It may have taken over 150 years for someone to figure out the kitsch value in matching the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival with the gays, but The Outing has finally done it.

This year, the festival will open with a gay and lesbian weekend for the first time, with Panti descending on Clare as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The event hopes to attract LGBT tourists from near and far. Donal Mulligan, one of the organisers who is no stranger to matching Irish traditions and LGBT audiences (see his Poorhouse night at Pantibar, his Eurovision parties, and more) says “Traditional Irish events like céilí dances have had it right for hundreds of years, they’re the perfect way to meet new people in a lively, comfortable and fun atmosphere. We’re taking the best of old Ireland – music, dancing and matchmaking – and putting it together with the variety of entertainment on offer in the LGBT community.”

Mulligan, and co-organiser Eddie McGuinness are hoping to raise awareness for BeLonGTo during the event.