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21st June 2018
11:39am BST
In Ireland, Pride isn't something you only get one chance in the entire year to enjoy — not by a long shot.
Since the festival's rainbow flag rolls out across the country gradually, taking place in one city at a time, you can plan it so that you start celebrating Pride in June and finish in August.
We've scoped out some of Ireland's best gay and gay-friendly spots to visit if you're planning on checking out Pride in Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Galway or Limerick this year...
This underground nightclub pumps out electronic, synth and disco tunes in the heart of Dublin every Saturday night and it's never more alive than during Pride.
While its usual home is in The Hub in Temple Bar, during Dublin Pride itself you'll find that the party has relocated to Tivoli Theatre for the Mother Block Party and Mother After Dark.
Click HERE for more info.
Dublin's most popular gay bar and club opened all the way back in 1985 — eight years before the legalisation of homosexuality in the Republic of Ireland.
An institution among Ireland's LGBTQ community, it should come as no surprise that the venue is playing host to a whopping six events during Dublin Pride 2018, such as the Pole Show, Glitterbomb and Pride Bingo.
Click HERE for more info.
And speaking of Dublin institutions, we mustn't forget the iconic Pantibar.
Named after its fabulous founder Panti Bliss, expect this spot to be another hive of activity throughout Dublin Pride, with pop music nights, their traditional "geilí", a street party and so much more.
Click HERE for more info.
Northern Ireland's biggest gay club is the place to be when Pride rolls into town.
Open five nights a week, it's only closed on Monday and Wednesday, the Soviet-themed spot has drag cabaret, club nights and top musical acts for visitors to enjoy.
Click HERE for more info.
Having begun its life as a Victorian shoe factory, the building retains a few charming quirks from its original design such as wrought iron pillars and date plaques.
The vibrant venue, which has got everything from karaoke to gameshows, is split into several areas that are designed to meet different needs: a long zinc bar downstairs for a casual drink, The Shoe Factory nightclub area for dancing and The Green Room cocktail bar for a more sophisticated experience.
Click HERE for more info.
Open since 2009, Chambers is massively popular with Cork's gay community.
Staying open till 2am, the lively spot is known for its pantos, talents shows, fashion events and outrageous cocktails. There really is no better place to be in the Real Capital during Pride.
Click HERE for more info.
This gay-friendly club is very stripped back, making for a more intimate club experience.
During Cork Pride on Friday August 2 it will play host to a major women's club night called OUTrageous, with DJ Andrea providing the beats for the evening. But don't worry menfolk, male friends will also be welcome as guests.
Click HERE for more info.
If you'd like a single cocktail during Pride, be sure to pop into Nova Bar.
This spot is a hit among visitors for its impressive selection of sweet concoctions, uber-friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.
Click HERE for more info.
This gay-friendly establishment is one of Galway's most popular venues, boasting two separate stages where local and international live music and comedy are performed.
Once a month, the place transforms into Club GASS which is hosted by their resident drag queen Kiki St Clair while DJ Shazza Ranks spins the decks.
Click HERE for more info.
This gay-friendly establishment is set to transform when Pride rolls into town.
On July 4 a free event called Queens On The Cobbles will take place at Cobblestones Joe's, where the audience can expect to be entertained by magic, comedy, drag performances, live bands and artists.
Click HERE for more info.
If the ever-popular music venue that is Dolan's wasn't already the best spot for a night out in Limerick, it definitely will be during Pride.
The Pride Climax Party is taking place here on July 7 and will span three of Dolan's areas: The Warehouse, Upstairs in Dolan's and Kasbah Club.
The night will be hosted by Kiki St Clair and will feature performances from Fada, Letycha Le’Synn, Mia Gold, Europe's number one Pink tribute act Laura Tapp and Lasgo vs Ian Van Dahl Battle Tour.
Click HERE for more info.
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