Tramore woman brings speed dating to Waterford
“It’s perfectly okay to have nerves beforehand, but if people reframe it and see it as having a chat, the nerves tend to disappear very quickly,” Evelyn said.
Evelyn Fitzmaurice, from Tramore, is hosting speed-dating events starting January 2.
Speed dating is a matchmaking process that started in the early 90s, where the purpose is to meet many singles in a short time. Created by a Rabbi in Los Angeles, it is now a popular event worldwide.
Evelyn was tired of dating in 2025. She told the Waterford News & Star, “I was frustrated, and I heard the frustrations of friends – the texting, the ghosting, the time wasted, the no dates. It was no good. I thought I would do something about it – it's a new way to meet people face-to-face again.”
This encouraged Evelyn to take matters into her own hands, and that is how Ezmar Dating was born.
Throughout January, Ezmar Dating, Evelyn’s business, will be running events at The Cove bar on the Dunmore Road. It begins on January 2, for people aged 25–38. On January 3, the event will run again, for people aged 36-48. The following weekend, on January 9, the event will run for people aged 45-55.
The last event is on January 10 for those aged 55-69.
“I’ve had friends who’ve gone to speed dating events, and they’ve told me all about it. It’s meant to be great craic,” Evelyn told the News & Star. “At my speed dating events, I’m very empathetic. I meet the needs of people who are afraid and intimidated, because that’s how I was meeting new people. A member of my team can meet the new person at the door and can introduce them to other people.”
Doors open at 6.45pm. The event will start at 7pm and finish at 9.30pm. You spend five to 10 minutes talking to each person, with a 10-minute break halfway through.
After the event, you submit your matches. Within a day, you will be emailed.
People you have selected, and who have chosen you back, will appear in your results.
“It’s perfectly okay to have nerves beforehand, but if people reframe it and see it as having a chat, the nerves tend to disappear very quickly,” Evelyn said.
Speed dating is an alternative approach to dating apps, which have become increasingly popular since the creation of Match.com in 1995. The structured format makes it easy to become comfortable as the night continues.
Tickets are €33.15 and available on Eventbrite. For more information, you can visit www.ezmarevents.com.
