Dublin - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

Dublin's queer scene is centred on Capel Street, in what's known as the Gay Village. Pantibar is the city's best known address, run by Panti Bliss, with drag performances, cocktails and a crowd ranging from locals to tourists.

For saunas, The Boilerhouse in Temple Bar is the only documented gay sauna in the city, with steam rooms, a jacuzzi and several floors, rather than relying on some other public place. The Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre on Capel Street offers counselling, events and a quieter meeting point away from the nightlife scene during the day.

GCN, Ireland's LGBT magazine, has long covered the scene, politics and events across the country and is a good first stop for current listings.

Around Capel Street and Parliament Street, most of these places sit within walking distance of one another, making it easy to combine several stops in one evening. Several previously well-known addresses in the city have since closed, so the current scene is concentrated around fewer, but more reliable, venues than it was a few years ago. Visitors should check current opening hours in advance, since the lineup has changed noticeably in recent years.