Jack Nealons

There's much more to Dublin's LGBTQ+ scene than late nights and drag shows, and Outhouse is a wonderful place to discover its community spirit. Housed in a handsome Georgian building on Capel Street, this welcoming LGBTQ+ centre brings people together through art, culture, social activities and a relaxed café that welcomes visitors and locals alike. The café serves excellent coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats, providing an inviting setting for a daytime break or a casual meeting with friends. Beyond the café, Outhouse hosts exhibitions, film screenings, book clubs, performances and a wide variety of social gatherings for different parts of the LGBTQ+ community. There's even a dedicated queer library. It's especially worthwhile for solo travellers who'd like to meet local people away from the bar scene, or anyone interested in the history and culture of LGBTQ+ Dublin.

For one of Dublin's most joyful queer clubbing experiences, make Saturday night a Mother night. Founded in 2010, this much-loved LGBTQ+ party has become an institution, bringing together gay locals, queer visitors and their friends for a wonderfully inclusive celebration of music and dancing. Mother is all about the soundtrack, with an infectious mix of disco, electronic music, synth-pop and dance-floor favourites that keeps the energy high without relying on the usual cheesy club hits. The weekly party takes over Lost Lane, just off Grafton Street, where a lively crowd comes together to dance until the early hours. Mother also hosts spectacular special events, including daytime parties and its legendary Dublin Pride Block Party. It's particularly appealing if you enjoy a musically adventurous night out with a genuinely welcoming queer atmosphere.

For a relaxed gay night out with good music, excellent cocktails and a wonderfully mixed crowd, Street 66 is one of Dublin's most appealing LGBTQ+ bars. Occupying the former Front Lounge near Temple Bar, this stylish neighbourhood favourite combines warm, eclectic furnishings with an atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you walk through the door. The music is a big part of its personality, ranging from reggae, soul and jazz to more energetic DJ sets later in the evening. Street 66 attracts a particularly diverse crowd, including plenty of queer women, making it a great alternative to the predominantly gay male bars elsewhere in the city. The comfortable seating is perfect for conversation, while the rear bar and garden provide additional space to socialise. It's equally enjoyable for an early cocktail or a lively weekend evening.

If you're looking for a proper big-room gay clubbing experience, Euphoria is one of Dublin's most exciting recurring LGBTQ+ parties. Since launching in 2014, this popular club-night brand has built a loyal following for its international DJs, powerful house music and impressive productions that bring a distinctly European circuit-party atmosphere to the Irish capital. Expect energetic progressive and tribal house, glamorous dancers, elaborate themed events and a packed dance floor full of people who love their electronic music. Euphoria regularly attracts guest DJs from around the world and organises particularly memorable celebrations during Dublin Pride and other major weekends. It's not a permanent nightclub, with parties taking place at different venues throughout the city, so checking the latest event announcement is essential. Book ahead for bigger events, which can be very popular.

For a proper Dublin pub experience with a friendly, gay-popular crowd, Jack Nealon's is a lovely alternative to the livelier LGBTQ+ bars nearby. This historic Capel Street institution has been serving Dubliners since 1905, occupying a handsome Georgian building with beautiful period details, warm wooden furnishings and a wonderfully traditional atmosphere. It's the kind of place where a leisurely pint and good conversation take priority over thumping music, making it particularly appealing to mature gay visitors and anyone who enjoys discovering authentic local pubs. The open fireplace adds to the cosy atmosphere during colder months, while the upstairs cocktail lounge offers something a little different. Located just across from PantiBar, it's an excellent place to begin an evening before moving on to Dublin's more energetic gay nightlife.

No gay trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to The George. Open since the mid-1980s, this legendary LGBTQ+ institution has been at the heart of the city's queer community for four decades, combining a friendly daytime pub atmosphere with one of Ireland's liveliest gay nightclubs. The entertainment is a huge part of the appeal, with fabulous resident drag queens, guest performers and energetic DJs keeping the crowds coming back. Sunday bingo, hosted by the wonderfully entertaining Shirley Temple Bar, is a Dublin tradition, while the weekend dance floor attracts a diverse crowd ready to party until the early hours. There's also the smaller Bridie's bar for a more relaxed drink away from the main action. Whether you're looking for an afternoon pint, an evening of drag or a full night of dancing, The George really does have something for everyone.