walking tour

Historic Gay Dublin

Great walking tours should be entertaining, informative, welcoming and a little bit scandalous. One could equally ascribe these adjectives to the Irish gay scene. Let GCN founder and queer archivist Tonie Walsh be your guide on this two hour stroll through Dublin's fascinating gay history as he lifts the lid on stories of Oscar Wilde's trial, the theft of the Irish crown jewels and the 1993 decriminalisation of homosexuality. Tonie's recounting of tales about places such as the Hirschfield Centre, which was the original hub of the scene, and certain sordid sauna stories, sprinkle much humour on this history. Whether you’re LGBTQ or indeed S, with an itinerary that includes starting at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square before City Hall, The National Library and Dublin Castle, this kick-off to the Pride Festival will teach you something new. / Emily O'Callaghan