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. The rear part of the pub is the gay one, though slightly less popular these days with locals.
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.
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:
Almighty @ SIN, Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, D 2, new Friday club night
The Furry Glen, Popular monthly party for Bears and other butch men at PantiBar, check website for dates
DressCode, Dublin's only gay fetish night at PantiBar, check website for dates
Shift at Rogue, 64 Dame Stree, Dublin 2 every Monday
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
Earlyhouse Nightclub at the Whitehorse Inn, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 - mixed/gay , every Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday at 7am-12 noon.
Bukakke at Purty Kitchen on Essex Street, Bank Holiday Sunday nights only.
L club at Dublin’s Newest Friday Monthly Women’s Club @ Spy South William Street Dublin 2.
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.
Almara B&B Dublin www.almarabb.com has been a popular choice for Gay visitors for over 16 years.
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:
