Wonderful Gay Ireland
Ireland has an exciting LGBT scene with the major gay scenes being located in the cities of Dublin and Belfast. That’s not to mention other cities like Cork, Galway and Derry-Londonderry. So let’s approach Ireland by basically dividing the island country in four. Let’s start in the East.
Gay Dublin
Dublin, capital of and gateway to the beautiful island of Ireland. A city of history, culture and friendly people. It’s a lively capital city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as your local Irish pub. With its seamless blend of classic visitor sights, excellent social scene and the natural playgrounds of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains framing it on all sides, this laidback city is an adventure in itself.
Sites to catch in Dublin
From Castles to Museums and not to mention Iconic Brewers! A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be the same without checking out Dublin Castle.
EPIC The Emigration Museum
Among the many museums, a most import museum to visit is The Emigration Museum. To truly get of a sense Ireland’s history. This state-of-the-art visitor experience explores the inspiring journeys of over 10 million people who left Ireland’s shores.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
Not much to say about this Iconic brand, Guinness. The “Black Stuff” may be famous the world over.Started in 1759, today it’s Ireland’s number one visitor attraction – a gleaming, multimedia exhibition on everything from retro advertising to the craft of brewing, topped off with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar. When you get there, don’t forget to raise your glass to Arthur’s wonderful creation!
This photo of Guinness Storehouse is courtesy of TripAdvisor
ST PATRICK’S AND CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRALS
St Patrick’s Cathedral was built beside a well where Ireland’s patron saint baptized converts, St Patrick’s dates back to 1220 and is filled with monuments, 19th-century stained glass and a beautiful Lady Chapel.
Christ Church Cathedral is just a 10 minutes away. It has attracted pilgrims for almost 1,000 years, and today one of its biggest attractions is its medieval crypt.
Of course there is way more to catch in Dublin but we thought you’d like to get a taste. Now for the Fun part, Gay Dublin.
Gay Places to Stay in Dublin
Gay CORK
Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork is a bustling collection of cool coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, unusual museums and seriously good pubs. Despite being a city, there’s a decidedly a small town feel here – life is laid back, nothing is too much hassle. Pleasantly compact, friendly, and with a wry sense of humor, Cork does things its own way whether it’s jazz festivals or craft beers.
Sights to Catch in Cork
Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort is situated on the south side of the city and is said to be one of the finest examples of a 17th century star-shaped fort. The fort itself has gone through a number of phases & rebuilds. Originally built in 1601 during the reign of Elizabeth I, it was replaced in 1624 by a stronger fort which had the same basic outline as that which survives today.
Blackrock Castle
This an iconic Cork landmark dating back to 1582, this Castle is a castellated fortification located at Blackrock, about 2 km from the center of Cork city on the banks of the River Lee in Ireland. Originally developed as a coastal defense fortification in the 16th century to protect upper Cork Harbour and port, the site now houses an observatory, visitor center and restaurant.
Gay Places to Stay in Cork
GAY GALWAY
Throughout the year there’s a party atmosphere that gives this place a special edge. It’s no wonder people pour into the hopping bars, traditional pubs and fantastic restaurants every weekend.
Right in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, the city has a reputation for artistic creativity and an infectious up-tempo vibe that’s played out in a full calendar of festivals and events. From music and horseracing to literature and oysters – Galway knows how to celebrate.
Things to see in Galway
Galway City Museum
Overlooking the Spanish Arch, this modern, spacious building is the go-to spot for everything relating to Galway’s history and heritage. Stroll through the collections on prehistoric and medieval Galway, as well as aspects of Galway’s social history.
Salthill Promenade
With its location right on the Atlantic Ocean, Galway has an intimate relationship with the sea. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the little seaside suburb of Salthill. Here, locals take to the 2km-long promenade for seaside strolls, and even a swim if you’re feeling brave!
Medieval Galway
Standing at the late 16th century Spanish Arch and looking out to the vast Atlantic Ocean, it’s not hard to imagine Galway in its medieval heyday. Once a small fishing village, Galway grew in strength in the 13th century to become a prosperous walled town ruled by 14 merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway. The old city walls are now incorporated into a modern shopping centre at Eyre Square, Kirwan’s Lane thrums with a bustling atmosphere and St Nicholas’s Church, completed in 1320, is where Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped in 1477.
Gay Places to Stay in Galway
GAY BELFAST
Culture, history and super-friendly people are what Belfast is all about. Visit here and you’ll experience a place unlike any other in Europe. This is a city that can trace its history back to the Bronze Age; a city that built Titanic; a city forging a unique food scene; and a city that dances to its own beat. From its mighty shipbuilding past to the dynamic arts scene that swirls around the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast likes to mix it up.
Things to see in Belfast
Titanic Belfast
Built on the slipways where the ship itself was constructed over 100 years ago, Titanic Belfast isn’t just a museum – it’s an experience. Inside the shimmering exterior, you’ll find nine galleries spread across six floors mirroring the height of Titanic, as well as interactive exhibitions, an underwater cinema and gantry rides. This is the whole story, from dream to tragedy.
Ulster Museum
Gleaming from a multi-million pound redevelopment, there are marvels wherever you turn in the Ulster Museum, so give yourself the time to enjoy it all. Alongside exhibitions that track the rise and fall of Belfast’s craft trades are tens of thousands of fossils, as well as the only dinosaur bones ever found on the island of Ireland.
St Georges Market
For an authentic taste of Belfast life, make your way to the renovated St George’s Market. It’s in full flow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings (with free jazz on the weekends). More than 150 traders set up stalls laden with everything from antiques to metalwork – but what people really visit this market for is the food.
Black Taxi Tour
One of the best ways to see Belfast’s famous wall art is to sign up for a Black Taxi Tour. Knowledgeable drivers supply an informative history lesson peppered with local tidbits, which reflects on both the city’s intrinsic traditions and tells the story of the Troubles.
Political turmoil and past conflicts are explored by the guides, with commemoration of much older historic and religious events also recorded across the city’s walls. Travelling by taxi is also a great way to see the more recent murals livening up Belfast, which celebrate its modern sporting and cultural icons. Bring a camera: this is unmissable.
Gay Places to Stay in Belfast
Gay Derry-Londonderry
This thriving City has ancient stone winding walls and an awesome character. With lot’s of history to experience.Curious when these stone wonders were built? You may not believe it to look at them, but building began 401 years ago, back when King James I required defenses to keep the newly planted population safe from Irish rebels besieging the city. At 1.5 kilometres in circumference and varying thicknesses of between 3.5-10 metres, they did their job. In fact, Derry~Londonderry’s walls have never been breached.
Sights to Catch in Derry- Londonderry
Tower Museum
The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic walls. The museum also boasts the only open air viewing facility in the heart of the city center with stunning panoramic views of the city and River Foyle.
The Peace Bridge
Mere steps from the Guildhall and the city walls, this river-spanning beauty is a visual treat. Introduced to the city in 2011, the elegant, snaking curves of its design have seen the Peace Bridge become a Derry~Londonderry icon, and a scenic spot from which to watch the majestic Foyle rush towards a meeting with the eponymous Lough Foyle to the north.
The Murals
Belfast isn’t the only city with murals. The Walled City could easily match Titanic’s hometown for impactful modern art messages. To get the real story behind these colourful and complex artworks hop on a tour run by the Bogside Artists. These are the local artists behind many of the murals and few can elaborate on their significance with more insight or understanding.
Gay Places to Stay in Derry-Londonderry
So this year make Wonderful Gay Ireland your next stop in your Gay travels. Check it out and Book it now!