I am pleased to announce an official team up with The Outing Festival.
What is the Outing?
The world’s only LGBTQ+ matchmaking festival is making a return this February to one magical Mid-West castle.
The Inn at Dromoland in county Clare has been confirmed as the host venue for the next five years of the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival.
Now in its 11th year, The Outing is expected to attract more than 1,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight singles and couples from across Ireland and overseas to the venue this coming Valentine’s weekend from February 9 to 11.
The award-winning festival is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs. This year’s event is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking”, Eddie McGuinness, and Victoria’s Secret.
Eddie McGuinness, who is the Festival Director of The Outing, said: “We are delighted to have secured a lasting home for our festival and are excited about delivering an LGBTQ+ weekend like no other.
“People have travelled from all over the world to our festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events,” he said.
“The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGTBQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.”
Festival co-host, Victoria’s Secret said: “I am excited to escape to the West after what already feels like the longest January in record.
“Whether you’re coming to find love, mix and mingle with some new faces or just have a bop amongst like-minded people, there is something for everyone at The Outing. So, pop on something sparkly, shake off the January blues and come party with me.”
The Outing organisers have also confirmed they have submitted a bid to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028, which would mark the first time that the pan-European international event has been held in Ireland.
Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
The Outing 2024 takes place at The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare on February 9th to 11.
Why are we teaming up?
Since it’s inception The Outing has played host to multiple Eurovision artists and legends since it’s inception over 11 years ago. They have the resources to offer the club a concert venue and gathering space. As well as resources we can use throughout the year for various other venues and manpower and vice versa. Many of our members have already been going for years. Plus nearly everyone involved in running it is a massive Eurovision Fan! Makes sense really when you think about it.
What does it cost the club and me, a member?
There is no change to your membership, or how we operate. This is a mutually beneficial team-up. The Outing has hosted Eurovision acts for years, and now the club can help have a voice in how this works going forward!
As we grow and expand the club we do hope to team up and work with many other organisations, this is just the first of many to come, and I hope you join me in welcoming our newest and most colourful (and it takes a lot to outdo us!) partner organisation.
In previous years they have hosted all the Irish winners, like Linda and Johnny last year. There are tonnes of videos online on their Facebook page, I highly recommend giving them a follow over there
This year there will be a Eurovision themed party on the Friday and Saturday and maybe a surprise guest might appear?
Where do I find out more about The Outing?
You can visit their site here
