Pride Month: Rory O’Neill (aka Panti Bliss), Panti Bar, Dublin

Using his platform for good

Panti Bar is a self-confessed ‘homo activity centre’, oft touted as the finest gay bar in Dublin, and located in Temple Bar. It’s owned by Panti Bliss (aka Rory O’Neill): restaurateur, ‘gender-discombobulist’, drag queen, and LGBTQ+ rights activist extraordinaire. Rory has long held a standing in the Irish LGBTQ+ community. Heavily influential in the 2015 marriage referendum (his anti-homophobia speech from the stage of Ireland’s national theatre was described as “the most eloquent Irish speech in almost 200 years”), and renowned for his generous support of HIV/AIDS charities, Rory continues to use his platform to raise awareness for various campaigns, not least the #RepealThe8th referendum.

Panti Bliss

Rory began performing as an art student in the late 1980s. By 1995, Panti Bliss was running some of Dublin’s seminal club nights, hosting the legendary Alternative Miss Ireland for 18 years, and performing all over the world. As if that weren’t enough, she has also produced three theatre shows, written a critically acclaimed memoir, and produced a documentary about the perils of homophobia. It doesn’t really come as a surprise, then, that her bar – established in 2007 – enjoys such roaring success.

Panti Bar

Panti Bar prides itself on its friendly and fun atmosphere. Indeed, this glitzy waterhole is a real safe space for everyone and anyone to enjoy. Weekday evenings tend to be quieter, more relaxed affairs, making it the perfect spot to unwind after work or catch up with friends.

During the day, we recommend sampling one of the finely brewed coffees, sinking into the soft velvety booths, and saying hello to Pedro and Bruno (the manager’s adorable dogs). Come the weekend, however, it’s a different story. The bar is transformed into a hub of music, entertainment, and glitter: think drag shows, cabaret shows, eclectic DJ sets, and musical bingo a-go-go. Cocktails flow, and the atmosphere is electric. The crowd are as diverse as the events that the bar plays host to, and the beaming staff are attentive and super friendly. The drink prices are great value for money, and for a taste of something special, why not order a pint of Panti’s Pale Ale? A local craft beer produced specially for Panti Bar by Trouble Brewing.

Panti Bar manages to be glamorous, cosy, and fun all at once. It’s a staple of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ scene, and led by the formidable Panti Bliss, it’s not difficult to see why!

Given its reputation as such a welcoming spot and with myriad events on offer, we’re hard pressed to think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy a visit.

Pride month marks the perfect opportunity to support LGBTQ+ owned and run hospitality venues, and nowhere is more worthy of your support than this Dublin gem.

As part of Dish Cult’s Pride month celebrations, we are proud to be supporting Stonewall – the largest LGBTQ+ charitable organisation in Europe. Stonewall work in each nation of the UK and stand for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace people everywhere.

Stonewall’s campaigning work drives positive change in public attitudes and public policy, helping transform the day-to-day experience of all LGBTQ+ people. The work continues until the world we imagine is the world we live in.

If you can imagine a world where there is freedom, equity and limitless potential for every LGBTQ+ person – stand with us. Donate to Stonewall now.

*All donations made will be donated directly to Stonewall