Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival leads to romance for Colorado woman

Mary Timby, a 39-year-old communications consultant from Colorado, found romance with Irishman Jason Mangan during a spontaneous trip to the historic Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare, Ireland.

Timby, who described herself as a “total planner,” decided to visit the festival after becoming frustrated with dating apps. The month-long event, which dates back 170 years, sees the town of Lisdoonvarna swell from fewer than 1,000 residents to approximately 80,000 visitors each September. The couple met at The Matchmaker Bar during the festivities.

Following her experience, Timby’s story became a viral social media phenomenon. She has since started a new business venture aimed at bringing other travelers to Lisdoonvarna in hopes of finding similar connections.