Visits to Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare in 2012 and 2015

A slideshow of photos taken during visits to Lisdoonvarna in County Clare. The first visit was on Sunday 18th March 2012 and the second visit was on Monday 6th July 2015.
Lisdoonvarna (Irish: Lios Dúin Bhearna, meaning "fort of the gapped keep") is a spa town of 829 people (2016 census) in County Clare in Ireland. The town is famous for its music and festivals.
The town takes its name from the Irish Lios Dúin Bhearna meaning the "lios dúin", or enclosured fort, of the gap ("bearna"). It is believed that the fort referred to in this name is the green earthen fort of Lissateeaun (fort of the fairy hill), which lies 3 km to the northeast of the town, near the remains of a Norman-era castle.

The present town is a comparatively new one by Irish standards, dating mainly from the start of the 19th century.
On 11 September 1887 the house of landowner Mr. Mike Walsh was attacked by moonlighters (A member of one of the organized bands of desperados that carried on a system of agrarian outrages in Ireland). A detachment of the Royal Irish Constabulary defended the house and its owner and there was heavy fighting in and around the house. Head Constable Whelehan was killed. All the moonlighters were captured. Seven constables, Four acting constables and two head constables received the Constabulary Medal for valour.

Bus Éireann route 350 links Lisdoonvarna to several locations: Ennis, Ennistymon, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Fanore, Kinvara and Galway. There are a number of journeys each way daily. Onward rail and bus connections are available at Ennis and Galway. Lisdoonvarna is located on the N67 Galway-Ennistymon-Tarbert Road. The Burren is located to the north of the town.

Lisdoonvarna developed into a tourist centre as early as the mid 18th century when a top Limerick surgeon discovered the beneficial effects of its mineral waters. People travelled from near and far to bathe in and drink the mineral waters which are rich in iron, sulphur, magnesium and calcium and were said to provide relief for certain diseases. It was because of the popularity of these mineral springs and the huge amount of people coming here that led to the Lisdoonvarna matchmaking tradition.

Lisdoonvarna became a popular health resort in the early nineteenth century growing around its spa wells. Lisdoonvarna's famous Victorian Spa Complex and Health Centre is a major attraction. It is the only active spa centre in Ireland. The waters contain magnesia, iodine and iron and are reputed to have health restorations. The Spa's therapeutic mineral waters have been dispensed here since the 18th century. The Victorian Pump House is open daily. Base for specialist activities in the Burren including painting and botany.

In September each year one of Europe's largest matchmaking events is held in the town attracting upwards of 40,000 romantic hopefuls, bachelor farmers and accompanying revellers. The month-long event is an important tourist attraction. The current matchmaker is Willie Daly, a fourth-generation matchmaker.
A now-defunct music festival which took place near the town is celebrated in a song of the same name written by the Irish folk singer, Christy Moore. This festival took place until 1983, when the last event was marred by a riot and the accidental drowning of eight people.

Lisdoonvarna is a Roman Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. The parish consists of Lisdoonvarna, Kilshanny, Doolin and Toovahera. Corpus Christi Catholic Church is located in Lisdoonvarna and was built in the 1860's. Lisdoonvarna has a primary school; Lisdoonvarna National School and a secondary school: Mary Immaculate Secondary School.