How to get lucky on Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin

 A group in fancy dress pose for a photo as Dubliners prepare to celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17, 2022 in Dublin
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

While Ireland often conjures images of quaint villages juxtaposed against lush verdant landscapes, the Emerald Isle is actually far more modern and progressive than one may think. In 2015, the country legalized same-sex marriage (the same year the United States did), and two years later it elected Leo Varadkar, an openly gay, biracial man, as its Prime Minister. So, with the traditional Irish holiday of Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we’d like to shine a spotlight on our favorite bars in Ireland’s capital city of Dublin.

If you’re lucky, you may find that perfect red-hot ginger boyo that’ll make you squeal, “Top (or bottom, or side) o’ the mornin’ to ya!”

The George

Established in 1985, The George (its name being a nod to the medieval Church of St George that once stood in its location) prides itself as “the first port of call for young gay people in Ireland” and is an ideal jumping point for queer travelers in Dublin. This venue serves up a different event every night of the week hosted by local queens such as Shirley Temple Bar (above), Davina Devine, and Dolly Grip. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fans lucky enough to be in town this March can hit up a live performance by Heidi N Closet and Juno Birch.

PantiBar

Named after its prominent drag queen owner Panti Bliss, this candy-coated queer bar is notable for its nightly live performances. Situated in the up-and-coming Capel St neighborhood PantiBar offers a chill, laid-back atmosphere set against a modern interior. While you are there, be sure to wet your whistle with a pint of their signature Panti Pale Ale.

Mother

For those looking for a more boisterous evening, head down to Mother, Dublin’s premiere queer dance club. The venue plays host to major LGBTQ+ events such as the Pride Block Party and Love Sensation queer music festival, as well as live performances from Kelis, Lily Allen, and The Scissor Sisters. This is the best option for visitors looking to wail like a Banshee to the music of some of the fiercest queer artists in the world.

Street 66

Conversely, for travelers looking for a more intimate experience, cruise down Parliament Street and pop into this queer hole-in-the-wall. The interior design is an amalgam of Barcelona and Scandinavian aesthetics, featuring neutral tones inflected with vibrant accents. But don’t let the cozy atmosphere fool you, Street 66 also serves as a reputable live music venue. In fact, the bar’s name is an allusion to the eponymous song by reggae  Linton Kwesi Johnson. Street 66 aspires to be both a second home and an international destination at the same time.

Grand Social

The Grand Social is a Dublin landmark and has garnered a reputation as one of the city’s best music venues. The space boasts a rooftop beer garden with its own bespoke cocktail bar, giving patrons an opportunity to cool off after breaking a sweat on the dancefloor. While not exclusively an LGBTQ club, Grand Social earned a place on this list because it serves as the home for the queer-inclusive fetish party NSFW. This month’s party features London-based DJ Delaflores, so slip into your kinkiest ensemble and grind up on some red-headed hotties.

RELATED: 5 Saint Patrick’s Day parties where you can avoid drunk straight bros

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