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The Outing Festival Returns!
A new twist on an old tradition, the world famous queer music, matchmaking and arts festival is coming back to Co Clare on Valentine’s Weekend, 11 -13 February, 2022.
Now in its ninth year, the ever growing offshoot of the historical matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna is back and bigger than ever on the grounds of Dromoland Castle at The Inn at Dromoland.
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 Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Of course, matchmaking plays a huge part of the festival but The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken, LGBTQ+ or straight, 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 sang all night long, the crowd were up for more,” commented Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh after her performance at the festival, and she is returning in 2022 for an even bigger show.
Panti Bliss added, “An LGBT weekend away like no other. I’m only just recovering from my last visit and craic!” While The Guardian exclaimed, “Who needs dating apps? At The Outing, the glittery LGBTQ+ matchmaking festival, there’s no technology, just good old-fashioned parties.”
With Irish and International acts, LGBTQ+ singer-songwriters to pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music and interactive events, it’s a guaranteed craic-filled weekend away. Eddie McGuinness, Queen of Matchmaking at The Outing Festival, will be joined by Paul Ryder to help you find fun, and maybe love?
To find out more, visit www.TheOutingFestival.com
COMM —UNITY LISTINGS NOTICE
TO OUR DEAR READERS, FOR THE TIME BEING OUR COMMUNITY LISTINGS SECTION MUST NECESSARILY BE PUT ON HOLD.
As the country begins to open back up following pandemic restrictions and lockdown, and as rules continue to change, the majority of LGBTQ+ groups, organisations and businesses do not have definitive listings to share.
As times, dates and addresses become more concrete in the months ahead, we look forward to reintroducing our much-loved community listings into the magazine.