The world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to County Clare this Valentine’s Weekend, from the 14-16th of February! Here’s everything you need to know.
The organisers of The Outing 2025 are bringing the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival to Clare! Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community will descend on The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus for a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs this Valentine’s weekend.
What’s On
Special guests at this year’s 12th annual festival include Charra Tea, a fan-favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and Actavia, the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Irish queer artist Shobsy and English boxing manager and promoter Kellie Moloney who managed Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, also will be participating.
Organised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness, alongside Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
Speaking ahead of the Outing, Eddie McGuinness commented, “After what has been a tough January for everybody, we are excited to bring The Outing back for its 12th year. The Outing offers attendees a blend of traditional matchmaking with modern pride and with more than a hundred relationships and two marriages borne out of the festival to date, I am looking forward to playing my part in forging new relationships this year.”
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we’re creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare,” added Mr. McGuinness. “Having international stars like Kellie Moloney, Charra Tea and Actavia joining our lineup of incredible Irish talent shows just how much this event has blossomed over the years. We are extending everyone, whether you’re single or taken gay, lesbian, trans, straight or bi, to come along and join us this Valentine’s Weekend.”
EuroPride 2028
The Outing organisers have also confirmed that their joint letter of intent with Quare Clare, Limerick Pride and Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028 has been officially accepted for Wild Atlantic EuroPride 2028! Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
Additional Details
The Outing 2025 takes place at The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare, on Valentine’s Weekend from Friday, 14th February to Sunday, 16th February.
Full Weekend Entertainment tickets are €70, with day passes available for just €25. The Festival also offers a hotels stay and ticket package, so you can make the most of your visit!
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.theouting.ie.
