Dublin, Ireland is one of the most welcoming cities for LGBT+ travelers from around the world. Although homosexuality was not decriminalized in Ireland until 1993, major strides have been made in the last 30+ years in LGBT+ Ireland. In 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to vote in an overwhelming majority for same sex marriage in a referendum. These days, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dublin for every kind of queer!
This post was created in collaboration with Tourism Ireland but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The welcoming spirit Dublin greets you as soon as you step off the plane. Since so much of the city is so inclusive of their LGBTQ+ community, there is not one specific gayborhood in Dublin. Especially during Pride month, you can find rainbow flags throughout the city; however, if you are looking for a place to start (or grab a pint), just follow the rainbow crosswalks!
While visiting during Pride month is certainly epic, there’s so much to enjoy in Dublin every day of the year. Consider this guide of things to do in Dublin all year round!
Bars & Queer Hangouts
The George (89 South Great George’s Street): What began as a shellfish tavern in 1780 has been home to Dublin’s oldest and biggest gay bar since 1985. At the George, you can find drag shows stocked with star-power, karaoke nights and of course, drag bingo! If you are in town on a Tuesday, the Dolly Grip Experience is a must-see.
Street 66 ( 33-34 Parliament St, Temple Bar): There is no strictly lesbian bar in Dublin but the most popular spot for sapphics is Street 66. By day, you sip on coffee and nosh on sweet treats while lounging in funky arm chairs. By night, you’ll probably hear Chappell Roan tracks spinning and see hot mascs dancing under neon lights.
PantiBar (7-8 Capel St, North City): This intimate queer pub takes its name from LGBT+ Ireland drag legend, Panti Bliss. Stop by for a pint or swing by their sister-bar Pennylane serving up gin cocktails across the street.
Mother (Saturdays at 1-2 Adam Court, Grafton Street): Every Saturday, disco finds its home in Dublin at Mother, held at Lost Lane. Over the past 15 years, this weekly queer dance party has become a staple of LBGT+ Ireland and Dublin nightlife.
If you are in Dublin for Pride, the Mother Pride Block Party is absolutely epic. With the historic backdrop of the National Museum of Ireland, queer joy takes centerstage in the form of local Irish up-and-comers to international icons like Sasha Velour and Blu Hydrangea.
HONEYPOT (Location varies): This monthly electronic club night is specifically for queer woman and their friends. This is a place where all are welcome but trans, non-binary and female DJs take centerstage.
Educational Things to Do in Dublin
National Museum of Ireland (Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter): Pick up the Rainbow Trail map at the museum reception and explore the artifacts throughout the exhibits that have a tie to Irish LGBT+ history and equal rights. Though not on display the National Museum of Ireland is also home to the Irish Queer Archive, a living collection of all things LGBT+ Ireland throughout the years.
Oscar Wilde House Tour (American College, 1 Merrion Square N): On Saturdays and Sundays, you can tour the restored childhood home of Dublin queer icon, Oscar Wilde who famously defended his right to love who he wanted to love when on trial during the UK’s Victorian-era indecency laws.
The Gutter Bookshop (Cow’s Ln, Temple Bar, Dublin 8): Keeping on the Oscar Wilde theme, head to this independent bookstore named after one of his famous quotes. You’ll find plenty of Oscar Wilde lit and LGBTQ+ authors mixed into every category in the store.
Lavender Walk Queer History Tour (Barnardo Square, Dame Street): What better way to learn about LGBT+ Ireland than to take a tour with an activist who lived it?! Tonie Walsh, founding editor of Gay Community News and founder of the Irish Queer Archive, leads this small group tour through the streets of Dublin sharing personal anecdotes related to his own time fighting for Irish equal rights. This tour has run in various forms since 2009 so stay tuned to Tonie’s page for details on future tours.
Where to Eat in Dublin
The Outhouse Café (105 Capel St, Rotunda): Housed inside the Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, this cozy cafe serves up locally-roasted coffee, sausage rolls, pastries and pressed sandwiches. Eating here not only provides personal nourishment but also supports the greater LGBT+ community efforts of Outhouse.
Table 45 (45 Hogan Pl, Dublin 2): Husbands Dan Kavanagh and Dan Rivera serve up South American dishes with Irish hospitality in this queer-owned tapas bar.
Two Boys Brew (375 N Circular Rd, Phibsborough, Dublin 7): While this gay-owned spot is known for its coffee, you won’t want to miss its breakfast and brunch offerings. And if you are visiting Dublin in December, you must try their Irish mince pies, a Christmas tradition!
Las Tapas De Lola (12 Wexford St, Dublin 2): Traditional Spanish tapas find their Irish home at this lesbian-owned eatery open nightly for dinner and Saturday and Sunday also for lunch.
The Gay SPAR ( 19-20 Dame St): After a night of dancing, you’ve got to grab a bite at the 24-hour convenience store that has embraced its proximity to the George and become an Irish LGBT+ institution in its own right.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this LGBT+ Ireland guide of things to do in Dublin has given you an overview of what you can do in the city, all year round! From festivals and drag shows to tapas and tours, there’s something in Dublin for every kind of queer! Did we miss your favorite thing to do in Dublin? Let us know in the comments below!
Itching for more to do in Ireland? Check out our full seven-day Ireland Itinerary!
The post LGBT+ Ireland: Things to Do in Dublin appeared first on Ready To Stare.
