Introduction to Dublin’s LGBTQ+ Community:
Shane Gillis said it best when he said, ” Dublin’s gay dude,” and we know that we wouldn’t have it any other way. Dublin has diversity and openness that you can’t find anywhere else. So, if you were wondering if Dublin is a good city for Pride, let us show you it is. From bustling streets filled with Dublin’s pride to gay bars & nightclubs to businesses you know you can feel accepted in, we hope that this post has everything you could need to make this year’s Pride Month the best one yet.
Dublin’s LGBTQ+ History:
Dublin and Ireland has had their ups and downs when it comes to our history with the LGBTQ community. We were late in deciding to make homosexuality legal, but we were early when deciding that same sex marriage should be legal. We were also quite a conservative country throughout our history, but now we are one of the more liberal countries in Europe. But while our history was not always perfect looking back, Dublin now is the best place (in my opinion) for anything Pride-related.
Our top three gay bars/nightclubs:
The George is the most iconic gay bar in all of Dublin. It’s impossible to talk about Dublin’s Pride without talking about the George. Since the 1990s, The George has been a hub for everyone in the LGBTQ community to use as a safe space, while also fighting for social and political change.
Mother is a gay club working out of Lost Lane on Grafton Street. Not only do they have one of the best Pride scenes in all of Dublin, but they also have some of the best music in Dublin. They also hold events such as their annual block party that can’t be missed.
Pantibar was started by Gay Irish visionaries Rory O’Neill (AKA Panti Bliss) and Shane Harte and has become a staple of the LGBTQ+ community in Dublin. They serve brilliant drinks and even do events such as karaoke and pub quizzes.
LGBTQ+ Events and Festivals:
Mother Block Party:
Mother hosts an annual block party during June every year. Arguably the best place to go to celebrate Pride this summer, with incredible music, atmosphere and people, it won’t be one you’ll want to miss. It’s on the 28th of June this year, so go get your tickets!
Pride March:
There will be a Pride Parade in Dublin on the 28th that will make its way from O’Connell Street to Merrion Street Lower, so get out there and show your support! (If you want to)
Dublin’s Gay Men’s Chorus:
The Dublin gay Men’s Chorus is performing at The Gate Theatre on the 22nd of June. This is the perfect place to support Pride, The Gate Theatre and Dublin’s Gay Men’s Chorus. So why not go? I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Businesses that openly support Pride:
Oliver Bonas:
Oliver Bonas is an independent British lifestyle brand, designing its own distinctive take on fashion and homeware. They sell online internationally and from 90+ stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, operating as an omnichannel business across multiple platforms. And of course, they support the LGBTQ+.
Wigwam:
Wigwam is a cocktail bar on Abbey Street that does weekly games and events that you can’t find at any other bar in Dublin. They frequently do drag brunches during Pride Month, and we couldn’t recommend it more.
Be Sweet Café:
Be Sweet’s ethos is, get this, being sweet, and that of course links to Pride. Be Sweet doesn’t care who walks through its doors as long as they are as into tea and coffee as Be Sweet is.
LEGO:
LEGO is as inclusive as a company can be; they have a whole line of Pride sets for you to choose from. So if you have ever wanted to build a visual representation of your Pride, now you can.
Retro Shop:
You won’t be able to find a better place for vintage clothes that fit you than in the Retro Shop in the Georges Street Arcade. They are firm believers in Pride and equality.
So there you have it, from pubs to parades, businesses to block parties, there’s no shortage of Pride celebrations in Town, and we hope you have the best Pride Month you can have this June.
