Imagine stepping back in time to 1985. This was the year The George first opened its doors. It stands here on South Great George’s Street. Today, The George is one of Ireland’s oldest and biggest LGBTQ bars. It is known as the best gay bar in Dublin.
Before The George, there were only gay-friendly bars. These places did not openly advertise to the LGBTQ community. The George was different. It was only the second bar in the city owned by a gay person. It was a safe space for people to socialize without fear.
Cyril O’Brien bought The George. He transformed it from a traditional pub. In 1984, the area above the pub became ‘The Loft’. It was a gay disco bar. In May 1985, The George expanded downstairs. The whole venue then became The George.
The George quickly grew in popularity. After homosexuality was decriminalized in 1993, The George expanded again in 1998. It took over the building next door. This had been an Indian restaurant.
For many years, The George was the only large gay venue in Dublin. The Irish attitude towards homosexuality changed in the 1990s. This meant new gay venues opened. The George faced competition. Still, it remains an iconic part of Dublin’s gay nightlife.
The George has different sections. Bridie’s Bar is the original part. It is a quiet bar. An older crowd frequents it. Next door, the club venue extends over two floors. It hosts drag shows and personal appearances.
Some of Ireland’s best-known drag queens perform here. You might see Shirley Temple Bar or Davina Devine. There are drag acts almost every night. Fridays are an exception with gogo-style dancers.
The George offers diverse entertainment. “Win, Lose or Drag!” happens on Mondays. Tuesdays feature “The Dolly Grip Experience”. You can enjoy “Witchy Wednesday” on Wednesdays. “Thirsty Thursday” is on Thursdays. “Saturgay Karaoke” is on Saturdays. “Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar” takes place on Sundays.
The George has faced challenges. In June 2008, someone made a hoax bomb threat. The Gardaí evacuated the venue. After 90 minutes, the festivities resumed.
The George has a rich history. It stands on the site of the Church of St. George in medieval Dublin. In 1780, it was a shellfish tavern. By the early 1800s, it sold spirits and liquor.
Queen Victoria passed by The George in 1900. South Great George’s Street was at its peak. James Joyce may have been shown the door here. He mentioned Pims next door in Dubliners. Pims is now part of The George.
In the 1990s, Liam O’Dwyer acquired The George. He embraced cultural changes. This included sexual orientation and identity. In 2015, The George joined the Mercantile Group. It became a home for the LGBTQ community. The George played a key role in fighting for LGBTQ rights. It supported the Marriage Referendum.
The George is more than just a bar. It is a landmark. It is a place where everyone can feel welcome. Whether you are young or old, gay or straight, you will find a place here. The George continues to be a vital part of Dublin’s culture.