06 Dec 2024
Pride Month in Dublin
Like many cities around the world, each year Dublin is transformed into a metropolis of rainbows, glitter and cheer, all in honour of Pride: the month-long celebration that champions equality, love, inclusion, diversity and culture. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community are leading the charge within the hospitality industry, and more and more restaurants, bars and cafes are making concerted efforts to support the cause. We are delighted to share with you just a few of our favourite Pride and LGBTQ+ picks in this gloriously diverse city.
Dublin’s annual Pride Parade, which falls at the end of June, is an event not to be missed. Full of colour, music and life, this is a truly remarkable spectacle to witness or take part in. Foley’s Bar on Merrion Row is located close to the parade’s end point, making it a great place to book in and enjoy a delicious bite to eat or drink after witnessing this incredible event. With live music in the evening and a great selection of delicious food and drinks to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, this is one of the best places to soak up the atmosphere of Pride in the city. You’ll also often find the outside of this traditional Irish pub decorated with the Pride flag colours, making it clear that everyone is welcome here, adding to the lively festival atmosphere that makes this one of the most beloved places to eat and drink in the city.
Synonymous with good times, craic agus ceol, and stories of old, Dockers is undoubtedly one of our top choices for dining out in Dublin this Pride Month. Creating an atmosphere where everyone is made to feel welcome, this spot is known for unrivalled Irish hospitality and serves up delicious food and drinks to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. The creative all day menu features everything from flavourful meat and cheese boards to various filled ciabattas, salads, soups and toasted sandwiches to sourdough flatbreads and more. The cocktail menu is where this place truly shines, however. Whether you fancy a ‘Beat the Dark’, which is a creative twist on a classic Espresso Martini with salted caramel vodka, orange liqueur, espresso and demerara sugar or a ‘Spicy Mangorita’, complete with Don Julio tequila, jalapeno, mango and lime juice, and topped with Tajin, you’re sure to find a drink to tickle your taste buds.
Elegant, fun, and suitable for all walks of life, Pygmalion is a restaurant, bar, and club located inside a converted 18th-century townhouse. During the day, it’s all about the flavours of the Mediterranean – the pizzas even come recommended by the Michelin-guide – but by night, Pygmalion welcomes international DJs like Soul Clap, Jamie Jones and Marco Carola. Treat yourself to one of the infamous ‘pygmails’ for €13 and soak up the cheery vibes.
An Irish-Asian-style cocktail bar and restaurant, The DL Bar and Restaurant is certainly among the best places to celebrate Pride Month in Dublin. Located at the heart of Temple Bar on the busy and bustling Crow Street, you’re guaranteed to be right at the heart of the action with any goings-on across the city during Pride. The menu has been carefully crafted with amazing food and drinks to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. From brunch to dinner, it offers a huge selection of delicious dishes so whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savoury, you’re certain to find something to suit you. Casual yet sophisticated with thoughtful decor, friendly Irish hospitality, and an atmosphere that is welcoming for everyone, you can spend the day catching up with pals, indulging in delicious food and drinks, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre during Pride.
Serving up a seasonal menu that is based on a farm-to-fork concept to showcase the very freshest local produce from all across Ireland, The Bank Bar and Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience at the heart of the city. Located close to Trinity College on College Green, this place highlights the modern vibe of the Irish capital, welcoming people of all ages and from all walks of life to enjoy quality food and drinks that are full of flavour and crafted to perfection. With an open and welcoming vibe that is proud to support the city’s LGBTQ+ community, this is the ultimate spot to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Pride Month in Ireland’s capital. Outside, you’ll be greeted by an enormous hanging Pride Flag, which highlights the bar’s support and inside, you’ll have the chance to eat, drink and dance the night away to all the best tunes. You’re guaranteed a fantastic experience here, making it one of our favourite places to check out this Pride Month.
Tucked away in the heart of trendy South Dublin, Street 66 is a live music bar, designed for the ‘global citizen’. Indeed, the vibe is unmistakably cosmopolitan: here, natural textures meet bright decorative accents, and craft beers rub shoulders with bespoke cocktails. The music is eclectic – from reggae to soul and jazz. The team are dedicated to providing a safe space where like-minded people can hang out and listen to their favourite music. Street 66 is also dog-friendly, and if you’re not in the mood for alcohol, the expert baristas can whip you up one of the best cups of coffee in the city.
There’s nothing better than finishing a day of celebrations than by devouring a well-earned pizza. Ritas is a seriously chilled-out, Naples-style pizza parlour – the perfect location to unwind after all your Pride festivities. Promising ‘no fuss, just pizza’, here, the menu is small, but the quality is out of this world. Most of the pizzas come in at a reasonable €14, and the portion sizes are generous. Our favourites include The Diego (San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, anchovies, capers, olives, and fresh basil) and The Hunted Hog (mozzarella, ricotta, brocoletti, Italian sausage, and n’duja). For good tasting food, and friendly, relaxing vibes, look no further.
Vibrant and colourful to begin with, Dublin’s Ohana Tiki Bar is a must-visit this Pride Month. Known for serving up delicious Tiki-inspired cocktails with DJs spinning tracks to create the ultimate party vibe until late, the party here is a truly memorable experience. With dark purple interiors, neon lights and an intimate vibe, you can soak up the party atmosphere of Dublin’s one and only Tiki bar. This spot also offers over 200 different rums, arguably the biggest selection available anywhere on the island. So, whether it’s white, dark, navy, golden, spiced or some other variety, you can enjoy your favourite tipple or any classic tropical cocktail your heart desires as you dance the night away and lose yourself to the beat of the music. Whether it’s the famous frozen piña colada or a classic Mai Tai, there’s certainly a drink for you. Plus, the prime location on Harcourt Street means it’s within walking distance of all the exciting goings-on for Pride Month in the city. So, what more could you want?