Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gay Dublin is a unique, vibrant and welcoming city—one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for LGBTQ tourists looking for alternatives to the normal Berlin / Amsterdam / London gay scenes.
But like any tourist to Dublin will discover, there is so much more to Dublin’s gay scene than just the traditional gay bars and club events.
A small capital with an outsized reputation, Dublin’s cosmopolitan outlook, embrace of diversity and multiculturalism and connection to all four corners of the globe make it an absolute pleasure to explore. Sure, there are more than a few stag parties to avoid – but sophisticated elegance is surprisingly easy to find here… if you know where to look!
The beauty of Dublin as a travel destination lies in the fact that this is a changing city – and country – embracing a new progressive culture to shed its hopelessly religious past and socially conservative past.
Gay marriage was passed by a landslide public vote in 2015; in 2017, openly gay and biracial Leo Varadkar was appointed as Ireland’s Taoiseach (Head of Government); and in 2018, Ireland voted to overturn its abortion ban. All nothing short of a ‘quiet revolution’ that has left Ireland one of the most progressive countries in the world!
Add to the mix centuries of heritage, a reputation for hedonism and a charismatic population who embrace diversity and multiculturalism, and it’s no wonder that Dublin is making its way to the top of most “best gay travel” lists!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Dublin, Ireland
Naturally, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see when traveling, and – generally speaking – queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Dublin during the day! Dublin is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution in crowded areas or at night in bars with valuables.
There is so much to do here – but we found our favorite memories were tasting Irish whiskey in a small pub, exploring historic castles or getting lost only to find beauty in the strangest of places. Still – it helps to have some kind of idea of what is going on, so here are our must-see attractions in Dublin that you should not miss!
Highlights of Gay Dublin
A fun shop to sample a specially curated selection of Irish design projects. A coloration with a large number of Irish designers, there are often product launches, pop-ups, showcases and more here. Every product here is beautiful, useful and affordable, so it’s a nice place to pick up mementos. The
The seven-floor exhibition space at the St James’s Gate Brewery in central Dublin, where Guinness was first brewed in 1759. Discover how the iconic, black and creamy stout is brewed, and taste some variants. Then, finish with a free pint of Guinness at the seventh-floor Gravity Bar as you drink in spectacular views over Dublin!
An elusive boutique store only open Saturdays with an eclectic collection of vintage glamour. If your ideal weekend is sifting through 1950s Hollywood faux couture or finding the perfect silk Kimono, this is for you.
Discover one of the most important highlights of Irish heritage as you learn about the Book of Kells’ rich ornamentation, multi-layered symbolism and meaning. It is known for its world-renowned artistry, as well as its many hidden secrets and mysteries dating back to 800 AD. Afterward, don’t miss exploring Dublin Castle and its medieval streets located within the original city walls of Dublin.
Take a breath of fresh air from Dublin city center and enjoy a half-day trip out to Malahide Castle and Gardens, located just 13 km (8 miles) outside of Dublin city center along the scenic north Dublin coastline. At the regal 12th-century Malahide Castle and Gardens, you will experience pure escapism as you lose yourself in the rich heritage and natural beauty of your surroundings.
Find the unique flavor of Dublin through Irish food and craft beer. Art your way through Dublin’s streets, restaurants, and cafés, and bask in the casual ambiance of some of Dublin’s hidden gems.
A grooming emporium decimated solely to the needs of men with a revitalizing atmosphere and professional treatments. You’ll walk about feeling – and looking better than ever before…
Oscar Wilde Guided Walking Tours
The story of Oscar Wilde is a marvelous, tragic and convoluted one; a tale that can’t easily be condensed into a single quote or few sentences. His unswerving belief in his sexuality and his ensuing martyrdom for it have made Wilde an LGBT icon and his writings a vital part of queer culture.
So, while exploring Gay Dublin, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to retrace the early days of Wilde’s life in Dublin, his influences and the surroundings that shaped his later life. On this exceptional guided walking tour, you will visit his birthplace, college, and social haunts while learning more about his fascinating life – along with being treated to quotes, talks, and readings from his works.
Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops. Today this infamous prison museum explores the dark spaces in which many of Ireland’s political prisoners were incarcerated, tortured and executed.
One of Ireland’s leading tourist attractions features Powerscourt House & Gardens and Two Championship Golf Courses. On a sunny day, there is nothing better than wandering around the 18th-century stately home with its famous landscaped grounds, themed gardens, and waterfall.
Expert guides tell the story of Jameson in a recreated distillery scene with tastings and dining. Found on the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971.
The Irish literary tradition is one of the most illustrious in the world, famous for four Nobel Prize winners and for many other writers of international renown. Find letters, books, and artifacts covering 300 years of Dublin’s acclaimed literary heritage here; yes: there is more to Dublin than just Oscar Wilde…
Grand collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 20th century covering all major schools. The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin boasts some 2,500 paintings and approximately 10,000 other works in different media, including watercolors, drawings, prints, and sculptures.
Every major European school of painting is extensively represented. It also houses a renowned collection of Irish paintings, the majority of which are on permanent display.
The National Museum of Ireland is Ireland’s leading museum institution, with a strong emphasis on national and some international archaeology, Irish history, Irish art, culture, and natural history. Take time at The Treasury, which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and the Derrynaflan Hoard.
A large area with naturalistic sections, formal gardens, an arboretum and a Victorian palm house. The gardens are famous for their exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses, notably the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture.
Ireland’s leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art and is the home of the National Collection. The Museum is housed in the 17th-century Royal Hospital building in Kilmainham, Dublin, whose beautiful grounds include a formal garden, meadow and medieval burial grounds.
A curious and free throwback to the 19th century with an eclectic collection of stuffed and mounted animals. A grand building with plenty of treasures waiting to be discovered.
Located just off Dublin’s largest public square, Urbanity is a small-batch roaster, specialty café, and all-day dining venue.
Focussed on providing a beautiful space to enjoy amazing food and exceptional coffee, the friendly owners here have taken an empty concrete shell and transformed it into a bright, airy and modern venue – taking inspiration from the Nordic cafés we fell in love with in Copenhagen and Oslo.
One of our favorite places to relax and meet people for catch-ups or dates.
A wonderful newly created museum that goes beyond the stereotypes to help you discover what it truly means to be Irish.
You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.
Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.
Day Trips From Dublin
Leave Dublin behind for the day and enjoy a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Tour Northern Ireland’s capital, seeing all the landmark sites, including the Belfast Docks and the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods.
After learning about Belfast’s political history, travel along the Antrim Coastal Drive, stopping to explore the famous rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway and take the perilous walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Grab your camera and discover some of the most dramatic cliffs in Ireland. We take an unforgettable journey to the Wild Atlantic Way, where you are rewarded with dramatic and breathtaking views that are nothing short of amazing. Along the way, be sure not to miss the best of Ireland’s dramatic coastline, including the Burren and the bohemian city of Galway.
Discover the highlights of Cork & Tipperary on this popular day tour from Dublin. Visit the most famous castle in all of Ireland – Blarney Castle. Lay back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquent speech for 7 years.
Immerse yourself in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery on a trip to the Ring of Kerry from Dublin. Admire Ireland’s coastal landscapes, including Dingle Bay and the Lakes of Killarney, but if you hire your own car, you can maybe stay overnight and see a lot more…
Gay Events in Dublin
Gay Dublin is a city that has hundreds of events held throughout the year, and queer travelers to Ireland should not restrict themselves to exclusively gay events.
While June is the main month of LGBT celebrations and events for Dublin’s gay community revolving around a huge Pride Festival, there are plenty of other gay events in Dublin to look out for during the rest of the year – and every night of the week you can find live music and plenty of club events.
People in Ireland are incredibly welcoming, so if you can start a conversation on any of the popular hookup apps or in person, you are almost guaranteed to hear about something somewhere and get invited. Here are the biggest events currently on in Gay Dublin (just be sure to book your Dublin hotels far in advance as the good places sell out months beforehand!).
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
Started in 2004 to celebrate the birth of queer icon Oscar Wilde, this event focussed on the contribution of gay people to the theatre, past or present. With plenty of international or Irish works with a loose gay theme, the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is now one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
An annual event dedicated exclusively to screening gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer films. Gaze Film is one of the most critical European forums of international LGBT film/video, and if your dates coincide if a way to experience a more sophisticated level of gay life in Ireland.
A popular annual event at the end of March with an international appeal. For all otters, bears, admirers + friends with club nights, uniform and fetish parties, bear strip shows and the all-important crowning of Mr. Ireland Bear Pride. We love the weekend celebration and how welcoming the bear community in Dublin always is!
The biggest Gay Pride in Ireland, attracting attendees from all over the world. This week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBT community in making Ireland what it is today, and is entirely worth planning a trip around.
Held annually in June, the highlights are the massive street festival in Merrion Square, a vibrant parade, and all the club parties – but there are plenty of other cultural events too!
Today it is mostly about celebrating everything queer and fabulous, but of course, still much needs to be done to achieve total equality, and there is a strong focus on the political roots of Dublin Pride. Because at the end of the day, LOVE IS LOVE!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Dublin, Ireland
As a world leader in LGBT tourism, pretty much every hotel and hostel in Dublin can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms!
Having said that, everyone likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few well-known hotels in Dublin that are known hot spots for gay travelers to stay!
The best locations for gay travelers are close to the Temple Bar gay district, or anywhere in the Old Town, which is close to all the top tourist sites and attractions of the Dublin gay scene – by day or by night. However, if you are planning to hire a car in Ireland, then it’s best to stay a bit out of the city or where free parking is available.
The following gay-friendly and gay hotels in Dublin are only the most popular with gay travelers, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Dublin if you don’t find quite what you are looking for. Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Dublin has it all!
While there is one gay hotel in Dublin, we much prefer to stay at The Dean, which is always our first choice when visiting Gay Dublin, and we are not the only ones. A beckon of all the is hip and trendy; this hipster paradise has an insanely popular lobby bar with vinyl turntables and one of the best nightlife spots in town upstairs, the New-Yorkesque Sophie’s Rooftop Terrace.
Don’t worry; in the rooms, you’ll never notice all the action on the top floor, and we loved all the small touches, including new-wave Irish Pop Art, Netflix on the TV, Marshall’s rooms amps and blast power showers. You might never leave your room. Nothing at the Dean is conventional, and that’s just the way we like it!
A hip hotel that welcomes you with an ultra-modern checkerboard facade, yes – a luxury stay here is just what everybody needs. Relax in the infinity pool/rooftop terrace, feel inspired by the geometric luxe rooms or indulge in an innovative cocktail in the trendy lounge. The Marker Hotel Dublin has everything you could possibly want, and more…
A 5-star luxury hotel wrapped in a contemporary brick building opposite the National Concert Hall. Managed by the very LGBT+ friendly Hilton, guests can enjoy stylish rooms and suites, wood floors and city views from their bed and a gym and fun craft beer pub downstairs.
An elegant urban resort in the upscale Ballsbridge neighborhood that is very popular with our readers. Classic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and deep soaking tubs are sure to leave you feeling totally renewed, or if not, there is a posh spa, sauna, gym and trendy cocktail lounge downstairs.
An upbeat hotel boasting modern amenities, spacious rooms, and bike hire. Great value for money, though located a bit out of the city center – thankfully, guests can hire bikes, take advantage of the shuttle or simply wander to town along the gorgeous suburban streets.
A recently refurbished hotel from the Double Tree Hilton with high ceilings, original art, and hand-crafted Irish carpets feature throughout the hotel. A delicious breakfast, an enviable location and staff who truly want to make sure you have the best stay possible in Dublin.
A quaint 19th-century Victorian schoolhouse converted into a warm and intimate hotel that is very gay-popular. We loved the mix of traditional style and modern touches with exposed beams and period details.
A cozy, chic hotel in the center of Dublin’s cultural quarter; you just couldn’t ask for a better location. We loved the split-two-level suite explored beams and rainfall show, and the 3 hip bars, hidden cocktail lounge, and lively pub all part of the same establishment.
If you want to stay in the heart of Gay Dublin, then this surprisingly stylish hotel is a popular option. The location, staff, and rooms are all perfect, with access to an exclusive bar onsite. Just it can get a little loud in some rooms on the weekend – but earplugs are provided.
An ultra-welcoming Georgian townhouse with bold 60s colors and a quirky interior. The mix of Irish charm and fun design was always going to make Number 31 an instant hit, but it’s so popular you might struggle to book unless your organizing far in advance these days.
Inn on the Liffey Guesthouse ☆☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A basic gay hotel in Dublin is only 400m from the Temple Bar nightlife district – the home of gay nightlife in Dublin. Freshly cooked breakfast, clean rooms, and a small sauna are on site. Low room rates include single rooms and a one-bedroom apartment if you are sharing with friends.
For style on a budget, we always recommend trying Generator Hostel, the boutique experience, and design-led hostel chain taking Europe by storm. Seriously cool, we love that you get the feel of an upscale chain with young travelers to chat with and discover the nightlife with – gay or straight.
We first fell in love with Generator in Paris, but you can also find them in all the big gay cities of Europe, including Copenhagen and Stockholm, and in the USA in destinations like Miami and Washington DC. Very gay-friendly; we have never been as obsessed with any hostel before…
Gay Nightlife in Dublin
While Dublin might be more famous for its enviable pub-to-person ratios and raucous stag-do getaways, there is also a cornucopia of gay bars and clubs here catering to a wide range of music tastes and atmospheres. Being such a tolerant society, you will be welcomed in most bars in Dublin – but with such a vibrant and fun gay nightlife scene in Dublin, you really shouldn’t miss a night out here.
Lesbians and gay men frequently mix in all these bars, which makes for an interesting and inclusive night out. If you just want to explore and see where the night takes you, then the touristy Temple Bar area is home to most of the extremely popular gay bars.
Queer takeovers events of different clubs take place on the weekend, just like in Tel Aviv and Munich, and we have collected together our favorites.
Like many Western countries, gays in Dublin are frequently choosing to mingle in non-expressly LGBT nightspots, so we have also listed our favorite wine bars, cocktail lounges, and pubs in Dublin where you will be warmly welcomed, no matter gay, straight, or unicorn…
Gay Bars in Dublin
The beating heart of the Dublin gay scene for over 25 years, and still going strong! The George is one of the standard go-to gay bars in Dublin for fabulous events, guest performances, friendly crowds and sexy go-go boys. Weekly drag shows, bingo, glitter bomb parties and pumping dance floors most nights. There is also a busy terrace outside for those rare days it’s not raining during the summer!
A gay bar with eclectic further and decor that leaves you wondering if you have somehow happened across an Irish house party. Welcoming staff, queer events, drag shows, and delicious cocktails. No attitude, fun and an easy place to strike up conversations with everyone around you. Previously known as the Front Lounge.
A stylish and oh-so-sexy bar run by Ireland’s most famous drag queen, Panti! Much like Panti, this bar offers an air of sophistication and mystery, but then later in the night it gets, the wilder things become…
The best cabaret shows in Dublin with plenty of other upcoming queens and smoldering bartenders. If you meet Panti, you should really congratulate her on the amazing work she has done, or just watch her documentary The Queen Of Ireland, which had the highest-ever-grossing opening weekend for an Irish documentary.
Gay Clubs in Dublin
A circuit style Club night held monthly with high-energy techno house music with international DJs’. A mix of older and younger guys with plenty of mingling, drool-worthy go-go dancers, and a steamy dance floor.
Calling all daddies, bears, otters, leather lovers and chasers, this month club night is for you…Cruisy fun for men only. Dress in your kinkiest attire and leave your attitude at the door.
Every Friday night, this easy-going club night tempts everyone to take their shirts off. Luckily there is a dark room to cool off in with things getting a little too hot, but otherwise, just enjoy the cute crowd of sexy Irish boys partying away to whatever the DJ throws out there. Kinky!
Missed Friday? Didn’t you get enough the night before? Luckily there is this old-school club night for disco-loving gays and their friends every Saturday night. Packed into a sub-terrain space, this queer take-over has been going for 8 years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Hosting infrequent gay parties across venues in Dublin with the top international talent. Gender-bending, masc for mascara realness abounds here, and we absolutely love it!
Always well attended by the hottest guys with crazy entertainment and epic DJs. If you’re lucky, they will have something on when you’re in Gay Dublin…Not that the gay bars in Dublin would disappoint you otherwise!
A funky gay dance party event is held every Sunday when the following day is a public holiday. Why have a long weekend if you can’t drink and boogie it away, right?
Topless guys, an all-inclusive crowd and plenty of fun. Bukkake occasionally holds one-off other events and is currently switching venues around since their normal party location is under renovation. See Facebook for details.
Another irregular queer takeover of club venues normally hosting 1-2 gay parties in Dublin per month. Expect glitter, over-the-top fabulousness and cheap drinks!
Gay-Popular Venues in Dublin
With two locations, one in Smithfield Square and the other in Christchurch, this supportive venue has hosted gay weddings and has been outspoken in the recent referendum on marriage equality. Named after Irish gay literary icon Oscar Wilde, its no wonder many from the LGBT community come here for cocktails, innovative pub far or just a casual pint
Three floors of books, classical music and intimate views over the Liffey. Old and quirky, and perfect renown for their simple, high-quality Irish cooking and exhausting wine list.
A quintessential Irish pub since 1779, this is a fun spot in Temple Bar to just go for a drink or perhaps organize to meet someone before a bigger night out. A mixed crowd, but hey: if it’s good enough for Hilary Clinton, it’s good enough for us!
A retro dive bar with Berlin meets New York vibes. The ultimate hipster hang-out is completed with almost obligatory neons, street art, and an urban plant life twist!
A cozy place made popular thanks to its extensive and unusual wine list and tapa bites! Chaotic and authentic, preferring to focus on fabulous service over interior design.
Designer cocktails and sharing platters hidden away in a funky basement bar with a burlesque circus-themed room, a conservatory room, and the ‘Boom Room’ with plenty of room for dancing, swinging, swooning, swaying and spotting under the bandstand.
A fantastic, refreshingly modern take on a classic bistro. Combining both French influence and modern Irish cuisine, pop in for a meal or just stop by Pichet’s warm and welcoming bar -the perfect for enjoying a classic cocktail in sophisticated surroundings.
Drop Dead Twice
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Spread across two floors in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties with craft beer, cocktails, live music, and great food. Also, Dublin’s only BYO cocktail bar where you bring a bottle of your favorite spirits and their team of mixologists will use their expertise together with a wide range of fresh and homemade ingredients to create a selection of bespoke cocktails…What more could you want?
A luxe rooftop restaurant where you can pull up a stool and get comfortable at any time, day or night. Incredible views of the Dublin skyline with an amazing team of bartenders who really know how to create a world-class cocktail. Laid-back vibes during the weekdays, but on the weekends, this is the spot to party til the sun rises…which you can actually watch from the dizzying heights up here!
Cruising and Gay Saunas in Dublin
One place where Grindr and other gay hook-up apps have really made a difference worldwide is the closing of saunas and bathhouses. While continental Europe cities such as Barcelona, Brussels and Berlin have reversed the trend, the Ireland gay sauna scene is pretty dire.
In Dublin, the bathhouse/sauna scene has been particularly hard hit, and currently, if you want to explore the naughtier side of Dublin, there is now only one true gay sauna in Dublin to visit and two popular gay hang-out spots.
Public cruising in Dublin was previously very popular, but we do not recommend it anymore – outside of bars and saunas – as most well-known spots have more police patrols and widespread CCTV surveillance.
The best gay sauna in Dublin with modern facilities, a central location, and a mixed-bag crowd. While generally younger, you can find everyone here, from out-of-towners to tourists, locals, and drop-dead gorgeous students!
The Boilerhouse sauna is very welcoming to foreigners and will happily explain to you how things work if needed, and there are various discounts displayed on their website. Facilities include the sauna, jacuzzi, coffee bar, play area, steam room, and showers – but there are also private cabins for rent.
The Dock
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A small sauna for those who haven’t yet figured out how to work the internet – basically older guys, many of who are not ‘out’ in their normal life. There is no website, and it is never very busy – but the Dock is part of the Inn on the Liffey Guesthouse, a gay-popular guesthouse with a handy location.
Open 24 hours over the weekend; there is a small lounge, dark room, and private cabins as the Dock hook-up spot.
A popular sex toys store in Dublin for both gay and straight men, with an adult cinema and private rooms out the back.
Gay Map Of Dublin
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Dublin? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!