Introduction to LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Dublin
Dublin is known for being one of the friendliest and safest cities in the world for the LGBTQIA+ community. The city vibrant and lively nightlife welcomes the LGBTQIA+ to enjoy the best gay clubs and bars.
Top LGBTQIA+ Bars & Clubs in Dublin
The George is the oldest and biggest gay bar in Dublin. It is the first port of call for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland, it is the venue where people mix together and where international visitors stop to check out the LGBTQIA+ scene in Ireland. The George features two bar areas. The main club venue has been graced by the presence of some of the hottest international acts and it’s known for the outstanding drag shows.
Mistress Panti rules the roost in truly glamorous fashion in this Capel Street haunt. Impeccable service, moreish cocktails and a welcoming vibe makes PantiBar the ideal destination for a lively LGBTQIA+ night out. Expect everything from karaoke nights, pub quizzes, and some vintage tunes. Don’t miss Panti’s famous Saturday night extravaganzas, full of drama, humour, and more than fabulous!
Mother is one of the favourite spots of the LGBTQ+ community in Dublin with its late-night parties and cutting-edge music, located at Lost Lane – Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Mother is an old-school club night for our disco-loving LGBTQ+ family & their friends. Mother is also a main player in creating magical moments at some of Ireland’s biggest festivals, including their own Pride Block Party at the National Museum of Ireland each June.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Events and Seasonal Gatherings
Dublin hosts a range of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, specially during June, with events happening everyday around the city to celebrate Pride Month.
The Dublin LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival is an annual series of events which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer life in Dublin, Ireland. It is the largest LGBTQIA+ pride festival on the island of Ireland and this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Dublin Pride March.
Everyone is invited to watch the parade and this year it will happen on Saturday, June 29th, starting at O’Connell Street and finishing at Merrion Square where there will be a main stage with LGBTQ+ artists performing. No entry fee is required to either watch the parade or to attend the concerts afterwards.
Here are a few events that will happen in Dublin City Centre over the next few weeks to celebrate Pride Month:
Mother Presents: Daytime Dance Party at the George!
Bringing the dancefloor to the daytime, Mother DJs Ghostboy & Rocky T Delgado alongside the incredible Glamo, Billy Bunzari and Conor Behan will be joined by some of our drag sisters and queer dance family for massive one-off daytime collaboration with a staple of the Dublin scene, The George.
Date: May 26th
Get tickets here.
Drag Brunch
The Misses bring their sensational charm and campy charisma to The Bernard Shaw’s Drag Brunch that happens every two Saturdays monthly.
Book here.
Mother Pride Block Party
On Saturday June 29th the Mother Pride Block Party is back with a bang for a spectacular party celebrating Pride in our city. Returning to the glorious surroundings of the National Museum, the Pride Block Party is the biggest annual Pride Party on our island.
Get tickets here.
Euphoria Dublin
Euphoria Dublin is a Party brand based in Dublin Ireland. Formed in March 2014 it has become well known in Ireland and Worldwide within the LGBTQ Community. One of the main destinations for the Euphoria Dublin party is The Button Factory located in the heart of Dublin City Centre. Their next event will happen on June 29th.
Get tickets here.
Safety and Inclusivity
Dublin’s massive shift to becoming a safe city for the LGBTQIA+ community started after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993. And the highpoint of this cultural change was in 2015, when Ireland became the first country in the world to vote in favour of same sex marriage in a referendum.
LGBTQ activists do feel that progress is being made. And much of it is coming from Ireland’s third-level institutions. The city’s third-level institutions all have LGBTQIA+ societies, while the city’s bars, restaurants and clubs are welcoming spaces.
The Gardaí provide a Liaison scheme for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community. Diversity Officers are trained to provide support to victims from the LGBT community and encourage reporting of homophobic crime. LGBT Ireland Helpline has volunteers that will listen and provide support to anyone that has contacted them reporting a hate crime.
Local LGBTQ+ Community and Resources
The organisations and groups supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities have grown over the recent years. For example, the youth support group BeLonGTo and the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) have opened up spaces for people to come out at a younger age and feel safe while doing so.
LGBT Ireland is constantly engaging and promoting services to support the LGBTQIA+ community. With online and in person events, the Peer Support is a program from LGBT Ireland that offers people an opportunity to explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment, develop lasting friendships and support one another along the way.
The most comprehensive collection of material relating to LGBTQ+ history and literature in the country can be found at the National Library of Ireland.
Navigating Dublin’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife
All the venues mentioned in this article are located in Dublin City Centre, and can be accessed by public transport such as, Dublin bus (24h) and LUAS (until 00h). The bus fare is €2.50 and the LUAS fare is €2.50.
Most venues are free entry prior to 10 pm and after that the average ticket price is €10-€15. All bars & clubs dress code is casual (No Sportswear).
Interactive Map of LGBTQ+ clubs & bars
