Lisdoonvarna

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Introducing Lisdoonvarna

Lisdoonvarna (Lios Dún Bhearna), often just called ‘Lisdoon’, is well known for its mineral springs. For centuries people have been visiting the local spa to swallow its waters. Posh in the Victorian era, the town is now a much more plebeian and friendly place. It’s a very good base for exploring the Burren.

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The town was once a centre for basadóiri (matchmakers) who, for a fee, would fix up a person with a mate. Most of the mainly male hopefuls would hit town in September, feet shuffling, cap in hand, after the hay was in. Today, true matchmaking is unlikely, but the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (www.matchmakerireland.com), held throughout September and early October, is a great excuse for daftness, drinking, merrymaking, music and, of course, moneymaking.

Last updated: Nov 5, 2008

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Recent posts

  1. yofletch avatar
    RE: 10 day tour of Ireland, Clockwise route from Dublin. Suggestions?

    by yofletch 28 August 2011

    May i suggest you stick to the coast-road N67 in Clare and stayover in Lisdoonvarna or Doolin see....WILDHONEYINN.COM / it's a restaurant…
  2. GrahamPhelan avatar
    Re: Trip Planning

    by GrahamPhelan 17 August 2011

    I think your plan for Ireland is fine just once you get up early to drive from one place to another. Especially Dongeal to Galway which…
  3. Str1der avatar
    Trip Planning

    by Str1der 13 August 2011

    Hello, I'm going to be in Ireland in early Sept... am planning a few days touring around the parts of Ireland I haven't seen before (my…

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