The name which comes from ‘Lios Duin Bhearna’, meaning enclosure of the fort in the gap has ancient roots. However, the village grew into a town in the 19th century with the development of its legendary mineral water supply, the sulphur spring spa. The water which can be soaked in, should also apparently be drank for the full effect and is said to be ‘beneficial after a winter’s drinking of bad whiskey from private stills’. It's a popular stop off point for ramblers along the Burren Way , and a good base for the botanist, geologist, and archaeologist exploring the Burren. However, it is the Matchmaking Festival that takes place every year during September and October that draws the crowds and the single farmers after a busy harvest. Today there are only two matchmakers left in the county, Mr. Willie Daly (Horse Dealer) and Mr. James White (Hotelier) and they have quite a time controlling the unbridled energy of the bridled to be