Gay bars dublin city centre
Introduction
The social life of a gay man in Dublin in the early s was summed up as such by one contributor in the book Coming Out ():
As for most of us, being gay in those days was a very lonely experience. There weren&#;t many opportunities to meet gay people, unless you knew of the one bar &#; two bars, actually, in Dublin at that time, Bartley Dunne&#;s and Rice&#;s &#; They were the two pubs and if you hadn&#;t met gay people, you wouldn&#;t have known about these pubs; there was no advertising in those days, and it was all through word-of mouth.
Bartley Dunne’s and Rice’s proved to be critical points of social interaction and first emerged as gay- friendly pubs in the late s and early s. George Fullerton, who emigrated to London in , was quoted in Dermot Ferritier&#;s book Occasions of Sin: Sex and Society in Modern Ireland () as saying that:
In s Dublin the [gay] scene basically consisted of 2 pubs &#; Rice&#;s and Bartley Dunne&#;s. I never experienced discrimination as such, probably because we were largely invisible.
Rice&#;s, South King Street. ahead
Gay Dublin
Dublin, celebrated for its wealthy history and warm hospitality, also boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, making it a welcoming destination for gay travelers. The capital is filled with LGBTQIA+ friendly venues, particularly in areas enjoy Temple Bar and Capel Street, known for their lively nightlife and cultural vibrancy.
The city's premier LGBTQ+ nightlife spot, The George, is renowned for its peppy atmosphere and regular drag shows. For a quieter evening, you'll find plenty of quaint pubs that offer a cozy ambiance with craft beers and spirits.
Dublin also hosts a range of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, with the highlight being Dublin Pride. This annual festival features a parade that celebrates diversity and community, alongside various cultural activities like the GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which showcases queer cinema from around the world.
For those interested in historical and cultural pursuits, the National Gallery of Ireland and St. Stephen’s Green provide welcoming spaces to enjoy art and nature. The city's inclusive atmosphere
This is the oldest and largest bar in Dublin. Opening 8 years before the decimalisation of being gay in Ireland. The George is a warm and friendly nightclub with an electrifying atmosphere That attracts all age ranges. Every night there is a show performed by the finest drag queens Ireland has to offer which includes entertaining activities such as dancing competitionsand karaoke! For anyone coming to Dublin and wishes to experience the gay Irish nightlife scene, visiting the George is an absolute must! The George reveal daily with and admission fee of €10 after 10 on the weekend. It’s located on George Street and is a short walk from Stop 17 on the Hop on Hop off tour from the Dame Street stop, or by the Dublin Bus routes 9, 16, 68, 68A & 63 which all stop on South Georges Street. Visit the George Website for more information
Pantibar is cosy bar in Dublin with a welcoming atmosphere. During the week days it runs as a cosy little bar but on the weekend it transforms into an electrifying place to party. It plays all kinds of music ranging from current hits to the best songs
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 urban area vibrant and lively nightlife welcomes the LGBTQIA+ to enjoy the best gay clubs and bars.
Top LGBTQIA+ Bars & Clubs in Dublin
The George
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 test 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.
PantiBar
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 late hours extravaganzas