The George

Dublin's gay mecca
Word to the wise: The George's owners run another gay bar, the Dragon, on the same road. It's possibly slightly cooler, but just as lively.

Noteworthy for: The Tuesday night bingo with Shirley Temple-Bar is an institution
Describing yourself as 'the lynchpin that holds Dublin's gay scene together' may sound a touch grandiose, but The George has a point. 'The G' opened in 1985, eight years before homosexuality was legalised in Ireland, and has expanded and moved with the times to remain a mecca for the country's gay community, as well as a not insignificant quota of up-for-it straights.

Live PAs, cheesy DJs and rowdy events hosted by resident drag queens pack out the house, but there's action going on every night of the week, ranging from 'quiet drink' to 'cattle market' depending on which area of the club you plot in.