Back due to popular demand, get ready for RIVALRY.
Skates sharp, wigs secured, the drama’s about to cut deep🌟
Get ready for a night of drama, glamour, and hot hockey men!
Join us for the final episode screening of Heated Rivalry on the big screen, followed by a Heated Rivalry themed drag show and an unmissable DJ set.
🎧 Music by DJ Ruth
💃 Drag. DJs. Rivalry. Release.
Doors open: 6:00pm Event starts: 7:30pm Followed by: A Star Studded Drag Show and A Release After Party!
There’s drag queens, and then there’s Davina Devine– a powerhouse performer, host, and LGBTQ+ icon who has been a fab fixture of Ireland’s queer nightlife for almost 20 years.
Whether she’s hosting Thirsty Thursday nights at The George or leading the charge during Pride, Davina brings a mix of glamour and genuine heart to everything she does. Davina is a true Diva, in the best possible way.
In this exclusive interview, we catch up with Davina to talk about what makes The George such a special place, how she started out in drag, and why she believes Irish drag is the best in the world…
The George has been a cornerstone of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ scene for decades – what do you think makes it so unique?
“I think the George is just really more than a bar – it’s more than a club, it’s a community space. And I feel like it’s always been a bit of a safe space across the board for everybody.
“And I feel like that goes past the kind of boundaries of LGBTQ+ too, because a lot of girls come there because they feel safe. It’s a happy space, and it’s very rare these days that there is a place like that left in Dublin city center. It’s got more heart, I think, than a lot more venues have.”
For first-time visitors, what’s one event/night they must experience when they visit?
“It depends, because the thing about The George is there’s something going on every night of the week, so it doesn’t really matter when you land in – you’re always kind of guaranteed a good time.
“That’s the other thing that’s really different with The George, is that we’ve got entertainment there six nights a week, and they’re all sorts of different flavours and different people. So there’s something literally there to suit everybody.
“And there’s always something going on, we always do specials, as well as all the regular shows. I do Thirsty Thursday, and obviously, that’s my baby, and I’m biased in that, but I enjoy all the girls’ shows.”
Do you remember your first-ever visit to The George – what was it like?
“Oh I do! My first time was a Monday night, and I remember they used to show movies on Monday nights, and it was always like, a really old queer movie. I think they were showing Torch Song Trilogy that night…
“The night I was in there I was like, ‘what the hell is this?’ Because they used to have these candelabras on the stage, and to be honest, when I think back, it was a bit like going into Dracula’s Lair, you know, that kind of way, because back then, it had just all this really weird kind of kooky stuff. So it was a little bit like a haunted house back in the day.
“There’s still a few bits and pieces of antiques that have ended up in other venues around town. I could walk in somewhere and I’ll be like, ‘Oh my god, the candelabra!’.
You’ve built an incredible career as one of Ireland’s top drag performers – what inspired you to start doing drag?
“I always had a kind of yearning to perform; I always performed when I was a kid. And then you get to that kind of awkward age where you’re like, ‘God, you can’t sing, you can’t really dance. You can’t join a boy band. It’s like, what are you gonna do?’
“I feel for a lot of child performers or people that like to sing and dance as a kid, they get to that awkward age where it’s not really cool anymore. And you’re in this transition period, so a lot of them just give up and settle into normal life.
“So I really thought I was done, and then I went to The George and I saw one of the drag shows, and I’d never seen anything like that. I just thought, ‘what the hell is this?’
“I liked the idea of taking something that I love – which is Pop music – and being able to perform it without even being able to sing it and actually create your own vibe, create your own costumes, choreograph dance numbers and all that kind of stuff. So it was a bit of a no-brainer.
“It all just literally just clicked all of a sudden. So that was it. It was really kind of by accident, to be honest. It was just that yearning for performance. And then when I saw it, I just thought, yeah, this is where I’m meant to be.”
Do you remember the first time you did your make up?
“Back then you have to understand, there was no YouTube, there were no makeup tutorials. All we had was literally a wing and a prayer, so we would just learn from each other.
“We would use whatever we could find in Boots and Brown Thomas, that’s all we had. In 2003, Mac was really the only place that you could buy lashes, and they only had one drag lash, which was the No.5. And all the Queens would just wear the number five. So you’d go into Mac and you’d be praying to God that they had any No.5s left! So things were very different.
“Make up was very experimental. Back in the day, you would have a vision, or you’d see something in a magazine, and you would try and create it. It was a really fun, organic way to learn, because everybody looked like a sack of shit, really.
“It wasn’t just one person; we all helped each other, and we all had that sense of community, and that really bonded us together, because everyone kind of had their own look and their own vibe. There was no one kind of making you feel like you were really bad, it was fun. It was very encouraging.”
How long does it take you now to get ready for a show?
“If I could get rid of the getting ready part, it would be the best job in the world! Now, it is the best job in the world of course, but sometimes getting ready just feels like such a chore, and you never have enough time. Even when I have loads of time, I still haven’t got enough time!
“It usually takes me about two hours from start to finish. And that’s when I’m putting my foot to the pedals. There’s nothing worse than just feeling unfinished, because you just don’t feel like you – it’s like creating a painting, you know? I always think it’s like that TV show 60 Minute Makeovers. It’s like the clock is counting down. And if you’re not done, the room is just unfinished.
“But it’s all a work in progress. And I think really we’re all kind of a work in progress, all the time.”
Is there any current drag makeup or hair trend that you’re not really a fan of?
“It’s funny because you can see since Ru Paul’s Drag Race started, one of the main trends that have come in is human hair wigs. Back in the day, wigs were really expensive. Say, £300 for a glamorous synthetic wig, which would just not last that long at all.
“Now everybody’s into these human hair wigs. I love human hair wigs, but I invest in human hair wigs because I have a certain style that I wear all the time, so I can get my money’s worth out of those wigs. So I’ll invest, and I’ll spend a lot of money on them, but they last me a long time, and you have to just look after them.
“I just see so many Queens walking around now with these fried human hair wigs, un-styled, untreated. It just drives me nuts.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into the drag before you even sit down to get ready.To style a wig takes about 90 minutes, you have to do the treatments, you have to do the shampoos, you have to do all the masks. You have to do all that to actually make it look good.”
Would you say there’s a quality that you have on stage that you wish you could bring more to your off stage life? Or do you feel like it’s just a natural extension of yourself?
“That’s a really good question. I feel like drag is like an extension of who you are. It’s a way to express certain elements of yourself. And I always feel sometimes that Davina Devine is very larger than life, a very strong entity in oneself. So it’s very hard.
“I always kind of have the analogy of the way there’s two sisters, maybe, in a family, and one sister is always in the shadow of the other sister, like Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. There’s Danny Minogue and Kylie. There’s Gráinne and Sheila. They’re great sisters, but they’re always a little bit in the shadows.
“And I feel like sometimes I’m in the shadow of myself, which is really weird. I’ve created this character that I feel like I never fully will live up to, and who I’ll never fully be. But the irony is that I’ve created it.
“It can be a bit of a head-mess sometimes, because you create something that people really respond to and react to, but they don’t really know who you are.
“You do live in the shadow of yourself sometimes, because when people do meet you, they’re kind of like, ‘oh…’ As though it’s quite shocking that you’re not the same person as on the stage, and that that could make you not feel great sometimes, because you’re like, ‘what were you expecting?’
“It’s impossible to be like this 24/7. It’s unrealistic, but you put a lot of pressure down on yourself to be this way and to not let other people down.
“I’ve never heard like a drag queen talk about this before, really. It’s something that I don’t think a lot of people do, because I think a lot of people let people see behind the mask, whereas I keep my private life very separate from my stage and online persona.
“I feel like I’m different in that I’ve created this kind of entity that is a fully formed person. And I want to give them that. I don’t want them to see how the rabbit comes out of the hat. It’s kind of like the Wizard of Oz, you know? When you look behind the curtain, it’s just an old man turning the dial, and the magic is gone.”
What would you say is the proudest or most memorable moment of your career so far?
“There’s so many, but I think the one that stands out is doing the live broadcast in The George with Vincent Brown for the Marriage Equality Referendum – that was really amazing.
“But you know what? To be honest, there’s so many other ones that kind of make me feel proud, when on a human level something happens where you can do something for somebody that actually just means a lot.
“I remember there was a contestant on Operation Transformation, and she was a little person, and she said on the show that she’d never been on a night out ever, and people were really mean to her when she had gone out anywhere, so she’d never been in Dublin because she was afraid.
“So I invited her to The George and she came along with all the Operation Transformation team, and she had the most amazing night. I like doing things that can actually impact somebody’s life or or make someone feel really good on a personal level. It just feels really nice to use your drag, or use your confidence, to help somebody like that.
“Because I feel like, in this day and age, we all need to be each other’s allies, we need to look out for each other. I don’t think that happens enough, you know. I don’t think people are kind enough to each other.”
If you could collaborate with any performer or artist, who would it be and why?
“When I first started out, I was in a bit of a duo, and I was with this Queen called April Showers. We were called DNA, because it was Davina and April, and she was wild.
“We were both just starting out on the drag scene, and she was much more rambunctious and wilder, and I was kind of quiet, and she helped bring me out of myself a lot. She was a bit of a larger girl, and she just had no fucks to give; so unapologetic, so confident, so funny. And I absolutely loved it.
“We used to perform every week at Bingo, and we were sort of like the terrible twos up until she quit drag about nine years ago and she moved to America for a corporate job. We had such amazing chemistry together, it was just so much fun.
“If it was anyone in the world I would want to perform with, it would probably be her, because it’s all about having chemistry. So I don’t want to say something like RuPaul or because I want to be sure that I’m going to have a good time.
“She’s back in Dublin this weekend, but I don’t think she’ll ever perform again – I think the wig is retired now.”
What’s the best drag show you’ve ever seen?
“I’m not just saying this because I’m biased, but I remember when I first came out into the scene, maybe around 1999 or 2000, and Shirley Temple Bar used to do an amazing bingo.
“It was very of its time, but it was trailblazing. And I never, to this day, have ever seen anything like it. There were so many amazing numbers, and that really inspired me as well. It was just next level.
“And to be honest, I’ve never seen a drag show like that. I don’t know if it’s something within our culture – our Irish humor -but it was absolutely incredible. There were RTE documentaries and everything done about it.
“I think nobody does it better than the Irish. We’re really great entertainers. I think we’re really great at reading the room,and really great at bringing the craic.”
What’s been the most significant change in Dublin’s drag nightlife scene since you started performing?
“I think probably the whole RuPaul Drag Race show, bringing drag into the mainstream. It’s opened up drag to a much bigger audience, and now people kind of understand drag a little bit more, and understand there’s different kinds of drag.
“It’s (RuPaul) done good things and bad things for the community. Because I think it’s made people think that drag is just a way to get famous, when there’s actually so much more to it.
“It gives, you know, for maybe straight people at home who had never seen drag, a little bit of an insight into the work that goes into it and I think they just get a bit of a kick out. So I feel like that has opened a conversation in society.
“RuPaul himself was massive back in the ‘90s but it was still quite niche and still quite kind of subversive. Whereas I feel like it doesn’t get more basic than Netflix. When something is on Netflix, everyone knows who RuPaul is without me even having to say anything.
“Drag has become so kind of normalised in that way. I think that’s so funny because it’s become so kind of normalised that it’s now a talking point or a bone of contention with people, whereas drag has been around for decades, and now all of a sudden, people have a problem with it or the negative aspects of it, which is I think, a distraction.”
What’s your typical post-show routine?
“I always have a little bit of a party in the dressing room. I always just like to decompress. I like to have the fan on full cool. Literally, the room is like an ice box, and we just sit there.
“We like to have a few little glasses of champagne. I love a bit of Moet – these days I’m really into Champagne. It’s actually nice and quiet, just sitting around with the people that have done the show.
“I used to love going out after a show, but now I’m just kind of into sitting around and talking, I’m just chilling. It’s like the adrenaline is really high and really intense, and the shows are just pure intensity. So it’s nice then to just sit back and kind of just chuckle a little bit, enjoy the moment.
“It will be just us performers having a laugh, very low key – we’ll be sitting around in our knickers, just chilling.”
Where’s your go-to spot in Dublin for food before a show?
“I actually love Yamamori. I have to say, I love a bit of Japanese. I love Yamamori. I’ve been to Floritz on Stephen’s Green twice now, and it’s unreal. It’s bougie, but it’s really good.
“But my staples are Yamamori, or Fallon & Byrne; I like things that are local to The George.”
And finally, what advice would you give to a young Queen just starting off in drag now?
“The best advice I could say is actually just go and do it, to just bite the bullet. I have a show called The Apprentice that’s running from May 1st to the end of June, and that’s opened up to all new performers in a Drag Race kind of situation, where it gives people a chance to come out and try it. Some people, I think, like the idea of it, but the idea of it and doing it are two different things.
“So I always say it’s a bit like Nike. Just do it. Just do it, and then get a feeling.
“Also, just be authentic to who you are. Don’t look at what other people are wearing. Don’t look at what other people are doing, because what people connect with is the authenticity that you bring as a performer. It’s similar to a singer or a songwriter. If you write from your experiences and what you feel, people relate to that so much better. And you can’t copy that, you can’t fake that, it can’t be duplicated.
“Whereas people might copy your wigs, they might copy your dress, but they can’t copy your message or your essence. And that is one lesson that I learned, that all you can do is you.
If you listen to yourself and listen to your gut, it’ll never see you wrong. It can apply to so many things as well, because we get so distracted with what other people are doing and it takes us off our own path.
“It might feel like the road less travelled, but actually, if it’s meant to be, it will be.”
Want to see Davina in action for yourself? Check out What’s On and get planning your next night at The George.
If you’ve ever danced till 2am here, shared a cocktail with your mates in our courtyard, or had your first “George night” and never looked back, you already know why we’re considered one of the best gay nightclubs in Ireland.
We’re not just a gay place to go out, we’re the place. A cultural icon. A community hub. A home for thousands of unforgettable memories.
We’ve got big news! The George has been selected as a finalist in the “Best Late Bar / Nightclub of the Year” category at the Bar of the Year Awards 2025, and we’re absolutely buzzing.
From unforgettable drag shows to iconic nights on the dancefloor, this nomination is a celebration of everything that makes The George the best gay bar, the best gay club, and your go-to gay social place in Dublin.
For over four decades, The George has stood tall as one of Ireland’s most loved and respected venues. We’re proud to be more than just a place to party, we’re a space where people connect, express, and celebrate freely.
What makes us different?
– We’re the best gay nightclub in Dublin, hands down
– Our dancefloor is legendary and always electric
– We host the fiercest queens, DJs, and performers in the city
– We’re a landmark in the heart of LGBTQ nightlife in Dublin
Whether it’s a midweek meet-up or a Saturday night blowout, The George is the gay bar that brings people together and keeps the energy high from open to close.
Happy Pride Month from all of us at The George, the heart and soul of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Dublin, and the ultimate destination for Pride Week celebrations.
Whether you’re a day-one regular or it’s your first time stepping into our world, this week is your time to shine.
We’re celebrating with glitter-drenched drag shows, high-energy DJ sets, and daytime dancing. And yes, we’re also throwing the best after party from the Pride Parade.
So, if you’re looking for joy, community, and unapologetic self-expression, you’ll find it here. That’s why we’re proud to be called the best gay bar in Dublin and the top gay nightclub in Ireland.
🌈 Pride Week at The George
🌈 A Place for Everyone
For over 40 years, The George has been more than just a bar. It’s a bold, bright, and beloved space for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. We’re proud to be the top gay nightclub in Dublin, and we’re here for every dance, every laugh, and every moment of Pride.
So whether you’re marching in the parade, showing off your glitter look, or soaking in the love, The George is the Pride Week best place to celebrate who you are – loudly, proudly, and fabulously.
If you’ve ever danced your heart out in The George over the past 30 years, chances are you’ve done so to the sound of DJ Karen Reddy behind the decks.
A legend of Dublin’s queer nightlife and DJ scene, DJ Karen has been spinning bangers, dodging “ridiculous” song requests, and keeping the dancefloor heaving.
In this interview, DJ Karen chats about how she finds new musical inspirations, the wildest requests she’s ever had shouted at her mid-set, and reveals a not-so-secret truth: the drag queens at The George party way harder than the DJs.
What do you think makes The George stand out in Dublin’s nightlife scene?
“Over the years, I’ve noticed – or more so felt – that if people come and go, say if they move away and they come back, it’s always said that it’s like a home from home at The George.
“Nothing has changed in a good way; it’s still the same. They feel safe in the venue, they know they’re gonna have a good time, and they just love being able to come back and feel welcomed.”
What’s your favourite night of the week at The George — and why?
“I love the energy of Thirsty Thursdays. Davina brings a lot of energy, and she’s a brilliant drag. I love Thursdays. I love Sundays. I love bingo.
“My favourite night to DJ is actually Tuesdays, because I can get away with murder. I can play around with my mixes, and no one really kind of bats an eyelid. I can go down a little housey route instead of staying to the pop route, and I love the energy that brings.
“On a Saturday night, Conor Behan plays brilliant music; they all love a good sing-along in The George. Saturday nights are bloody ballistic there. Sometimes you can’t even hear the music, you can just hear the crowd singing.”
What role does music play in creating a safe space for the queer community?
“Music lets them be themselves. It lets people express themselves.
“Even still today, I find a lot of people in the gay community are kind of locked in a certain stereotypical way, and they present one way outside the venue, and then sometimes will present completely different when they’re inside the venue.
“They feel safer, and they can express themselves, and they can dance widely, or they can just sit talking to people. The music just makes people gel better.
“It lets you express yourself, and that’s what music should do. It should let you express feelings and emotions, and just dance them off. You can see someone on the dancefloor; if they’re angry, they’re having an angry dance. And you can see someone having a lovely dance.
“I love people watching when I DJ and seeing how the music evokes emotions.”
Speaking of people watching, it must be interesting having a bird’s eye view of the entire night from start to finish?
“It’s kind of gas because in that DJ box – and I love that DJ box for that reason, because I have the whole upstairs – I can see almost everything from there.
“But the three big, massive mirrors let me see the bar, and – confessions of a DJ! – there are a lot of things I shouldn’t say I see from that bar, or I’d get a few people in trouble!
“It’s one of my favourite DJ boxes in Dublin, and I’ve played basically every single nightclub in this city since I started.”
Is there a Dublin venue (past or present) that helped shape you musically?
“One of my earlier clubs would have been Spirit, which is now The Academy. I had a residency there for about six years. And that was a massive venue. And it was a massive undertaking because it was a straight venue. And I had the gays where I was DJ’ing the middle room.
“Spirit used to go until four or five in the morning as well, when we had those extended license hours. I used to love the Bank Holidays there, because there would be iconic house DJs like Eric Prydz or Erick Morillo, or David Guetta.
“I remember one time DJing, and I looked up and Frankie Knuckles was walking through, like Frankie, the Godfather of House. He’s not gay, God rest him.
“And he was walking through the room, and I just kind of remember freezing and looking at and going, ‘Oh my f*cking god, how is this possible?’ And he just gave me a wave, and I tell you, I nearly f*cking crumbled. He was always one of my favourite DJs, and he still is.
“Spirit gave me a platform to play in more clubs; I played Oxygen festival for them. So they kind of gave me an extra footing on the music scene. And then they gave me the residency in the main room as well, and that was my mind just blown.”
How do you stay inspired or keep your sets fresh over time?
“I like a good thump and walloping bass line, so I will find the remixes of the Ariana Grande songs, and I will find the remixes of the Doechii songs. I could spend hours finding new mixes.
“Sometimes in one week, I would be on that computer for up to 20-30 hours, scrolling and searching through Mixcloud and SoundCloud and YouTube. I go through Instagram a lot of days to find music.
“I used to spend that much time when it was vinyl, too, because that’s how I started. I would go into record shops on a Tuesday and a Friday, because the UK releases were on a Friday, and the US would be released on a Tuesday, and I would spend hours in Abbey Disc scouring music twice a week, and I’d be in there for four or five hours twice a week.
“It’s just your ear. My ear became trained to what sound I liked. So I scour the internet now and type in songs and look for remixes or producers, and see what they’re producing and what they’ve got on offer. I can see if it suits what I like. If it suits my set, then I’ll play it.
“I know if I like a song within the first 20 seconds, if the bass line drives me in. It’s nothing to do with the lyrics It pisses my other half off when I’m looking for music upstairs, because she’s like, ‘can’t you just let a song play for more than 10 seconds?!”
What’s the most outrageous song request you’ve ever had at the DJ booth?
“I’ve had some ridiculous requests! Anything from Joe Dolan to Westlife. As if I’m going to play a ballad in the middle of a banging dance set? The Joe Dolan one caught me off guard. I was like, ‘what?’
“Anything that’s trending on TikTok – like something under two minutes long – forget it. It’s not going to get played because that’s not a song.
“My job is to get people to dance. It’s not for someone in the crowd to come up and go ‘play this now’, which some people will do. And I’m like, ‘but I’m already playing Rihanna. I’m playing it right now.’
“And if you tell me you’re leaving if I don’t play your song right this minute, forget it. Your song is not getting played ever, even if I were in the mood to take a request.
“I’m there to create an atmosphere and to bring people on a journey. So, of course, I’ll play Rihanna and Whitney and get them into a frenzy.
“But also, my job is to educate people. I’ll play something they’re not familiar with and they love it, and then they’ll ask me about it, or I’ll see someone hit Shazam on their phone to find the song.
“That’s my job. It’s not to be Spotify.”
Who are your biggest inspirations within the DJ scene?
“My biggest inspiration would be Frankie Knuckles. I like Al Gibbs. Al’s got a great career and has done a lot for Irish DJs and the scene in general.
“I’ve discovered a lot of newer producers recently. There’s a guy called Liam Pfeifer, and his stuff is amazing. I like another guy, Matt Nevin.
“I have a guilty pleasure in listening to Rihanna. I also have a guilty pleasure for Ariana. And I just think they’re very intelligent. Their songs are very clever.”
What’s your post-gig wind-down ritual?
“I go straight home. I’m too old these days. I drive home from work, so it’s four songs at night when you’re driving. So I would play four songs or else a podcast on my way home. And when I get into the house, I bring the dogs out, take a protein yoghurt out of the fridge, turn on Netflix, and eventually fall asleep.
“But it takes me anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half to unwind and stop the music banging in my ears.
“It’s that ‘boom, boom, boom’, I can hear the song. It’s like I’m constantly mixing tracks in my head. I start my set thinking I’ll play something and then I’d get home and I’d be like, ‘oh, fuck, I didn’t get to play that song.’ Next time!”
Who do you think parties harder, the DJs or the drag queens at The George?
“Oh, the drag queens! I used to party back in the day. I don’t anymore. I’m too sensible and too old these days to try and party.
“Certain drag queens – not naming any names! – tend to party heavier than a lot of the DJs, because we’re all too old.
“On the odd occasion, I might leave my car at home and have a drink at work. But definitely, the drag queens have taken that party crown and are running with it and winning!”
To experience DJ Karen’s legendary sets for yourself, check out What’s On to plan your next night at The George.
Let’s spill the tea on why The George is indeed Dublin’s best gay bar. We’re not just blowing our own trumpet here – our incredible staff, the electric atmosphere, and all the love from our patrons say it all. Let’s dive into the juicy details of why The George is where the party’s at, as told by you the people!
Our team at The George LOVE reading all about your nights out at our place, so make sure you pop us a review and you may even feature below in our top testimonials!
Our Lovely Staff
Our amazing team get named shoutouts on the daily for being the very best in the game – you won’t find a more welcoming staff anywhere else! We love our team and our team loves you!
Had a brilliant night here last night fabulous crowd and the staff were so friendly. Bar was really fast and efficient quite impressive how quickly they get through a 3 deep crowd! Drag Acts and crowd Lip Synching was brilliant – Michele
I get served all the time by the flawless Tais, the best bartender I ever met, always smiling and moving like a thunder, best nightclub I’ve been to, never waited more than 2 min for a drink, absolutely brilliant – Elliot
World class customer service, Darragh and Cecille made us feel so welcome and come across like they genuinely care. Great atmosphere, brilliant music and most of the PEOPLE are incredible. Everyone is welcome and you can really feel that when you walk in. The George is a Dublin MUST – Alex Neilan
We had such a fun night here two Sundays ago! Great entertainment, and lovely staff. I also cannot thank the staff there enough as well after they very kindly sent my lost wallet in the post for me after I had one too many baby Guinnesses… really appreciate it, saved me a lot of admin and stress! Thanks so much, amazing establishment with really kind staff – Kate
The George is an exceptional 5-star club that offers an unparalleled experience. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, and the staff is always professional and attentive. I would like to specifically mention Tais, an outstanding server who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable time. Her dedication to her role and her warm personality make her a standout member of the team – renanmesmo
Amazing place. Fran is an absolute gentleman. Came in on me own, he saw I was in poor form. He came over to check in. Place was mental busy and he still gave me 2 minutes. Gent of a man. 🙌- Paul
Great spot and great staff especially Fran Davis. I lost my purse there one night and he went above and beyond to help me find it. He is a credit to the George –
The Bar Staff are so friendly and make you feel so welcome especially Roberto. He goes the extra mile to welcome you back – Linda
Our Amazing Atmosphere
Our patrons tell us we’re unparalleled, amazing, Dublin’s best gay bar, need we say more? Our atmosphere is guaranteed electric every night of the week.
Been going here for just over a year after finally deciding to be social. Have to travel over an hour into Dublin every time but its 100% worth it. The atmosphere is amazing and you never know who you would meet in the smoking area even as a non smoker. Sometimes even strike up a very engaging chat in line for the toilet at 2am which I’ve never experienced in any other bar/club. Drinks are cheap compared to other parts of Dublin and there’s always some kind of entertainment on .The staff have always been friendly and approachable. Highly recommended the George to anyone looking for a good night out – Adam
The best place for lgbt+ people looking for a night out. Drag, drinks, and dance floor in a vintage setting with a two-floor layout. Totally packed even on Thursdays – Anthony
Fantastic lgbt+ club and amazing safe space ,always a great night at the George with each night of good entertainment ,Staff are all amazing and security are friendly people especially Dawn always welcomed with a great happy vibe from her , Drag Queens are fantastic also very talented ….Best atmosphere in Dublin – Dean
Came on a Thursday night. There was an excellent drag show. When the show was over, the opened up the floor for dancing. They DJ played a great set. There were plenty of people out for a week night- mostly 20s and 30s, but also lots of folks in their 40s, 50s, 60s and up. Towards midnight, the dance floor got a little too crowded to dance like a maniac, but in a good-natured crowd where everyone is having fun, that’s nothing to complain about. The bar staff were quick and friendly. Definitely a good place to come for a drink and a dance. – Anthony Habib
Two floors of mixing and mingling, a side bar to rest up or relax and an impressive huge outdoor patio. Great music, dance floor, nice mix of men & women (primarily LGBT & our allies, the way it should be) and everyone’s friendly (UB2!) Plenty of opportunities to meet new people or mix with friends. Thankful for The George ❤️ – Kevin Escape
Safety and Inclusivity For All
Come as you are to The George and know your fabulous self will fit in at Dublin’s best gay bar!
The George is the place where you can be yourself. Staff always so friendly and attentive. Music Heaven when DJ Karen plays. A place to feel free!! – Antonio D
Probably the only club I go to with my friends. I always feel very safe, can be myself and don’t feel judged! Amazing place – Zofia F
The George is the bestest and safest night club in Dublin the staff put a huge amount of effort into everything, the drag queens a huge laugh, dj Karen is also good too. People are so friendly I would use the George as my second home a home away from home xxx thanks all – Lee
‘LGBTQ+’ & ‘ Straight’ Bar & Club. Would highly recommend to any visitors to Dublin. This place is an absolute must for everybody! Bridie’s bar in the George has become a regular haunt of mine due to the quality of clientele it attracts. I have never felt more welcome & safe in any pub or club anywhere. The absolute friendly professionalism of the door, bar, floor & management staff is second to none. Whatever you guys are doing, keep it up you are a credit to yourselves!
Feels safer than most clubs and the staff have always been sound to me and my group. – Caitlin
I have made this my local. It has entertainment every night. Even though it has a reputation for being just homosexual, it’s very far from the truth. People of all walks of life frequent here, no Religion, Politics or Sexual preference are discussed here unless you want to!! Really if you wish to go out and be entertained in a party atmosphere, staff are friendly, Drinks are at a reasonable price and the entertainment is hilarious.
Drag Shows and Entertainment at Dublin’s Best Gay Bar
A moment for our Queens for making every night the best night.
Consistently engaging and entertaining shows on every week! Monday-Thursday is free entry and free entry before certain times Friday-Sunday so you’re getting the show and atmosphere for the cost of your drinks. Arianna Grindr slayed and DJ RUTH is an icon. Cuan BOR
From the moment you are greeted at the door, The George always extends a warm welcome to its valued Patrons. Every night there is a different format of entertainment and the best of sounds till the wee hours…A wide variety of drinks and shots are available at affordable prices and they even have a designated cocktail bar. The courtyard is also a great place to meet and chat, or you can.pop into the original “George ” bar for a pint with the regulars…It’s super safe, super clean and caters for a delighted clientele. I love it, the people that work there and the people that go there.
Special Shout Out for Lee and “The Jurassic Section”
So much love for Lee and Bridie’s we had to create a dedicated section about the little bar inside the best gay bar in Dublin!
One of my favourite bars (particularly the Jurassic section!), and absolutely love the vibe. Can always rely on a warm welcome and a bit of banter from Lee the barman – Justin
I go to Bridie’s bar regularly at the George, it really does have a home from home feeling. Unusually for a city centre Bar, Lee the barman there knows all the many regulars that frequent here, down to the tipple they usually have. Lee is a treasure to The George, in a busy and sprawling city and scene, he has created a lovely community atmosphere in the heart of Town ♥️- declan flannery
I’m in Bridie’s most weeks and love the community feel. Also it’s a very nice touch when Lee has my usual drink ready for me on the bar 👍 – Raymond
This is my favourite watering hole, since Lee took over as the major barman here, his friendlyness and cheerful personality makes it the place to meet old friends and make new ones – Craig
Lee is absolutely amazing with customer service. So welcoming, warm, funny and the best bar tender in Ireland DUBLIN! Everyone get to LEE at The George – Dylan
The George has been a cornerstone of Dublin’s gay scene and community for over 36 years, earning accolades from trusted sources in Ireland and beyond. Here’s why The George stands out as Dublin’s best gay bar amongst its competitors, cementing its iconic status as the go-to gay nightclub in the city.
Don’t take our word for it: Here’s what the media has to say about the best gay bar in Dublin!
The George has been prominently featured in numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying its status as the top gay bar in Dublin.
• The George featured in first position in Visit Dublin’s LGBTQ+ guide, listed as “Dublin’s oldest and biggest gay nightclub”, with a big shout out to the crowd-drawing Sunday Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar.
• DublinTown also listed The George first in their line up of best gay bars in Dublin, a comprehensive guide to cream of the crop of Dublin’s gay scene. The George is described as “the first port of call for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland” with “outstanding drag shows.” Read all about it here: LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Best Gay Clubs and Bars in Dublin.
• TheTaste.ie dedicated an article to explaining why The George is Dublin’s Best Loved Gay Bar, noting “The George is so much more than just a bar—it’s an outright cultural institution.”
• The Irish Road Trip’s round up of Dublin’s Most Popular Gay Bars crowns The George “the queen of all gay bars in Dublin” – and they’re not wrong!
• Do Dublin’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Bars recommends that “for anyone coming to Dublin and wishing to experience the gay Irish nightlife scene, visiting the George is an absolute must!”
• According to Aoife Carrigy writing for Ireland.com, “the best party in town is right here in The George”. She’s not wrong, also calling it “one of Dublin’s favourite gay bars” in a fabulous deep dive article celebrating all things wonderful about Sunday Bingo at The George!
• TravelGay.com rightly dubs The George Dublin’s “premier LGBTQ+ nightlife spot” in their Gay Dublin Guide 2025.
• Back when The George hit a major birthday milestone, The Irish Times even featured a piece entitled The queen of gay bars turns 25, where several prominent figures in the gay community shared their love of “Dublin’s best known gay bar”, a “city landmark”. “There is nothing like the George,” said the legendary Shirley Temple Bar.
• The Headstuff also celebrated The G’s 30th Birthday asking “just what is it that has made Dublin’s most-loved gay bar so successful over the years?” and coming up with reasons a-plenty to justify its undisputed title as Dublin’s premier gay bar.
• Dublin Live perfectly captured why we all missed our “beloved” The George during the pandemic, listing 7 experiences we’ve all had on a night out in The George and noting “The most iconic nightclub in Dublin? That may well just be The George.”
What Really Makes The George Dublin's Best Gay Bar?
Here are some reasons why The George stands out:
• Iconic Status: Since 1985, The George has been the beating heart of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ scene, a true icon in Dublin’s nightlife.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: The George is where the party never stops! With nightly drag shows, mind-blowing events, and an atmosphere that’s always buzzing with energy, it’s the place to be for a good time.
• Inclusive Environment: Step into The George, and you’ll find a safe haven where everyone can let their hair down and be their fabulous selves. It’s a space where freedom reigns supreme.
• Strong Security Presence: With a security team that’s as fierce as our drag queens, The George ensures you can enjoy your night without a care in the world.
• Fantastic Drink Deals: Our cocktail bar is where the magic happens. Enjoy drinks that are as fabulous as the people who drink them, with deals that’ll make your wallet as happy as your taste buds.
• Daily Entertainment: From drag shows that’ll leave you gagging to live performances that’ll make you want to dance, The George is the place where every night is a show night.
• Famous Drag Shows: The George is the stage for some of the most legendary drag performances in Dublin. Our queens are the talk of the town, attracting crowds from near and far for a night of glamour and fun.
Come experience why The George is Dublin’s best gay bar. Visit us today!
If you’re asking, “What’s the best LGBTQ+ nightclub in Dublin?” or “Where can I find drag shows and entertainment near me?” The George is your answer. With over 36 years of history, The George is Dublin’s only LGBTQ+ nightclub and a cornerstone of the community. Whether you’re stopping by for nightly drag performances, drink specials, or an electrifying night on the dancefloor, this venue is unmatched in its inclusivity and energy. Searching for “nightclubs near me with a welcoming atmosphere” or “places for great nightlife in Dublin”? The George is the place to be. Learn more at The George.
