Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community will descend on County Clare this Valentine’s weekend (February 9-11th) for The Outing 2024.
The world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival returns to The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus with a a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs.
Organised in conjunction with The Outing Queer Arts Collective with support from Fáilte Ireland, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Blacknight Solutions, Visit Clare, Limerick Pride, and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness and Victoria’s Secret.
Mr. McGuinness, who is the Festival Director of The Outing, commented, “People have travelled from all over the world to our festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events.”
He continued, “Matchmaking plays a huge part in the festival. With more than a hundred relationships and two marriages, I have helped play a part in putting together our event in recent years. The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGTBQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.”
The Outing organisers also are working with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Shannon Chambers, Quare Clare and Limerick Pride to submit a bid to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028, which would mark the first time that the pan-European international event has been held in Ireland. Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
The Outing 2024 takes place at The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare gets underway this Friday. Visit www.theouting.ie for ticket and event details.