Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
1–30 Sep 2027 · Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
A whole month of music, dancing and matchmaking in the Clare spa town: the famous festival that has paired people off since the days of the harvest fairs.
Ennis
Come for the music: sessions run in the pubs most nights, and the town has built its name on them. Ennis is the county town of County Clare.
Best sites to see in Ennis
Ennis Friary
The ruins of a Franciscan friary founded in the 13th century under the patronage of the O'Brien kings of Thomond, known for its carved windows and medieval sculptures.
Clare Museum
A museum in the town centre covering the history of County Clare, from Stone Age finds to the county's musical and sporting traditions.
Ennis Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
The 19th-century Catholic cathedral on a raised site in the town, a landmark on the Ennis skyline.
O'Connell Square and the Daniel O'Connell Monument
The central square of Ennis, marked by a tall column and statue commemorating Daniel O'Connell's historic election for County Clare.
Where to stand, and when
- The narrow streets around Abbey Street and the Old Ground: Early morning gives quiet streets and soft light on the colourful shopfronts.
- Ennis Friary from its grounds: Photograph in the afternoon when light enters the ruins and picks out the carved east window.
- The River Fergus bridges in the town centre: Evening light works well for views along the river with the cathedral behind.
Ennis through history
Ennis developed around its Franciscan friary, founded in the 13th century by the O'Brien family.
The town's name comes from the Irish Inis, meaning an island, referring to land in the River Fergus.
In 1828 Daniel O'Connell won a by-election in County Clare, a landmark result that helped bring about Catholic Emancipation the following year, and Ennis commemorates him with its central monument.
Ennis is widely known as a centre for traditional Irish music, with sessions a long-standing feature of its pubs.
Practical tips
- Much of the centre is pedestrian-friendly with narrow one-way streets, so park in a town car park and walk.
- For traditional music, pubs fill in the evening, so arrive early in the session to get a seat close to the musicians.
- Ennis makes a practical base for County Clare, but book accommodation ahead during festival periods in summer.
Golf near Ennis
Ennis is the practical base for Lahinch, about 45 minutes west: the Old Course is €450 at the club's published rate, handicap caps apply (24 for men, 36 for ladies), and the Castle Course across the road is a €60 warm-up. Doonbeg is about 40 minutes south. Listings run €425–€550 depending on date, so check its booking flow for your day.
Our full guide to golf in Ireland