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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.

Gay Friendly Accommodations

Diary Guesthouse, Dromkeen, Co. Limerick

Transgender Owned
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.dairyguesthouse.com/

Luxury country Bed & Breakfast accommodation located in the West of Ireland beside the Mulcair river.

Book accommodation with us in association with Barratt Tours (located directly beside us) for an action packed holiday to remember at an affordable price.

Traditional Irish Pubs and Restaurants located a few minutes from Dairy Guesthouse.

Located 15 minutes from Limerick city, 15 minutes from Tipperary town, 20 minutes from Raheen Business Park, just off the main N24 Limerick to Tipperary road. Limerick borders Counties Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Clare

The nearest Airport is Shannon which is a 35 minute journey from Dairy Guesthouse

The Waterfront House, Oughterard, Co. Galway

Gay Friendly
Vouchers: Yes
Website: http://www.ireland-west.com/

Stay in superb panoramic lakeside accommodation, central to an area from the Cliffs of Moher to the Aran Islands, and Connemara to Westport. Walking, golfing, angling, relaxing, touring..and much more!

Glocca Morra B&B, Ogonnelloe, Co. Clare

Gay Owned
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.gloccamorra.com/

Glocca Morra is a superb location for the peace and quiet of the Irish country side with over an acre of mature gardens and an ideal base for guests touring Limerick, Clare, Galway and Tipperary. Activities in the area include jet-skiing, wind surfing, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, facilities to hire cruisers, horseback riding, golfing and hill walking.

Templenoe House, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Gay Friendly
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.templenoehouse.com/

Templenoe House on the banks of the river Blackwater is an oasis of relaxation and romance. Set on twenty acres of private gardens, lush pasture and mature woodlands, offering sumptuous accommodation in grand rooms, all with private bathrooms. Enfold yourself in the pleasures of country life, celebrate a special occasion, or just retreat and unwind.

The Coach House, Butlerstown, Co. Waterford

Gay Owned
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.iol.ie/~coachhse/

Take the opportunity of relaxation in elegant, yet affordable accommodation in a small country house steeped in history. Situated on an elevated site in the grounds of Butlerstown Castle which now lies in ruins. Tastefully restored with en-suite rooms, many with commanding views. Rates are per person sharing.

Harvey's Point Country Hotel, Donegal, Co. Donegal

Gay Friendly
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.harveyspoint.com/gay/index.htm

Luxurious country hotel, in magnificent Loch side and mountain setting with 40 en suite bedrooms. Exquisite French cuisine, Award winning restaurant. Relaxing atmosphere.

This hotel actually promotes gay couples and gears some of their packages specifically to the gay market -- in Donegal! It's so beautiful up there that this really is a perfect opportunity for the gay community.

Emerson House, Cork, Co. Cork

Gay Owned
Vouchers: No
Website:

Emerson House is a recently renovated Georgian Town house located on a south facing hill only 5 mins walk from the city center and rail terminus. All rooms which are individually decorated and en suite have king sized beds, comfortable armchairs and original 18th cent fireplaces. We also have free private car parking.

Roman House, Cork, Co. Cork

Gay Owned
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.interglobal.ie/romanhouse/

Large Victorian terrace house, uniquely decorated, large back garden,short walk to city center.

Joyces Waterloo Guesthouse, Clifden, Co. Galway

Gay Friendly
Vouchers: No
Website: http://www.joyces-waterloo.com/

Super king-size and queen/4-poster bedrooms, power showers, open fire, evening meals, breakfast menu, breakfast in bed, large comfortable guest lounge, 6-seater outdoor hot-tub, bike hire, walking info, relaxed and comfy environs, 20" t.v. & v.c.r in most rooms, hair dryers, toiletries, clock radio, books/mags, and special touches including own spring water in rooms.

Cesh Corran House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Gay Friendly
Vouchers: Yes
Website: http://www.marycooney.com/

An atmospheric 19th century I.T.B. approved Town House, situated on the old Dublin/Sligo road, overlooking historic Boyle Abbey. A beautifully restored Edwardian house, this convenient and elegant retreat is ideal for those who wish to relax and enjoy the West and NorthWest. Facilities in house: Central heating, laundry service, private car parking, garden for guest use. Rates are per person sharing.

* These properties market directly to the gay & lesbian community - you'll feel quite comfortable at any of these establishments.