For hopeful romantics, a small Irish town and its mystical matchmaker are here to help

October 1, 2026 / 12:12 PM EDT / CBS News

Lisdoonvarna, Ireland — For nearly two centuries, a small Irish town has lured singletons to a festival every September that sees hopeful romantics seek their one true love.

The monthlong matchmaking festival that started in 1857 has become a global event, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually to the rugged landscape of County Clare, and specifically to the tiny town of Lisdoonvarna.

The festival even broke into American pop culture, featuring several years ago on the sitcom "Schitt's Creek."

In many ways, it's an old-world solution to modern dating. There is no app and no algorithms, just a chance to meet a match organically, through Irish traditional dancing and music, speed dating — or through the matchmaking skills of 83-year-old local legend Willie Daly.

Daly's grandfather helped start the festival, and his family has been pairing couples for three generations. In his father's and grandfather's day, many Irish towns and villages had traditional matchmakers, but Daly is now believed to be among the last, if not the last, keeping the tradition alive.

If prospective suitors wish to find a match through Daly, they meet with him and fill out a form…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/