Sad news for singletons.
The organisers of the annual Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival have confirmed that this year’s event will not go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event, which takes place in Clare every year and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across Ireland and the world, had been due to take place in September.
It's believed that social distancing would be impossible to implement at festivals like Lisdoonvarna where pubs and clubs are crowded and intimate dancing are signature traits of the festival.
"We are sorry to announce there will be no Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival this year," organisers said on Facebook.
In a statement to local radio station Clare FM, they said the decision is regrettable but the the protection of the health and safety of the local community as well as staff, artists, suppliers and visitors was their primary concern.
Managing Director of the White Hotel Group, Marcus White told
Clare FM: “Social distancing would be impossible to implement at a festival like Lisdoonvarna, where pubs and clubs are crowded, and intimate dancing is one of the attractions for visitors.”
The event is worth around €2.5 million to the local economy and this year would have hosted DJs and country music acts such as Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver and Cliona Hagan.
