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gay guide to dublin

Article by David Kavanagh.

David Kavanagh 25, born and bred in Dublin and recently relocated to Northern Ireland from Manchester. I'm an easy going gay guy who likes clubbing, travel and a good night out - just your average fun loving gay guy in his mid-twenties.

I've heard it said by many gay men that there's something about Irishmen that makes them go weak at the knees, maybe its the accent or the culture .. or possibly its the reputation that comes with being Irish - we enjoy our drink and we know how to through a good Paaaarty!

Dublin isn't just the capital of Ireland in my eyes, it’s a full-on party town! There’s always something going on and something to see, and it’s gay scene rivals most other European cities for style and fun PLUS the streets are lined with hunky men!

Getting to Dublin couldn't be easier - there are flights from every UK airport with airlines ranging from BA to Ryanair - something to suit every budget. The flight takes about an hour to get you to Dublin Airport and from here a taxi to town costs about £30, but there's 'The Dart' (Dublin's Rail Network) or buses that will get you there for a lot cheaper.

A great way to see more for less in Dublin is through the 'The Dublin Pass'. For one flat fee it gets you FREE entry to over 30 of Dublin's top visitor attractions, FREE airport transfer to Dublin city with the Aircoach and over 25 special offers for eating, shopping, entertainment and tours. It comes in an 84-page guidebook to Dublin and includes queue jumps as well! (www.dublinpass.ie)

There's loads to do in Dublin ... An absolute must is a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, here you'll discover all there is to know about the world's most famous beer. A dramatic story that begins 250 years ago and ends … where else - in the Gravity rooftop bar with stunning views of the city AND a complimentary pint of the black stuff. Prices range from 5-15 Euro.

Dublin's Famous Temple bar is situated just around the corner from Grafton Street, the start of Dublin's shopping Mecca! Temple bar is home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs and unusual shops - this cobbled street is always busy and there seems music played here daily!

If you’re looking for a bit of culture, take a trip to Trinity college where you can see the 'Book Of Kells' at the Old Library or visit Dublinia for a trip back in time to medieval Dublin. The streets of Dublin are lined with culture so it’s not hard to find something of interest, the main GPO building in the centre of town was the site of the 1916 Easter Rising or take a walk along the famous Ha'Penny footbridge over the River Liffey.

If you’re wanting a romantic break to Dublin and want to pull out all the stops for that all important man in your life, then a stay at Dublin's most famous and glamorous hotel 'The Clarence' is a must .. owned by Dublin's own 'U2' and based at the heart of Templebar you can be sure this will be a makings of a trip of a lifetime! Top this with a ride in a cosy horse-drawn carriage around the Gregorian squares of Saint Steven's Green and then a candle lit meal in one of Dublin's world famous restaurants like 'Chapter One' for a night to remember!

Dublin's smartest shopping street is Grafton Street, here you'll find the swanky shops such as 'Brown Thomas' & Dublin's famous 'Gaiety Theatre'. A short walk away is Henry Street packed with more commercial shops like H&M and Zara but you're sure to find a good bargain within the ILAC and Jervis St shopping centre or along O'Connell Street.

For designer shopping you need to take the LUAS (Dublin's tram network) 15 mins down to road to the suburbs of Dundrum for a visit to the 'DunDrum Shopping Centre' packed full of great power brands such as Harvey Nichols, House of Frazer and heaps of independent Dublin Fashion houses.

For lunch and dinner there's an endless supply of restaurants, cafés and pubs including the larger chains like Planet Hollywood & Wagamama. Most restaurants serve traditional Irish cuisine but there's a wide variety of European style eateries within the city centre, but a dinner reservation at Temple bar is a must for a huge variety of award winning restaurant catering for all tastes.

Dublin's gay social scene has seen unprecedented growth in the past few years. There are seven dedicated gay venues in the city centre, located on a strip from Capel Street on the North of the river to George's Street on the South, via Parliament Street in Temple Bar.

The most popular of all is 'The George', located on the lively South Great Georg’s Street, The George is an institution for the Gay Community! The oldest, best, and most well known gay bar – probably in the whole of Ireland! The George is open Wednesday through Sunday till 3am - with two bars catering for all tastes and ages.

If that's not enough for the gay or lesbian visitor, there are one-nighter clubs to be found every night of the week in the city, with several competing for your pink euro at the weekends, and plenty of gay friendly accommodation too.

Essential Info

Tips from Fitlads member "scallylover69"

Alri lads!! Im Chris from the north-side of Dublin. Lived here all my life and ya just can't beat the chilled atmosphere and complete nutters ya meet around the place. Ya'd usually find me in spice on a Saturday and glitz on a Tuesday for some mid-week wreckage!! anything else ya want to know ya can ask me on fitlads.net!!

Tips from Fitlads member "itsalldarage"

I'm 25 and I work as an Art Teacher/Artist, which is a good laugh like. I enjoy going out, Gymming and of course love good sex. but who doesn't? Always up for a bit of fun ;) Dublin is a great City, there's lots to do Str8 or gay. My Personal Faves are Spice on a Saturday in Powerscourt Townhouse or whenever Q+A is on. The Dragon is a Good Laugh and the George too can be ok, both on Georges St, as well as Hogan's accross the road from it. Gotta do the Guinness Storehouse on James St. while you're here.

If you’re Looking for Sauna/Shag, people tend to go to the Bolierhouse, been once or twice with an ex. it’s alright, but it ain't no Chariots.