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Ireland says 'I Do' to same-sex marriage and tourism

The historical vote over the weekend didn't just see Ireland say 'I Do' to gay marriage, but an influx of tourism from loved-up same-sex couples looking to tie the knot.

The historical vote over the weekend didn’t just see Ireland say ‘I Do’ to gay marriage, but an influx of tourism from loved-up same-sex couples looking to tie the knot.

On Friday, millions of Irish people took to the polls to decide to vote on the legalisation gay marriage.

Twenty-four hours later, the Government proudly revealed the landslide YES, which saw 62.1 percent of Irish people vote in favour of the union between two people regardless of their sex.

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Catholic leaders and rights activists called it a ‘social revolution’.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Enda Kenny described it as a move that showcases the true Irish spirit ‘generous, compassionate, bold and joyful’.

“A magical moving moment, when the world’s beating heart is in Ireland.”

Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton

Meanwhile for Ireland tourism leaders it wasn’t just a yes for equal marriage, but a yes to bringing more visitors to the Republic.

Tourism Ireland said the decision will see same-sex couples from around the world choose Ireland for its ‘incredible wedding venues’ and romantic locations.

The group also expects it will give an all new twist to the old traditions at ‘The Outing’ – the world’s first and only LGBT matchmaking festival.

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Held from 2-4 October this year, the festival itself dates back 159 years, however, it is running officially for its third year in 2015.

Willie Daly, a fourth generation matchmaker, has been making love happen at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival for years.

Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, the picturesque County Clare village of Lisdoonvarna has added to its long-standing matchmaking calendar with the LGBT offshoot, The Outing.

The Outing’s host is Panti Bliss – Panti has been the hostess of the annual Alternative Miss Ireland pageant, and is widely hailed as the High Queen of Drag in Ireland. She describes The Outing as “an LGBT weekend away like no other”

So what can visitors expect at The Outing? It’s a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands and some of Ireland’s best drag acts. And some matchmaking… As Willie says: “It’s all about Love at Lisdoonvarna.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Tourism Ireland proved its support for same-sex rights during Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras festival.

During the popular Oxford Street Parade Ireland’s float made an appearance for the first time in over ten years and featured Panti Bliss.

The green and gold float also had a sea of green winged dancers. Read on

Think the big YES will do wonders for Ireland tourism? Let us know below.