CO CLARE hosts the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival, The Outing 2025 this weekend.
The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus once again hosts the festival which commences today (Saturday) and runs through Sunday, showcasing a vibrant mix of music, comedy, traditional ceilí bands, queer arts, and performances by top Irish and international artists, drag queens, and DJs.
The festival is organised with support from Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride, and Quare Clare, and is hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness, along with Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
This year’s 12th annual festival boasts special appearances by Charra Tea from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, Actavia from Season 16, Irish queer artist Shobsy, and English boxing promoter Kellie Moloney, who famously managed Lennox Lewis to the undisputed heavyweight championship.
Organisers of The Outing 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.
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we’re creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare,” explained organiser Eddie McGuinness.
He continued, “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.”
Visit www.theouting.ie for ticket and event details.
