Lisdoonvarna () is a spa town in County Clare in Ireland. The town is famous for its music and festivals. Although the Lisdoonvarna Music Festival was discontinued in the 1980s, the town still hosts an annual matchmaking festival each September. The population was 934 at the 2022 census. For a discussion on the accuracy of pre-famine census returns see and

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The present town is a comparatively new one by Irish standards, dating mainly from the start of the 19th century.

The spa officially opened in 1845, but the town was visited before by people partaking of the waters, fed by sulfur springs thought to have medicinal benefits. Even by the 1880s, however, the facilities were quite primitive. The wells were privately owned by the Guthrie family. They were later developed and baths built by the new owner, a Dr. Westropp, who lived in a house overlooking the spa.

The spa prospered into the 20th century. In 1920, it was called the "Homberg of the Irish priests". one of Europe's largest matchmaking events is held in the town, attracting upwards of 40,000 romantic hopefuls, bachelor farmers, and accompanying revellers. The month-long event is an important tourist attraction. The current matchmaker is Willie Daly, a fourth-generation matchmaker.

Music festival

The Lisdoonvarna Music Festival took place near the town between 1978 and 1983 and is celebrated in a song written by Irish folk singer Christy Moore. This festival took place until 1983; it ended after the last event was marred by a riot and the accidental drowning of eight people.

Infrastructure

right|thumb|Victorian [[Gothic revival architecture|Gothic revival Roman Catholic Church, Lisdoonvarna]]

Spa

right|thumb|A group taking the waters at the Twin Wells on the banks of the Aille river at Lisdoonvarna,

The spa originally consisted of four wells. Copperas Well, on Kilmoon stream, is now closed. It was used externally for skin conditions, ulcers and sores. The Magnesia and Iron Well remains open in season. The Twin Wells offer water rich in iron and sulphur. The main sulphur well lies at the bottom of the hill. All the waters contain iodine.

The spa park is located at the confluence of the Aille and Gowlaun rivers. The spa complex features a Victorian pump house among other amenities.

See also

  • List of towns and villages in Ireland
  • Plan, Aragon, a village in Spain where in 1985 it was organised the "caravan of women".

Notes

References

  • BBC World Service documentary about the matchmaking festival
  • Lisdoonvarna at the Clare County Library