Ireland Gay & Lesbian Travel

This subject has been brought up occassionally from a few clients who have had confided in me that they are gay or lesbian and had reservations about traveling to Ireland due to the conservative nature of their culture.

Kudos for coming out to me -- it makes my job much easier and also ensures that you get the information you need to enjoy your holiday in Ireland! Regardless of where you travel, it's good to have a gay travel agency available to make sure your travels are safe.

I'm gay and have traveled to Ireland many times with my partner, even getting engaged on the Cliffs of Moher in 2002 (I did the proposing... and if the answer was no, over he went!) So, this information comes to you from someone who doesn't seek out the "gay scene" everywhere I go but have taken in the nightlife in Dublin and Galway on occassion.

With that, you'll get my experiences on how to handle traveling in Ireland with your partner.

Galway I've gone to Zulu's (near Jury's Inn) in Galway with some friends in 2002 and had a good time. It's a small little pub (with lots of smoke! {smoking ban now in effect!}) real close to the center of town and I met quite a few fellow travelers there before one of the locals decided to take us to a gay dance club in Salt Hill. Visit Gay Ireland's Galway for more information on things to see and do in Galway and please email me your links and places you've been when there.

Dublin I've also visited The George, the foremost in gay pub in Dublin. The George is located on South Great George's St. Popular is its unusual take on bingo every Sunday night. The George is host to many events and parties and the George's disco bar is alive with dancing. If it's a quieter drink you're after, then the front bar is the ideal venue in which to enjoy a cool pint of Guinness or a colourful Pina Colada.

Sinead's Hand

Bed & Breakfast Reservations

Rather than the added expense of hotels, I always used the Ireland Bed and Breakfast Vouchers throughout, saving a nice bundle. In 2000 I began traveling with my partner and we still took advantage of these low-cost, comfortable accommodations.

"What about requesting one bed in the B&B's?"

I was nervous about this on my first trip with Bob however everything worked out just fine and we didn't have a problem, including those B&Bs where I've stayed numerous times, making friends with the owner. As with everything we deal with, it comes down to making a few adjustments to make everyone happy...

When calling your B&B and asking for your room, you really have three choices:

• Ask for a twin - Twins are two beds for two people. More than likely, the room will contain two double beds ... and you only need one! Convenient!
• Ask for a double - You'll have no problem if they have a double available but when you arrive you may be greeted with surprise and offered a twin if they have it available. It's happened to me and I've taken the twin, which had two double beds anyway.
• Ask for a twin or double - Accept whatever you get, knowing that most twins contain two double beds.

I've never been treated differently by the B&B owners with two men traveling together -- nothing but a pleasant experience and I continue to do the B&B tour each year we go.