History of matchmaking in ireland

Who needs dating apps? He has a black holdall clutched sweatily in his palm. Everything is very camp. Except it still sort of is. Some 60, people descend on the spa town of Lisdoonvarna every year in September and October, eschewing dating apps and Match.

Match-making in Ireland in olden days was a traditional profession. In every parish there were a couple of men who were recognised match-makers. They had a good knowledge of every man and woman of marriageable age in the district and they were well acquainted with the means they would be likely to get from their parents or relatives. Previous to Shrove they went around from house to house armed with a black-thorn stick making inquiries about the possibilities of a marriage between a certain boy and girl. When they got any encouragement that their suggestion was a good one they started out for the home of the girl and found out what dowry her parents would be able to give her. The next day a visit would be paid to the boys home and a match suggested. Should the parents of each approve, the match maker was empowered to make all arrangements necessary.

While many people may consider Paris the City of Love, perhaps a visit to Lisdoonvarna, a tiny, rural town in County Clare, Ireland, will change their minds. Over the last 50 years, Daly has apparently set up around 3, marriages, so he must be doing something right. Daly, whose father and grandfather were also in the matchmaking business, uses an ancient-looking book that is full of love profiles to make his matches. However, be aware that in the past, the festival has had trouble attracting men, according to Culture Trip , so some attendees may be leaving without a new beau.

The town is famous for its music and festivals. Although the music festival was discontinued in the s, Lisdoonvarna still hosts its annual matchmaking festival each September. The population was at the Census. Lisdoonvarna is located in the area of County Clare known as the Burren , on the N67 road between Ballyvaughan and Ennistymon.