Top Gay Bars in Dublin: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQ+ Nightlife

As the cultural and political capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin has become increasingly progressive and gay-friendly in recent years, having recently legalized same-sex marriage. The friendly and energetic city lies at the heart of the country’s gay scene. This deeply literary and historic metropolis, with approximately 530,000 residents, hosts the popular Dublin Gay Pride in late June. In the bustling yet touristy Temple Bar nightlife district, you’ll discover several extremely popular gay bars.

Although Dublin doesn’t have too many expressly LGBT nightspots, the few establishments here are centrally located, inviting, and typically quite packed on weekends. Moreover, should you venture into just about any pub, wine bar, or restaurant cocktail lounge in the heart of the city, you’ll be warmly welcomed, regardless of your sexual orientation. The people in Ireland are generally friendly, and Dublin ranks among the most welcoming cities in Europe.

Here’s a compilation, organized in alphabetical order, of the key hangouts popular with gays, lesbians, and their friends in this compact, handsome city bisected by the picturesque River Liffey.

The George – Gay Bar

The George, located on George’s St. across from Dame Lane, is one of the iconic gay bars of Europe and the most popular LGBT establishment in Dublin. This good-sized bar features a stage with wonderfully campy and fun drag shows and games, such as bingo with Shirley Temple Bar and Wednesday’s wildly popular Space N Veda variety show. Weekends tend to be especially bustling, with top DJs and dancing, and there’s a large patio out back where smokers gather along with others seeking a quieter conversation spot. The George is in a popular section of the city center, conveniently close to numerous excellent restaurants.

Jack Nealon Pub – Mixed Bar

With its gilt ceiling and ornate woodworking, Jack Nealon Pub occupies a brightly painted red 18th-century building just across lively Capel Street from Pantibar. This pub is a favorite for drinks and conversation among all Dubliners. The closeness to Pantibar leads to a vibrant mix of patrons on many evenings, and the bar staff are particularly friendly.

McDaids Pub – Mixed Bar

McDaids Pub boasts an unfussy, easygoing atmosphere and great location near the fashionable Grafton Street shopping district. This location’s greatest pride is its long-standing history, as it has been serving customers since 1779. If you’re seeking a pint away from the sometimes boisterous crowds of Temple Bar, this is an ideal choice.

Oscars Cafe Bar – Mixed Bar and Restaurant

Oscars, named for the infamous Irish gay literary icon Oscar Wilde, has two locations in Dublin, both exceedingly supportive and welcoming to LGBT patrons. During Ireland’s marriage equality referendum, Oscars even used “voteyes#marref” as their Wi-Fi password. The Oscars Cafe Bar at 6 Smithfield Square invites guests for cocktails, beer, and three meals daily, including traditional Irish breakfasts and creative pub fare. The second Oscars Cafe Bar, located at 16-18 Fishamble St. in Christchurch, serves similar delicious food and drink while also drawing a diverse mix of visitors, both straight and gay.

Pantibar – Gay Bar

Pantibar, an institution thanks to its extraordinary owner and drag icon Rory O’Neill, opened in 2007. Located in a vibrantly colored space in Dublin’s Northside, it is conveniently just a short stroll across the River Liffey via the Grattan Bridge from the city’s other gay bars. This pub serves as a great venue to chat with locals and meet new friends. While there are drag shows, even on quiet nights, this spot maintains a super-friendly atmosphere catering to an eclectic crowd of all ages and styles. Rory O’Neill’s efforts have significantly contributed to Ireland’s acceptance and embracing of the LGBT community.