Ultimate Guide to Dublin Pride Parade 2016
Written by It’s that time of the year again, LGBTQ Pride is just around the corner! On Saturday the 25th of June the streets of Dublin will be flooded with people coming out in their hundreds armed with their rainbow flags all set to celebrate Dublin Pride.
Unsure about how to spend your time at Dublin Pride? We’ve put together a guide to ensure that enjoy the festivities from start to finish. Don’t forget, this day only comes around once a year so make sure you make the most of it!
1. Preparation is Key
The beauty of Dublin Pride is that everything goes! It is the one time of the year you can wear anything you want, so go crazy and be sure to stand out. If you are all out of Gay Pride glam gear, do not fear because we’ve got your back. Carrolls Irish Gifts have a great range of rainbow covered LGBTQ Pride t-shirts to get you in the festive mood. Ideal if you are on a budget as they have a great mix and match deal offering 2 t-shirts for €15. They can also hook you up with pride themed suspenders, whistles, face paint, shot glasses, badges, glasses and bow ties. This means you have no excuse not to dress up to the nines in pride glam!
2. Get a bit of Soakage
Saturday the 25th is going to be a long day for all you marchers. The goal is to make it to the very end of the night and the golden rule is to line that stomach so you don’t crash and burn. Get that pre-game breakfast in at The Church Bar & Reastarant who are hosting the TENI Pre-Pride Parade Breakfast. Head over to Mary Street for 11AM and fill up on some delicious breakfast to set you up for a day of celebrations. If its a liquid breakfast you are looking for why not head to the Outhouse Champagne Breakfast. Stroll over to Capel Street between 11am-1pm and enjoy some great food, bubbles and beats to get you pumped for the parade.
3. When it’s Time to Walk the Walk
It’s parade time! This is the best part of LGBTQ Pride for many of us. Marchers gather in the Garden of Remembrance from about 12pm and the parade is led out by Grand Marshall Krzyzanowski at 1pm. Remember that you have to register to march in the parade, this can be done here. The parade travels through O’Connell Street, Eden Quay, Custom House Quay, Lombard Street, Westland Row eventually arriving at Merrion Square.
4. Pride Village
At around 2pm the parade will finish up at Pride Village in Merrion Square. Soak up the electric atmosphere in Pride Village and refuel with plenty of great food and refreshments- remember the day is still young at this stage! Pride icons Panti Bliss and Phil T gorgeous will be hosting the main stage and will be joined by special guests such as Veda, Davina Devine and Victoria Secrets.
5. The After Party
It’s safe to say you wont be stuck for after parties on Saturday night. Mother is teaming up with Smirnoff to host the biggest Pride Block Party ever. There will be multiple bars and a huge main stage making it guaranteed to be a good time. Tickets can be bought here. Pantibar are also hosting an all day street party after the Parade to take you from daylight into the dark hours of the night.
So there you have it! A complete guide on how to soak in the pride from AM to PM. Make sure to follow Rainbow Mile Dublin for live updates from the Pride Parade!
