Valentine’s Day Celebration as Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Festival, The Outing, Turns 14 on 14th February
This Valentine’s weekend, Ireland’s spectacular west coast transforms into one of the world’s most unique queer travel destinations as The Outing Festival returns for its 14th year - officially the world’s only LGBTQ+ music, arts, and matchmaking festival.
Nestled in the heart of County Clare at Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis, the festival brings together singles, couples, and friends from around the world for three days of romance, arts, culture, drag, comedy, and connection.
The Outing Festival 2024, LGBTQ+ Matchmaking, Arts and Music Festival, Dromoland, Co Clare
A New Kind of Valentine’s Experience
Born as a lively queer twist on Ireland’s historic Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, The Outing has evolved into a standalone winter pride celebration with an unmistakable Irish flair.
Far beyond your typical music festival, The Outing focuses on real human connection, combining eclectic entertainment with a range of matchmaking formats including speed-dating, blind dates, ice-breaker activities, tea dances, and even queer Irish dancing sessions.
Hosted by the charismatic founder Eddie McGuinness, affectionately known as Ireland’s Queen of Matchmaking, plus co-hosts and performers drawn from Ireland and beyond, the event promises a warm, celebratory space where all visitors can feel seen, safe, and inspired.
The west coast town of Ennis is easily reached via Shannon Airport, with connections to Dublin and major international airport hubs. Once there, visitors can pair festival fun with local experiences in the surrounding countryside: scenic hikes through the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, coastal excursions to the beautiful Aran Islands via the nearby Doolin Ferry, or a traditional Irish music session in one of Clare’s many cosy pubs, perfect for couples and friends alike.
Scenery along the Cliffs of Moher
Last year, McGuinness further cemented Ireland’s place on the global LGBTQ+ stage by leading the successful bid to bring EuroPride 2028 to the country, a landmark achievement that underscores the island’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination for travellers worldwide.
The full schedule plus tickets and accommodation packages are available online now. For more information on LGBTQ+ Ireland, please visit Ireland.com