On May 22, 2015, the Republic of Ireland voted YES to include a new clause about marriage in the Constitution: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex”

It's a YES! Yes to same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland. Yes to incredible wedding venues. Yes to some of the most romantic locations in the world. And YES to a new twist on old traditions at The Outing – the world's first and only LGBT matchmaking festival. Willie Daly, a fourth generation matchmaker, has been making love happen at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival for years – the Festival itself dates back 159 years. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, the picturesque County Clare village of Lisdoonvarna has added to its long-standing matchmaking calendar with the LGBT offshoot, The Outing (2-4 October 2015).

Now in its third year, The Outing's host is Panti Bliss – Panti has been the hostess of the annual Alternative Miss Ireland pageant, and is widely hailed as the High Queen of Drag in Ireland. She describes The Outing as “an LGBT weekend away like no other” 

So what can visitors expect at The Outing? It's a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland's best drag acts. And some matchmaking... As Willie says: “It's all about Love at Lisdoonvarna.”

For more info: 

www.theouting.ie 
www.ireland.com/en-gb/what-is-available/romantic-ireland/articles/yes-to-love/
http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/ireland-stories/people-and-culture/