American Who Found Love at Lisdoonvarna Returns as Festival Ambassador for 2026 Event

Mary Timby, the Colorado woman whose viral story of finding love at Ireland’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival drew international attention last year, has returned to County Clare as an official ambassador for the 2026 festival, which is running throughout September. Her role with the festival team was confirmed in the weeks leading up to this year’s event, and she has spent the summer in Clare with her partner, Jay Mangan.

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which dates back more than 160 years, is taking place from 1 September to 30 September across multiple venues in the village. This year’s edition marks the return of the Hydro Hotel to the festival programme for the first time in seven years, following its purchase by the Fiddle + Bow Group earlier this year.

Mary Timby Joins Festival Team

Timby, a communications consultant from Fort Collins, first visited Lisdoonvarna in September 2025 after hearing about the festival on an episode of the television series Schitt’s Creek. Disillusioned with dating apps, she booked a spontaneous trip to Ireland and met Clare native Jay Mangan at the Matchmaker Bar. A TikTok video documenting her experience received more than two million views.

Their story caught the attention of Lisdoonvarna locals, who approached Timby about becoming an ambassador for the festival. ‘So I said: Sign me up,’ Timby told the BBC. ‘I love the festival.’

Timby has also partnered with the company Met Through Friends to co-host an Ireland singles trip, inviting others to experience the festival for themselves. She is spending the summer in County Clare with Mangan, and the couple have shared a home there since the beginning of this summer.

Hydro Hotel Reopens After Seven Years

The reopening of the Hydro Hotel has been a significant development for the 2026 festival. The hotel, previously run for generations by the White family, was purchased by the Fiddle + Bow Group earlier this year and has created 60 jobs, with additional casual staff recruited ahead of the festival.

Gerry Quinn, Managing Director of the Fiddle + Bow Collection, said the hotel had historically played a central role in the festival. ‘The Hydro Hotel has an incredible history and was once the beating heart of the festival,’ Quinn said. ‘There’s real excitement about what’s to come this September, with over 70 acts confirmed and live music every day throughout the month.’

Quinn added that the group is taking a measured approach to the festival this year. ‘We are taking a measured approach to the festival this year — seeing what works, keeping the traditions people love, and introducing new ways for people to experience the festival,’ he said. ‘We’ll be listening closely to visitors and the community, and what we learn in 2026 will shape how we grow in 2027.’

Netflix-Backed Documentary in Production

A short documentary about the festival’s matchmaking tradition has received backing from the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. Titled Lisdoonvarna: Changing the Algorithm, the film follows Finn Daly, the grandson of Ireland’s last traditional matchmaker Willie Daly, as he learns the craft of matchmaking from his 83-year-old grandfather.

The documentary is directed by Wicklow filmmaker Helen Sanfey and produced by Catherine Donohoe. It is one of several projects selected for the 2026 Netflix Documentary Talent Fund and is scheduled to premiere at Sheffield DocFest in 2027.

Inaugural Fringe Festival Launches

The first ever Lisdoonvarna Fringe Festival began on 18 September 2026, running through the weekend. Modelled on the Edinburgh event of the same name, the Fringe features music, theatre, dancing, art, storytelling, book launches and historical tours across venues in the village.

Julie Carr, PR for the festival, said the community atmosphere remained central to Lisdoonvarna’s appeal. ‘It’s wonderful to see the festival building momentum again,’ Carr said. ‘What makes Lisdoonvarna so unique is the sense of community — the locals, the dancers, the musicians and the familiar faces who return year after year. The festival brings people into the town, supports local businesses and creates a real buzz throughout the village.’

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival runs throughout September at venues including the Hydro Hotel, the Matchmaker Bar at the Imperial Hotel, The Ritz, The Rathbaun, The Ravine Hotel and the Roadside Tavern.