Romance is coming to Donegal with major festival planned

Looking for your perfect match? Well, Bundoran in September is the place to be as the World Matchmaking Festival is set to bring romance to Donegal.

The 10 day World Matchmaking Festival is taking place in Bundoran from Friday September 29 to October 8 with dancing, romancing, blind dates and speed dating galore.

A total of 34 entertainment acts are set to perform during the festival with thousands expected to descend on the seaside town.

The festival has been hailed as a major boost for the local economy with businesses in the town and surrounding areas set to benefit from an expansion in the tourism seasons as the festival is being held during the off peak tourism season.

Shane Smyth of discover Bundoran said they are always delighted to welcome events at any time of year in Bundoran but especially in the ‘shoulder” season months.

“The arrival of the World Matchmaking Festival next month is most welcome as it straddles both September and October and is one of the longest festivals to have run in Bundoran at 10 days in a row!

“We expect that the festival will give a welcome boost to the town as Bundoran generally gets a bit quieter at that time of year.

“The festival organisers are utilising accommodation providers right across the town which will provide a great economic benefit to them and to the ancillary businesses like cafes and restaurants as well as gift shops.

“We look forward to seeing lots of people for what we hope is the first of many world matchmaking festivals here in Bundoran,” said Mr Smyth.

Hotels and accommodation in the area are already receiving bookings for the festival with people from all over the world expected to attend.

Aine Mc Mahon, Sales and Marketing at Allingham Arms Hotel said the hotel is looking forward to hosting people for the festival.

“We are delighted to be part of the World Matchmaking Festival.

“This event will see people coming from all over the world to Bundoran during the 10-day festival run by Showtours.

“This event will be extremely beneficial for extending our tourism season in the town and surrounding areas.

“Bundoran relies on the tourism sector greatly and a festival of this size will be a great addition to the businesses in the area.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone attending the matchmaking festival and who knows, hopefully in the future wedding bells will ring,” said Ms McMahon.

Meanwhile, Charlotte at the Birds Nest said she thinks the festival will give people a great opportunity to meet new people in a safe environment.

“I myself at The Bird’s Nest think it is great for the time of year and is giving a lot of staff extra hours of work.

“It also will help a lot of B and Bs in the town, along with the hotels.

“Shops should also do well as there will hopefully be more people out and about spending.

“It is also a great way for people to meet in well staffed places including security.

“They will be in safe places, where as otherwise they might stay at home, lonely.

“Unfortunately there is people out there afraid to take that step alone so I am hoping it will be a great success for the town and its people,” said Charlotte.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere