Dublin's Rainbow Mile

The Rainbow Mile started as a collaboration between the Queen of Matchmaking, Eddie McGuinness and DublinTown.ie. Their ambition was to create a space where the LGBTQ+ community felt safe and respected while empowering members to express themselves. From restaurants and bars to clubs and theatres, the Rainbow Mile connects businesses that are LGBTQ+ friendly with the community and visitors to the city.

While exploring Dublin’s Rainbow Mile, you’ll probably notice the various rainbow crossings painted on the ground. The first can be found on colourful Capel Street, one of the longest pedestrianised streets in Dublin, directly outside Panti Bar. The crossings were installed by Dublin City Council to celebrate the city’s strong LGBTQ+ influence.

Looking for a place to relax and while away an afternoon? Located within an elegant Georgian building on Capel Street that dates back to 1771, Outhouse is a community centre and café, and the perfect destination to have a coffee, grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy some quiet time with a book from their extensive LGBTQ+ library.

Panti Bar, also on Capel Street, has quickly become the go-to destination for amazing cocktails, impeccable service, great music, and top drag show. The Queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss, rules the roost in the most fabulous way possible. Whether serving drinks, chatting with punters or stealing the show on stage, Panti ensures everyone is having a good time. If you don’t spot her there at the weekends, don’t worry, Panti is usually across the street DJing at sister bar, Pennylane. Both venues are dog-friendly!

Tucked away on Parliament Street in the heart of Dublin city is Street 66, a trendy live music bar, designed for people who love good music, handcrafted drinks and lots of fun. Street 66’s décor and atmosphere are heavily inspired by the owners’ love for mid-century modern design, vinyl, funk and reggae.

Sligo and Barcelona natives Siobhán Conmy and Cris Llarena, expertly blend their passions with old influences from their respective homes, creating a cosmopolitan paradise for its LGBTQ+ visitors. The back bar is upbeat, with plenty of room to dance and some of the best DJs around from Thursday to Sunday. During the day, Street 66 serves amazing coffee and tasty treats.

Fancy a quiet night with great food and brilliant service? Check out the wonderfully classic and intimate, Café Rubis Wine Bar on Parliament Street. The menu offers a choice of tapas, salads, cheese/meat boards, and a wide selection of luscious wines to enjoy.  The interior is vintage and sophisticated – and it’s a space that is beautifully accentuated in the evenings by live performers and singers.

Okay, so lots of cities have a Spar supermarket, but how many of them have a Gay Spar? Standing proudly on the corner of Dame Street, this 24-hour shop acts as a sanctuary for late-night chicken fillet roll lovers – an Irish “delicacy”.  Gay Spar is a cherished cultural landmark in Dublin city and has no less than three rainbow crossing leading to it.

The final stop on the Rainbow Mile is The George on South Great George’s Street, the beating heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Dublin. Since it first opened its doors over 36 years ago, the nightclub has featured world-class drag acts, a huge dancefloor and a daytime bar, all of which are packaged into an award-winning venue. The George will take you from afternoon bliss to midnight madness within the blink of an eye.

And it doesn’t stop there! Pop in during the weekend and play Sunday Bingo with national treasure, Shirley Temple Bar – there are spot prizes, delightful drag performances and plenty of cocktails. For the Irish LGBTQ+ community, The George has become a home away from home, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the evolution of social change on the island of Ireland.