Follow the Rainbow to Ireland at Sydney Mardi Gras

Following their triumphant turn in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 2015 and best float win at the Sydney Saint Patrick's Day festival, the Irish are back, and this year they are bigger, brighter and bolder.

The Mardi Gras Parade which takes place on the 5th March through the streets of Sydney, is in its 38th year. The Ireland float, which will be one of the biggest in this year's parade with 140 dancers, will be a celebration of Ireland and is proudly supported by the Consulate General of Ireland and Tourism Ireland, and is in collaboration with the Sydney Queer Irish.

The float takes its inspiration from Ireland's original Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley. Grace was a fearless seafarer, Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan and was the epitome of what it means to be strong, independent and powerful.

Taking the helm of this prestigious float is Ireland's very own Panti Bliss. Panti, who is a top international Drag Artist, and is the star of the hugely successful new documentary 'The Queen of Ireland'.

Panti Bliss has said, "I'm thrilled to return to Sydney, a city that has been very welcoming of me and my cartoon glamour over the past few years. Working with the team behind the Irish float, it is amazing to experience the passion and commitment that goes in to representing Ireland here in Australia, and I'm honoured to be a part of it”.

Ireland has many festivals and events that cater specifically to the LGBT community, like 'The Outing' Lisdoonvarna, which is the world's first and only LGBT Matchmaking festival and is hosted by none other than Panti Bliss. Now in its fourth year, the festival takes place from the 7th to the 9th October 2016, in the beautiful Burren region of County Clare which is located along the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland also hosts numerous Pride festivals which take place across the island of Ireland, both Dublin and Belfast's Pride Festivals run for over five days in June and July.

On May 22, 2015, the Republic of Ireland voted YES to same-sex marriage. Yes to incredible wedding venues. Yes to some of the most romantic locations in the world. And YES to a new twist on old traditions at 'The Outing'. 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...

• Long edit (4 min 11 sec) - http://bit.ly/1XUgF4C
• Short edit (1 min 43 sec) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWUSbBuuWPc
• For more information on planning a trip to Ireland, please visit www.ireland.com
• For more information on 'The Outing' and other festivals please visit www.theouting.ie
• For further information or images contact: Aoife Finnegan
• 02 9964 6901 afinnegan@tourismireland.com