BBC NEWS – Colorado communications consultant Mary Timby met her Irish boyfriend at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival after becoming frustrated with dating apps. The 170-year-old festival takes place throughout September and can attract up to 80K visitors for matchmaking, dancing and social events. Timby has now partnered with IRL dating company Met Through Friends to organise group trips to Lisdoonvarna. An initial form attracted 560 responses, and the first group of eight singles will travel to Ireland this month.