INTRODUCTION:
Despite the late decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland, the gay scene has always been vibrant in Dublin. You will however find that segregation or gay ghettos do not exist in Dublin. The gay scene spills over into straight venues and vice versa. For a good time you will inevitably have to go to straight venues as well as gay ones. Attitudes in Dublin are exceptionally relaxed with very little hassle. Due to the 'mix and mingle' style of Dublin, the gay scene has not developed into 'extremes', for example exclusively camp or fetish venues.
Over the last couple of years the scene has cooled down a little which is largely due to the huge commercial pressure on pubs/clubs from high prices, legislation and property prices. This means that the gay scene is very commercial and in fact run by the large (straight) pub conglomerates. All the venues are in city centre and can be reached on foot within a 10/15-minute radius.
PUBS:
The biggest gay bar is Dragon on South Great Georges Street, a massive venue on two floors with dance floor and outside smoking area on the second floor. This gets very busy on weekends. Dragon have recently started to charge 10 Euro on Saturday nights. This is just a cover charge and does not include a free drink.
On the same street couple of doors down is Dublin’s oldest gay bar The George (owned by the same company). The George attracts a slightly younger crowd. After 10 pm entrance is via the laneway around the corner and a cover charge applies. The George also has another part to it, which operates completely separate from the rest. The locals call it Jurassic Park, largely due to its older clientele.
On Parliament Street you will find the Front Lounge, a large airy bar with changing exhibitions. Lesbians mainly take up front area, Gays clientale at the back.
Across the river, on the northside, you will find the Pantibar, a restyled gay bar. 7-8 Capel Street, Dublin 1. The bar is attracting the over 25s and more butch crowd. Nights events - see website for further details
Dublin has a new Bear group called ,simply, Dublin Bears. The group holds monthly club and pub events Upstairs@ Nealons and Downstairs@ Copper Alley. The annual event, Béar Féile takes place every March shortly after the St Patrick's Festival and includes the Mr Bear Ireland Competition.
Currently there are very few dedicated gay clubs in Dublin but a Dragon and The George have dance floors (alternatively check out the parties below for dancing).
CLUB NIGHTS:
There are a number of monthly/weekly parties, which are worth checking out:
Spice Dragon Bar, Georges St, Dublin 2 - every Friday, 3 rooms, gogo dancers & themed nights
The Furry Glen, Popular monthly party for Bears and other butch men at PantiBar, check website for dates
Dublin Bears Monthly pub and club nights for Bears & admirers.
Glitz at Break For The Border, Lower Stephen's Street, slightly camp mid week night out, every Tuesday.
Kiss at Temple Bar Music Centre, Curved Street. Women's night with men welcome as guests. Third Friday of every month
Bukakke at Purty Kitchen on Essex Street, Bank Holiday Sunday nights only.
Q & A "Queer & Alternative" night.
OTHER:
Dublin has two gay saunas: Boilerhouse (Dublin’s biggest) on Crane Lane and The Dock Sauna (Upper Ormond Quay).
Two B&Bs market themselves to the gay market, however gay/lesbian travellers are welcome at all hotels in Dublin
The Nua Havan Gay B&B www.nua.cc offers 4 star (self styled) bed and breakfast. (worth reading reviews)
Almara B&B Dublin www.almarabb.com has been a popular luxury accommodation choice for Gay visitors for over 19 years.
The Dublin section of Enjoy Ireland has up to the minute links
As in any other city anti-gay crime does exist in Dublin, though maybe not on a large scale. Travellers are advised to be vigilant and report any incident to the local police who are increasingly being trained to deal with homophobia.
For up to the minute listings try the local free gay magazine Gay Community News (GCN). The best online source is probably queer!d
For information on other cities in Ireland see below.
LINKS: