Gay district dublin

The ultimate Dublin guide for LGBTQ travelers

While San Francisco might reasonably be considered the gay capital of the world, Ireland’s main city remains one of the best and friendliest cities for LGBTQ travelers to visit. Most people who are gay in Dublin will head over to the famous Temple Bar district, known for its excellent nightlife catering to all kinds of people. Visit during summer to experience some of the city’s best LGBTQ events, including film festivals and, of course, the unmissable Dublin Pride. (A trip to Ireland’s optimal beaches wouldn’t go amiss either). If it’s your first time visiting the city, be sure to check out our general guide to Dublin to get a sense of the best attractions in the area.

Is Dublin gay-friendly?

Dublin is a very gay-friendly city. Homosexuality was legalized in Ireland in 1993 and gay marriage was legalized in 2015. The legalization of same-sex marriage was confirmed by a nationwide, public vote. This made Ireland the first country to legalize homosexual marriage by a well-liked vote. In Ireland, LGBTQ people have been elected to high levels of government, including Leo Varadkar, who was the Taoiseach (hea

The gayest neighbourhood in Ireland has been revealed

THE area of Ireland with the highest proportion of same sex couples per capita has been revealed.

Stoneybatter came top of the list - with 9% of residents living in the north Dublin "gaybourhood" identifying as LGBT.

The research by property website Daft.ie also named the other neighbourhoods in Ireland with the largest gay communities - and nowhere outside of Dublin made the top 10.

Grand Canal Dock came in second place with Christchurch in third - while Dublin 8, Drumcondra, Ranelagh, Rathmines, Smithfield, East Wall and Dublin 1 completed the list.

National disparity

Trinity College economist Ronan Lyons, who authored the study, said the top 10 areas have almost three times as many openly lgbtq+ people as their neighbours.

“In Dublin’s ten most Pride-Filled Places, 8% of the population are in same-sex relationships - almost three times the fraction elsewhere in the city," he said.

“The Uppermost Ten areas saw their share in same-sex relationships soar from 5.6% in 2011 to 8% in 2016.

“Elsewhere in the city, the share rose by just 0.2%. Unsurprisingly, this strong level of demand in these neighbourhoods is pushing up

Gay Dublin

Dublin, celebrated for its rich history and warm hospitality, also boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, making it a welcoming destination for gay travelers. The city is filled with LGBTQIA+ amiable venues, particularly in areas like Temple Bar and Capel Street, known for their lively nightlife and cultural vibrancy.

The city's premier Homosexual nightlife spot, The George, is well-known 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 existence Dublin Pride. This annual festival features a parade that celebrates diversity and community, alongside various cultural activities appreciate the GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which showcases homosexual cinema from around the world​.

For those interested in historical and cultural pursuits, the National Gallery of Ireland and St. Stephen’s Emerald provide welcoming spaces to enjoy art and nature. The city's inclusive atmosphere is also noticeable in its help for LGBTQ+ rights, with legal protections and equal marriage rights

City Tips

Dublin is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and inclusive vibe, making it a comfortable and exciting place to visit. The city hosts amazing LGBTQ+ events and festivals, enjoy the Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride festival, which is one of Europe’s biggest Pride celebrations.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a list of the best 5 bars in Dublin where you can experience the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. These bars are not just great places to enjoy a drink, but also hubs of LGBTQ+ culture and community. Get ready to own an amazing time exploring Dublin’s gay-friendly nightlife!

1. PantiBar

PantiBar opened in 2007 by owner Panti (who later opened Pennylane in 2020). Known for its lively atmosphere and welcoming vibe, it’s a favourite among the LGBTQ+ people for drag shows and cabaret performances featuring the legendary Panti Bliss. The bar’s inclusive environment makes it a must-visit for both locals and tourists looking to experience Dublin’s vibrant same-sex attracted scene. And don’t miss the bar’s own beer, the Panti’s pale ale! Join us at PantiBar, not just a block, but a cultural hub celebrating diversity and