June is the LGBTQA+ month, celebrated in Ireland since the early 80s as a way to bring awareness and honor the LGBTQA+ community in the country. The movement started out in a small and modest way but has gained notability over the years, being now the second biggest celebration in Dublin after St Patrick's Day. Pride Dublin is a full festival rich in arts, social, and cultural content, and where thousands of people come to celebrate and protest altogether. If you are planning to visit Dublin this month, here’s a guide about the Pride Festival in Dublin and what will happen in the 2022 edition:
The history of the Dublin Pride Parade and the LGBTQA+ movement in the city:
The Dublin LGBTQA+ movement started to gradually grow and gain support during the early 70s, with a small celebration of Pride Day in the form of a Picnic at Merrion Square Garden. In 1974, the first protest march happened, formed by a group of 10 people who walked from Stephen’s Green to the British Embassy, objecting against the current criminalization of the queer community in Ireland at that time. It was only in the early 80’s that the movement really gains traction, when around 900 people gathered together to protest and march after the release of various people accused of murdering a gay man in the city months prior. The March went from Liberty Hall to Fairview Park and started what we now know as the traditional Dublin Pride Parade.
Since 1983 the Dublin Pride has become both a yearly celebration and a form of protest for the LGBTQA+ community in Ireland, going from a one-day event to a big festival happening for ten days in late June. It makes the whole city more buzz and happy, bringing an amazing atmosphere to the streets. More importantly, it has become a major fundraising event for many Irish LGBTQ+ community organizations, working for more diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the society in Ireland.
How to enjoy the Gay Pride festivities 2022 in Dublin:
The Dublin Pride Parade 2022 is approaching and the city is preparing a lot of nice events to celebrate the Irish LGBTQA+ community. The main festivities kick in on the 25th of June, with the official Parade happening at 12:00 pm. It starts at the GPO on O’Connell Street, and heads to Merrion Square Garden, crossing the main areas of Dublin’s city center. The Parade will finish at the Pride Village, a free event supported by Dublin City Council with two stages, concerts happening all day, food vendors, a new sustainability zone, and a family area. It is suitable for all ages looking to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
If you are planning to join the Pride Parade make sure to arrive before the beginning time and enjoy the buzz around the concentration area, it’s a very fun experience. The dress code includes anything shining, colorful, and camp, be as creative as you wish! Don’t forget to bring some snacks and water to keep you hydrated during the day, since the Parade lasts until 3:00 pm. You can finish your Pride day by supporting some LGBTQA+ businesses around Dublin, such as The George Club, and Street 66, both located close to Dame Street, or The Paint Bar, located in the North part of town.
Another good option is the Mother Pride Block Party, happening on Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at the historic grounds of the National Museum of Ireland. Tickets are available for €45.00 each day, and you can purchase them here. Also, on the 28th of June, Street 66 will hold an LGBTQ+ spoken word & poetry open mic from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Where to stay when visiting Dublin for the Pride Parade Weekend:
Planning where you are going to stay during your visit to Dublin can make your whole trip more fun and enjoyable. Dublin is a relatively small city, and all the main events of the Pride celebration happen around the City Center. It is important that you find somewhere to stay close enough for it to be possible to walk around without having to rely on public transport. Hotels and Hostels around that area can get pretty busy during the Pride Month so make sure to book it in advance. The Gardiner House Hostel is located just 15 minutes walking from the start point of the Pride Parade, with free breakfast every day, and an amazing terrace where you can hang out and make friends before and after the event.
Hope you have an amazing time enjoying Pride Month in Dublin and don’t hesitate to talk to us at reception if you have any doubts about what to do and where to go. See ya soon :)
