Love when move to on the grounds of Dromoland Castle & take over The Inn at Dromoland, Co. Clare in the West of Ireland 27th & 28th Sept.

With a bigger location and even more in store as The Outing goes into our seventh year of the festival, we have new partners like vaping brand blu, who are coming on board as a platinum sponsor.

blu’s Irish Head of Marketing Carmel Balala said; ‘’blu, Ireland’s newest vaping brand, is about freedom of choice, of self-expression and about being who you are. Therefore we are proud to be supporting The Outing Festival. We will be giving vapers the chance of experiencing our new myblu range of products at the festival in September.’’

Carmel went on to say; ‘’The Outing Festival is continuing to go from strength to strength with the indefatigable Eddie McGuinness at the helm and we are proud to be associated with it.’’

People have traveled from all over the world to the festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part of the festival but The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGBT community so whether you’re single or taken, gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.

“We came all the way over from the USA and had an awesome time. Who knew there were so many hot Irish people….BOOM!” said US visitor Chad Boulton and it’s not just the visitors who have a great time, the performers love it too.

“WOW! Great Craic. Amazing to be part of something from the start. I could have song all night long the crowd were up for more Thank you,” commented Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh after her performance at the festival and she is returning in 2018 for even bigger show.

Hosted by Drag Ringmaster Paul Ryder & Gay Matchmaker Eddie McGuinness,
Live on stage Johnny Logan, Mr. Pussy, Victoria Secret Dublin, Danny Beard, Evin Dennehy, Candy Warhol, Sparkle, Dj Ruth Dignam (The George Dublin, Club Tease), Brew Mbirika, Paul Middleton, Kiki St Clair, Club Gass, with Wet and Wild Sports Club, The Apple Blossoms, and lots more artist & performers plus with pool parties to Blind Dates, Speed Dating. You name it we will get up to it. We also have an Afternoon Tea and Crafts Fair…

As Panti Bliss said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish”

“An LGBT weekend away like no other”, according to former festival host Panti Bliss, The Outing is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s & International best Dj’s, Performers and drag artists. But don’t forget why you’re here in the first place. This is a matchmaking festival and you’re looking for love or friendship.

Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ said Eddie McGuinness Festival Director & Gay Matchmaker.

The Outing is a spectacular weekend like no other that celebrates life, love, and diversity. We’ll have news of the full line-up soon but in the meantime follow them on Twitter (@theouting_ie) and Facebook (@TheOutingFestival) to keep up-to-date with all of the latest announcements and get set for a wonderful weekend this 27^th & 28^th September 2019 The Inn at Dromoland, Co, Clare, Ireland.

Tickets on Sale Now.

Hotel Package & Weekend Tickets
Check out www.TheOutingFestival.com

To Edior:

For Interviews about The Outing Festival or with Eddie McGuinness Gay Matchmaker/ Festival Director

Please contact Rory at [email protected]

www.theouting.ie

‘Love Comes to Does Who Wonder’

World Famous ‘The Outing’ returns to Lisdoonvarna

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has been a staple of Irish life for over 160 years. Every year, singles flock to the town in the hope of meeting someone special or even just making new friends. Five years ago, an offshoot festival just for L.G.B.T people was created ‘The Outing’ which returns the weekend of 6^th – 8^th October 2017 this year for what is sure to be its biggest year yet.

Everyone is welcome! The festival calls 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. There’s no restriction (other than being over 18 years of age) on this inclusive and entertaining twist on an old tradition. And of course there is matchmaking, blind dates and speed dating aspects for singles too. They’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 they’d be delighted to share them with you and your friends, whoever you are!

People have travelled from all over the world to the festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events in the beautiful town of Lisdoonvarna which is in Co. Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way. Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part of the festival but The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGBT community so whether you’re single or taken, gay, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.

“We came all the way over from the USA and had a awesome time. Who knew there was so many hot Irish people….BOOM!” said US visitor Chad Boulton and it’s not just the visitors who have a great time, the performers love it too.

“WOW! Great Craic. Amazing to be part of something from the start. I could have song all night long the crowd were up for more Thank you,” commented Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh after her performance at the festival and she is returning this year for even bigger show.

Last year saw the likes of B*Witched, Alan Hughes (TV3), Jonny Woo and singers, song writers, comedians lots more appear at the festival and there’s sure to be a stellar line-up again this year, with something for everyone to enjoy. We even had a ‘Love Boat’ a love cruise like no other under the Cliffs of Moher at sun set. This is a party not to be missed and if you need to take a break and recharge your batteries over the weekend, there are a whole host of amazing tourist attractions not too far away, with the likes of The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher not too far away.

The Outing is a spectacular weekend like no other that celebrates life, love and diversity. We’ll have news of the full line-up later in the year but in the meantime follow them on Twitter (@theouting_ie) and Facebook (@TheOutingFestival) to keep up-to-date with all of the latest announcements and get set for a wonderful weekend this October 6^th-8^th in Lisdoonvarna Co.Clare.

Tickets on Sale Now.

www.theouting.ie

Press Release

Friday, 7^th October 2016

World’s Only Matchmaking LGBT Festival Attracts Top International Media to Lisdoonvarna

A group of top international media, with a combined circulation of almost 6 million, have arrived in Ireland to document the Irish LGBT tourism experience – The Outing, in Lisdoonvarna.

The trip, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, will allow the journalists (from Canada, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and the UK) and Canadian TV crew with host Adamo Angelo Ruggiero a well-known actor in Canada, to meet some influential figures in Ireland’s LGBT community.  The group will experience Dublin on a Gay walking tour of the city with DJ and activist Tonie Walsh, attend ‘The Outing in Lisdoonvarna’ – the world’s only LGBT matchmaking festival, and take in some of the most iconic experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Speaking of the visit, Head of International Publicity for Fáilte Ireland, Ciara Sugrue said:

“This is without a doubt one of the largest press groups we have hosted for this festival, and the sheer circulation of the visiting media will undoubtedly position Ireland as a must-see place to visit in 2017 and beyond. Last year’s referendum has raised the profile of Ireland among the global LGBT community – a market with good potential growth for Ireland – so ensuring this group of influential media enjoy all that Ireland has to offer is paramount.”

As part of a bespoke itinerary designed by Fáilte Ireland the group have an action packed few days with highlights including meeting with Willie Daly at the Hydro Hotel for some traditional matchmaking and a welcome Céili, a visit to the Burren Smokehouse brand new music venue, meet with John Connolly from Burren Wild Tours for an introduction to a working farm and lunch at Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, finishing with a cruise around the Cliffs with Doolin Ferries.

The Outing festival is now in its fourth year and is growing into a major off shoot festival of its own from the main 160 year old traditional matchmaking festival.  Eddie McGuinness, Director of The Outing Festival said –

“We are delighted to see the interest from so many countries on the world’s only LGBT Music & Matchmaking festival here in Lisdoonvarna. We are delighted to be able to extend a big Irish welcome and to be able to entertain this group of overseas media during their time in Ireland.

“Since the referendum, Ireland has shown the world that its doors are open to the LGBT market, as more and more people from the gay, lesbian, bi and trans community come to Ireland not only to visit but to find love and even marry here.   It is now up to us, and the wider tourism sector, to provide our famous Céad Míle Fáilte so that we can make the most of this opportunity.”

This trip just is part of a wider programme of supports provided to Irish tourism businesses by Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with Tourism Ireland.

ENDS

For further information contact

Louise Tolerton – Media Relations 086 6086578/01 8847135

Catherine Whelan, Press Office – 087 6449572 / 01 8847181

Note to Editor

Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.

The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 220,000 people and generates over €7.7billion in overseas revenue a year.

Check out my “Outing Festival Launch 2016 Large selection” images using the following link:

https://archive.eamonward.com/gallery/Outing-Festival-Launch-2016-Large-selection/G0000B0XLcGvEOCs

Sample Images:

If prompted, enter this password: outing

Below is a link to gallery.  Password for both is “outing”

This has 8 of the best images: The Outing LGBT Music & Matchmaking Lisdoonvarna Ireland.
https://archive.eamonward.com/gallery/Outing-Festival-2016-launch-Best-selection/G0000hlF5GGNKZ5Q

Credit: Eamon Ward & The Outing LGBT+ Music & Matchmaking Ireland.

Sponsors: Blacknight & Gaydar

Person in Love Heart Suit: Gay Matchmaker & Festival Director Eddie McGuinness

You can download them either individually or “select all” and as a batch.

Free to use but most be credited.

Click on link to see Weekend Schedule:

friday-7th-oct-schedule-the-outing-lisdoonvarna-2016

saturday-8th-oct-schedule-the-outing-lisdoonvarna-2016

sunday-oct-schedule-the-outing-lisdoonvarna-2016

The Glory are delighted to be going to The Outing in October! An LGBT matchmaking festival in beautiful Ireland (a queer version of Ireland’s very quirky and traditional Lisdoonvarna festival) with drag queen super star Panti Bliss, Alan Hughes and of course B*Witched!

The Glory will be taking a range of shows to this gorgeous weekend, including A Night At The Musicals (with Jonny Woo and operatic queen Le Gateau Chocolat). Irish drag queen Jonbenet Blonde is also coming with us, hosting a Glo-Rave with JOHN SIZZLE. And Irish singer Rudi Douglas will perform The Glory’s ‘Big Gay Songbook’, also with Jonny Woo.

The Outing are offering very affordable deals for any Londoners who fancy joining us for this idyllic little Irish break. More information here. COME WITH US!

WIN A TRIP!

Also we’ll be giving away a free trip for two people to come with us. This will happen at our queer ceilidh on September 4th. That’s right! We’re having “A FECKIN’ CEILIDH” party here, completely free, on Sunday 4th September – here at The Glory pub. See the event page

At Blacknight we’re delighted to announce that we are sponsoring ‘The Outing’, the fourth annual LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival in Lisdoonvarna County Clare: ‘a new twist on an old tradition’.

We sponsor all kinds of events, across the spectrum from business to the arts (and we’ve got another exciting announcement to come later this week). When it comes to The Outing, our message is simple: everyone deserves a weekend away in Clare!

Full details are available in the press release at the link below.

https://www.blacknight.press/134721-blacknight-to-sponsor-the-outing-lgbt-matchmaking-music-festival

Please contact me at the number below if you require any further information, or to arrange an interview with company CEO Michele Neylon.

Regards,

Conn

—

Conn Ó Muíneacháin, +353 87 7408056

https://Blacknight.host, Media & Marketing

https://Technology.ie, Editor

Follow the Rainbow to Ireland

It’s All About Love @ Worlds Only LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival

7^th – 9^th October 2016

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Music & Matchmaking Festival Co. Clare Ireland, October 7th – 9th 2016. Now in its fourth year, the fast growing offshoot of the historical matchmaking festival is back and bigger than ever. With pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary/Film Festival (GAZE) and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed Craic-filled weekend away on Ireland’s stunning west coast of Ireland on The Wild Atlantic Way. B*Witched, Panti, Jonny Woo, Brendan Courtney & Lots More…

Friends, supporters and members of Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community start planning for a marquee festival like no other in the world. Named as The Outing, this music festival also doubles as a matchmaking festival and is held in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, in the West of Ireland. The town has a population of just over 800 residents! Over the weekend of The Outing grows to thousands. Expect a vibrant atmosphere as gay men, women, trans, drag queens and people from all walks of life from across the world indulge in nonstop revelry. Many members of the community also head here looking for perfect partner for themselves. The festival will be held from October 7 till October 9.
While The Outing remains a celebration of LGBT community, it is also one of the best music, arts and film festivals to attend. It is slowly acquiring a cult LGBT event status across the globe. This is the festival’s fourth year and like every year expects thousands of visitors to descend on this quaint yet picturesque village.

As Panti Bliss said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish as the Lisdoonvarna Festival.”

The main attraction of this year’s event will once again be The Queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss, who will on hand to do matchmaking alongside Lisdoonvarna own legendary fourth generation matchmaker Willie Daly. The Outing weekend promises non-stop entertainment with live music performances by international Irish girl band B*witched, Eden ‘Electro Pop’ and Jonny Woo, queen of London’s alternative drag scene who will perform his show ‘The Glory – Song Book’ to Le Gateau Chocolat, the baritone drag queen diva star of La Soiree.
Expect nightlong festivities with Club nights that will feature leading DJs John Sizzle from the Glory London among others, DJ Mo (The George Dublin, Club Tease) and Confession Club (Limerick). Those three nights are expected to be the longest, biggest and best ever Maskard Ball to White Love Party.
Another attraction of this fest is the Blind Date event to be hosted by top Irish TV presenter Brendan Courtney. There will also be cruising with their ‘Love Boat’, caving, rock climbing, hiking and biking activities and tours to local attractions such as the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Father Ted filming locations.

“An LGBT weekend away like no other”, according to festival host Panti Bliss, The Outing is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s & International best Dj’s, Performers and drag artists. But don’t forget why you’re in Lisdoonvarna in the first place. This is a matchmaking festival and you’re looking for love or friendship.

Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ said Eddie McGuinness Festival Director.
Pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, céilí, a drag workshop, the GAZE Film Festival on tour, an art exhibition and interactive events — The Outing promises to be one heck of a bash that you shouldn’t miss. The streets and pubs of Lisdoonvarna await you at this rainbow celebration.

The End.
What: The Outing www.theouting.lgbt
Where: Lisdoonvarna, Ireland
When: October 7–October 9
Getting to Lisdoonvarna: The closest airport is Shannon Airport. Take a 344 bus service from there. Check bus details at https://www.buseireann.ie/
From Dublin Airport you need to take a train service.
More Details: www.theouting.lgbt  www.ireland.com

Naomi Campbell receives invite to The Outing Lisdoonvarna

A limited edition signed book on the life of one of the world’s most iconic supermodels is to go on display in a hotel in County Clare.

‘Naomi’, the exclusive two volume edition published by Taschen features famous photos chronicling the life of Naomi Campbell and is one of only 1200 copies published, worldwide. It also includes a 3-D cover shaped like her famous bust designed by Pop Art legend Allen Jones.

The book has been purchased by Clare hotelier Marcus White, following his invite to the model to launch ‘The Outing’ LGBT festival in October.

Marcus White, director of the White Hotel Group said: “We bought book no: 0443 of 1200 printed with a personal message from Naomi saying; “Love and respect, Naomi xxx”

“Naomi Campbell is one of the world’s original supermodels and at 45 she is still at the height of her career. In the past she has been controversial but she has now reinvented herself and has become a global icon.

“We have been in contact with Naomi Campbell’s agent and asked him to invite her to launch ‘The Outing’ LGBT festival in Lisdoonvarna in October.

“The agent recently told us that the invitation is still being considered and we should know soon if she will come to the festival.

“If she came to Lisdoonvarna, it would really capture the attention of the worlds’ press and give us a level of publicity that has never been seen here before. We have had celebrities at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in the past, but Naomi Campbell is really on a different level.

“She has established herself as one of the top three most recognisable models of her generation and I have huge amount of respect for the lady.

The new book includes an image of Naomi’s historic 1989 Vogue US cover that was the first September issue under the editorship of Anna Wintour.

Julie Carr, Press officer for the Lisdoonvarna festival said: “Naomi Campbell has worked hard in her life to overcome prejudices especially in the modelling world and is an inspiration.

We would be honoured to have her launch ‘The Outing LGBT” festival which is now in its 4th year and is going from strength to strength.”

The Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, now in its 160th year is being launched by Ireland’s top country music stars Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan on the 2nd-4th September. Tickets for this event are selling fast and available on Ticketmaster.ie, the Hydro Hotel and in the Spar shop in Lisdoonvarna.

For more information on the event go to www.matchmakerireland.com.

Lisdoonvarna Photoshoot, June 2015

Download in High Resolution 
Photo Credit: TheOuting.ie

Launch Photoshoot, May 2015

Download in High Resolution 
Photo Credit: Cian Markey/The Outing

Download in High Resolution 
Photo Credit: Cian Markey/The Outing

Download in High Resolution 
Photo Credit: Cian Markey/The Outing

Download in High Resolution
Photo Credit: Cian Markey/The Outing

Press Release 20/09/2015

Panti calls on the World’s Gays & Lesbians (LGBT) to come to West of Ireland to find Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

On the back of Ireland says ‘I do’: The Marriage Equality Bill will be passed this week in the Dail.

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival Ireland Video Starring Panti Bliss

Panti said in the video ‘That wonderful Irish wordsmith Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ ‘But I tend to think that romance is far, far better when there’s more than your good self in the picture…’.

‘If you’re looking for the love of your life, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to invite you ALL to The Outing – The World’s First EVER LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival’ Panti said

‘Why? Because at its helm is the specialist skills of master matchmaker, Willie Daly and myself on standby just to see can I even match make…’.said Panti

‘There’ll be plenty of fun, laughter and the very best of Old Ireland, with music, dancing and plenty of craic…This is New Twist on an old tradition’

‘And the setting? Who could ask for a more incredible backdrop than County Clare’s Lisdoonvarna on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This little village has been matchmaking since way back in the 1850s!’

‘Panti said ‘And if love does blossom – with or without Willie’s help – you never know where it could lead, perhaps even marriage? And we’ve kind of got that covered, too – as now same sex couples can get married in the Republic of Ireland’.

You see, ‘It’s All about Love here in Ireland’.

See you at The Outing Lisdoonvarna in October!

Love from me Panti

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival Co. Clare Ireland, October 2^nd – 4^th 2015 is hosted by Panti Bliss. Now in its third year, the fast growing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival is back and bigger than ever. With pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, GAZE Film Festival on tour, art exhibition and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed craic-filled weekend away on Ireland’s stunning west coast and part of The Atlantic Way.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

[ENDS]

For more information:

Website: www.theouting.ie  Images available here: https://www.theouting.ie/media-resources/

Interviews with Event Director: Eddie McGuinness: +353 86 388 4242
EMcG Public Relations, www.emcgpr.com , [email protected]

Additional Interviews: Panti (Hostess, MC): [email protected]

Link to video here: https://youtu.be/y8M3OwaBchU
Notes to Editor:

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate over 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here.

Press Release

‘Walking on Sun Shine’ at The Outing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Ireland

Katrina (ex Katrina & The Waves) headlines this year’s festival

It’s 30 years since one of the BIGGEST Summer Time Classics! ”Walking on Sunshine”. What better way to celebrate than with the orginal lead vocalist Katrina?
Katrina (ex Katrina & The Waves) is going to be playing live at The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Music & Matchmaking Festival 2^nd – 4^th October 2015. In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin,

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival Co. Clare Ireland, October 2^nd – 4^th 2015 is hosted by Panti Bliss. Now in its third year, the fast growing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival is back and bigger than ever. With pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, GAZE Film Festival on tour, art exhibition and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed craic-filled weekend away on Ireland’s stunning west coast and part of The Atlantic Way.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Panti Bliss, host of The Outing, said “The Outing takes something quintessentially Irish and dips it in glitter. It opens up the idea of “traditional Irishness” to the LGBT community and says, actually, yes, you can be LGBT and still be as Irish as the Lisdoonvarna Festival.”

This is the LGBT music festival to be at. We take over this wee village; their hotels, bars, and venues for the weekend 2nd, 3rd & 4th of October 2015. This weekend is not just for gays and lesbians (LGBT) and it doesn’t matter if you are taken (lucky you!)…. “It great fun and unlike anything else anywhere in the world, a unique experience, as Irish as it is gay!” said Panti Bliss

We’re inviting everyone to The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking and Music Festival, straight or otherwise. Our weekend is full of entertainment and has something to suit everyone, so bring your friends along too! This is a party not to be missed as ‘It’s All About Love’ and finding the person of your dreams while having fun, Irish style.

Some of the acts this year are Katrina ex Katrina & The Waves, The Nualas, Katharine Lynch, Patrick James (winner of Voice of Ireland), Willie Daly (last Irish matchmaker), Brendan Courtney host ‘Blind Date’, Charlie Healy (THE RISK) X Factor UK, Irish & International Drag artists Jonny Woo (London), Le Gateau Chocolat including local favourites Sheila Fits-Patrick and Madonna Lucia. Let’s not forget we will be teaching people how to Ceili (Irish Dance) and most importantly host by Panti Bliss.

Find out more here www.theouting.ie
Bio
Katrina Leskanich is the lead singer from the Grammy nominated band, Katrina & The Waves. The band got their first break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song, ‘Going Down to Liverpool’.
In 1985 ‘Walking on Sunshine’ was a top ten hit all around the globe and has since featured in countless advertisements and films including, High Fidelity, Secret of My Success, American Psycho and Walking on Sunshine and it’s been covered by Dolly Parton and was a mash up with Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ sung by the Glee cast. Follow up hits were, ‘Do You Crying’ (US Top 40), ‘Sun Street’ (UK Top 30), ‘That’s The Way’ (US #16). Katrina also sang back up vocals on ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglio and has recorded songs with Eric Burdon and Rick Wakeman. In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin, followed by an unprecedented four consecutive appearances on Top Of The Pops and a No. 3 in the UK Charts. Following the split with the Waves in 1999 Katrina pursued an alternative career on radio and TV. She was a TV presenter on Watchdog on BBC1 and had her own show on BBC Radio 2 – where she presented a three-hour show, five days a week. This was followed by a stint in musical theatre, where Katrina played the lead role (the songwriter Ellie Greenwich) in Leader of the Pack, singing some of the songs that had influenced her as a young singer. Katrina published her first book – Peggy Lee Loves London: My London Guide (Metropoodle Press 2013) about some cool places in London featuring her toy poodle, Peggy Lee. Katrina has performed with her band at festivals and shows in the UK, Europe, South Africa, Canada, Australia and the US where she’s recently completed a couple of North American tours.
2015 is the 30th anniversary of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ and Katrina has just released her new single, ‘Sun Coming Upper’ (a response to ‘Walking on Sunshine’ 30 years on) from her first studio album in 10 years – ‘Blisland’.
For more information on Katrina please visit her site www.katrinasweb.com

Lesbian Poster The Outing Lisdoonvarna Poster A5 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PANTI IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MAN AT LISDOONVARNA, AS TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR “THE OUTING”

Presiding over Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival’s first ever gay weekend as “Mistress of Ceremonies” is Dublin drag-queen Panti. Dubbed “high queen of Ireland” in the LGBT community, she’ll be fresh from a run of her Abbey-Peacock Theatre show when she heads west for The Outing, and hosting the festivities isn’t the only thing on her mind. She’s hoping to enlist the help of Willie Daly – the fourth-generation “last true Matchmaker in Ireland” – to help her snare a man: “I’m looking forward to bring some gay glitter to Lisdoonvarna, and in between the dancing and the craic, trying to find the perfect match that has so far eluded me. Watch out Lisdoonvarna, I’m determined to get my man!”

The world’s first Gay and Lesbian Matchmaking weekend kicks off with céili dancing, a live show from Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, and incredible club sets from the DJs of The Dragon Dublin On Tour and Club Tease.

Jonny Woo, Queen of London’s Alternative Drag Scene – rated 5 stars by Time Out Magazine and The New York Times – will be flying in to provide a live show on the Saturday Night, and will certainly bring an international sparkle to the sleepy Clare town.

Dónal Mulligan, (co-Director of the event with Eddie McGuinness) who said the entertainment list continues to grow, feels that the mix of traditional and contemporary is a substantial draw; “Where else would you find a tea dance hosted by a drag-queen, where you can start your evening with a gentle waltz, or a set-dance, before it accelerates to incredible live acts and sets by the best DJs on the gay club scene in Ireland. Nothing like this has happened before and we think it’s going to become an annual fixture!”

McGuinness and Mulligan have worked with local attractions and activities to provide deals for their guests, who can enjoy the likes of Cliffs of Moher cruises, Burren hikes, caving, rock-climbing, surfing and more – a broad selection of ways to spend the day with that potential new partner, before heading back to the dance floor.

Tickets for the event went on sale this week and are reported to be selling strongly. “We’re delighted to see so many sold in just the first few days”, said Eddie McGuinness (co-Director of the event with Dónal), “but we’re not surprised – it’s a new and very fun festival, with great entertainment and a beautiful hotel stay among the most scenic landscapes in Ireland.”

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

[ENDS]

For more information:

Website: www.theouting.ie
Contact: [email protected]

Interviews with Event Directors:

Dónal Mulligan: +353 86 727 3353
Eddie McGuinness: +353 86 388 4242
EMcG Public Relations, www.emcgpr.com , [email protected]

Additional Interviews:

Michael Barron (Director, BelongTo): [email protected]
Panti (Hostess, MC): [email protected]
Notes to Editor:

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here. A video detailing BeLonG To’s 10 years is available here.)

For those of you looking for love (or just fun-seekers!), each year Matchmaker Ireland revisits this tradition in the small village of Lisdoonvarna, in a series of events that make up the famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (30th August 2013 – 29th September 2013) – 5 Great weeks of celebration of love, music and dancing for singles and couples.

The village of Lisdoonvarna is a lovely spot in itself, and there are 13 pubs in Lisdoonvarna with music playing from 12 noon till 2 am in the morning throughout the month-long festival during August/September. Lisdoonvarna also has the only natural spa water in Ireland, so squeezing in a visit there is worthwhile.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“A new twist on old traditions” – the historic Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival opens with a Gay & Lesbian weekend for the first time.

Dublin, Ireland, 15 May 2013 (launching “Lisdoonvarna – The Outing” which takes place 30 August – 01 September 2013)

Drag High-Queen of Ireland, Panti, stepped out in the summer sun this week to launch an exciting first; the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which has taken place in the small Co. Clare town for over 150 years, is going gay! The historic festival opens its 2013 program with a lesbian and gay weekend dubbed “The Outing“, as the town makes plans to welcome LGBT tourists in search of love and merriment in the beautiful Burren landscape. Panti, who will host the weekend as Mistress of Ceremonies and “Queen of Hearts” shared her excitement: “I do love interfering in other people’s love lives so I can’t wait to get to Lisdoonvarna and start meddling. It’s going to be great craic and I expect to be buying quite a few ostentatious wedding hats afterwards”

Many Lisdoonvarna residents and local business owners have already voiced their enthusiasm for what they see as a welcome new twist on the generations-old festival, which looks set to bring a new sector of tourists to the area. Fourth generation matchmaker, Willie Daly, will be present during The Outing’s weekend and feels ready to bring some new couples together; “Matchmaking has always been about love”, he said.

The Outing comprises a weekend package of hotel accomodation and full entertainment schedule, fusing old Ireland with gay club life as céilís sit next to drag shows and tea dances lead into late night DJ sets. Event Directors Eddie McGuinness and Dónal Mulligan have worked with club events for several years and say that the unique and novel fusion on offer here was what enticed them to put together The Outing. “Traditional Irish events like céilí dances have had it right for hundreds of years“, says Mulligan, “they’re a perfect way to meet new people in a lively, comfortable and fun atmosphere. We’re taking the best of old Ireland – music, dancing and matchmaking – and putting it together with the variety of entertainment on offer in the LGBT community. We think it’s going to be a very effective combination!”

McGuinness and Mulligan are working together with BelongTo, whose work they hope to raise awareness of and funding for through The Outing. BelongTo is an organisation that assists LGBT young people in Ireland by building support networks and creating educational campaigns on issues like homophobic bullying in schools. BelongTo is currently in the process of setting up regional support groups for young people in many rural towns across the country and has already seen other similarly warm receptions toward the gay community in other small towns.

“As Willie Daly says at the end of the day it’s about love — thats what the matchmaking festival has always been about“, said Eddie McGuinness, adding “Ireland is leading the world on a lot of gay issues and hopefully we will have gay marriage soon, so the time is right for something like this to take place. We have a five-year plan for this event. This year we are looking at attracting people from Ireland and Britain but this is going to become a very big international event.”

Mr Marcus White, owner of Hydro Hotel and Lisdoonvara Matchmaking Festival sees this as a modern take on an old tradition .“We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend — we will have entertainment, music and dancing — but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend.”

For more information:

Website: www.theouting.ie
Contact: [email protected]

Interviews with Event Directors:

Dónal Mulligan: 086 7273353

Eddie McGuinness 086 388 4242
EMcG Public Relations, www.emcgpr.com, [email protected]

Additional Interviews:

Michael Barron (Director, BelongTo): [email protected]
Panti (Hostess, MC): [email protected]

Notes to the editor:

Notes to Editor:

Tickets at €199 per person sharing, and comprising a 3-star Hydro hotel stay and access to the full program of festival events at The Outing’s Matchmaking Weekend, go on sale next week.

The Hydro Hotel is a superior 3 star hotel located in the historic spa resort town of Lisdoonvarna.
Facilities include: 110 newly refurbished ensuite bedrooms mostly overlooking The Burren and Clare hills. Original 19th century architecture and decor maintained.

The world famous Cliffs of Moher are a few miles away and now boast a state of the art Visitors’ Centre, with stunning video installations.

ENDS

Press Release 20/09/2015

Panti calls on the World’s Gays & Lesbians (LGBT) to come to West of Ireland to find Love at The Outing Lisdoonvarna

On the back of Ireland says ‘I do’: The Marriage Equality Bill will be passed this week in the Dail.

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival Ireland Video Starring Panti Bliss

Panti said in the video ‘That wonderful Irish wordsmith Oscar Wilde once said ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ ‘But I tend to think that romance is far, far better when there’s more than your good self in the picture…’.

‘If you’re looking for the love of your life, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to invite you ALL to The Outing – The World’s First EVER LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival’ Panti said

‘Why? Because at its helm is the specialist skills of master matchmaker, Willie Daly and myself on standby just to see can I even match make…’.said Panti

‘There’ll be plenty of fun, laughter and the very best of Old Ireland, with music, dancing and plenty of craic…This is New Twist on an old tradition’

‘And the setting? Who could ask for a more incredible backdrop than County Clare’s Lisdoonvarna on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This little village has been matchmaking since way back in the 1850s!’

‘Panti said ‘And if love does blossom – with or without Willie’s help – you never know where it could lead, perhaps even marriage? And we’ve kind of got that covered, too – as now same sex couples can get married in the Republic of Ireland’.

You see, ‘It’s All about Love here in Ireland’.

See you at The Outing Lisdoonvarna in October!

Love from me Panti

The Outing Lisdoonvarna LGBT Matchmaking & Music Festival Co. Clare Ireland, October 2^nd – 4^th 2015 is hosted by Panti Bliss. Now in its third year, the fast growing offshoot of the historical Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival is back and bigger than ever. With pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, GAZE Film Festival on tour, art exhibition and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed craic-filled weekend away on Ireland’s stunning west coast and part of The Atlantic Way.

This rural alternative to the popular Fire Island in New York to Gay Prides around the world is perfect for Irish and international travellers who want to head a little off the beaten track. Yes ‘You’re Not The Only Gay in This Village’ as Panti said ‘An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from last year’s craic!’ Join us for music, fun, and hopefully a love filled weekend!

Details of entertainment, hotel accommodation, local activities and ticket sales are available at www.theouting.ie

€199 per person sharing or €239 for a single room, The Outing package comprises a luxury hotel stay with full Irish breakfast, and access to all entertainment throughout the weekend.

[ENDS]

For more information:

Website: www.theouting.ie  Images available here: https://www.theouting.ie/media-resources/

Interviews with Event Director: Eddie McGuinness: +353 86 388 4242
EMcG Public Relations, www.emcgpr.com , [email protected]

Additional Interviews: Panti (Hostess, MC): [email protected]

Link to video here: https://youtu.be/y8M3OwaBchU
Notes to Editor:

The Outing supports and sponsors BeLonG To, who celebrate over 10 years of support services for LGBT young people in Ireland. BeLonG To is currently working to develop a network of support groups in small towns and villages around Ireland and applauds the lead Lisdoonvarna has taken in welcoming LGBT people. (Further details on The Outing website here.

Event Poster, August 2013

Guinness World Record Poster, August 2013

Promotional Club Posters, June 2013