Because Dublin city has arguably the most populous, visible, and consequently most lucrative lesbian and gay scene in the country, it s easy to forget that there is queer life outside the Pale.
Gone are the days when rural men and women were obliged to head for the capital in order to avail of a queer lifestyle. Due to the commitment of rural activists, service providers and pub and club promoters, there is now an extensive network of queer hangouts countrywide. The foresight of these activists and buisiness people is to be lauded, since most rural areas of Ireland don t offer the safety-in-numbers and consequent relative invisibility of the Dublin scene. Speaking of previous Pride marches, a Galway woman told me that s it was much tougher to march when you only had a couple of dozen compatriots to accompany you. Due to the efforts of that woman, and others like her, the west is truly awake to all things queer.
Galway has always been among the most progressive cities for local and visiting lesbians and gay men, boasting several excellent guest houses including the women-only Sticks And Stones. Here, too, are many gay friendly pubs and clubs. The legendary Knockton s is well worth a visit, and local groups favour the Warwick hotel for special club nights. Le Grall is a favourite spot also. Check out Club Mix at The Attic.
Although many pubs are queer-friendly, October 1999 saw the opening of Zulu s Bar, the first and only specifically gay bar in Galway. Zulu s offers a warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that deftly balances cosiness and campness. The open fire gives the venue a homely feel during weeknights, and at weekends a party vibe is the norm, with visitors travelling from surrounding counties. The pub opens for lunch at twelve noon, though for those forgoing the soup-and sandwich option, an extensive cocktail menu is provided. Make mine a Gay Galway Bay!
Heading south to Limerick, the Glentworth Hotel regularly hosts queer nightclub events, with local and visiting DJs.
Cork may be referred to as the second city (mostly by people who don t come from Cork), but its queer scene is second to none. As well as regular bars like Loafers, which hosts a women-only night on Thursdays, the city is home to the Yo! Latino Club at the Half Moon. Also worthy of mention is the Fantasy Ball at Hallo een, women only, fetish friendly and not for the faint hearted. Information on activities and clubs is available from Gay Information Cork, a friendly and supportive team that operate on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and also provide information on events and groups in the Munster/Connaught area.
Further west in Kerry, the Drag Em In guesthouse offers accomodation in a queer envioronment. Those people in the south of the country living with HIV/AIDS would be well advised to get in touch with Cork s Alliance group, who provide counselling, training programmes and also offer a confidential helpline on this and other sexual health matters.
At the other end of the country, traditionally conservative Belfast now boasts no less than four gay bars. The Crow s Nest, The Parliament and new kids The Kremlin are all worth a visit. Also check out Queer Space. People visiting Derry will enjoy the Ascension experience at Saints And Scholars.
A group who often co-operate with our friends in the North are Dundalk Outcomers, who have been very active in raising awareness in recent years, offering a Pride celebration with their Drogheda cousins. As well as a drop-in centre, the Dundalk posse host regular entertainment and nightclub events, the next venture being a disco-cum-karaoke night at The Basement at Roden Place on Easter Sunday. Let Dundalk Outcomers egg you on this Easter!
On a more solemn note, Dr John Kelly is a psychotherapist who offers confidential and sensitive counselling for lesbians, gay men, transexuals and the transgendered. Although Dr Kelly specialises in relationship counselling, he also has experience in therapy for sexual-related issues and lifestyle counselling.