Gay Guide Ireland

The age of consent for both heterosexual and homosexual acts is 17 years. On 19 July 2010, Ireland's President Mary McAleese signed the Civil Partnership Act. For many thousands of men and women, the Act means strengthening and protecting their civil rights. The referendum on the introduction of marriage for homosexuals in May 2015 attracted worldwide attention. It was the first time ever that a referendum had advocated the opening up of marriage in one country. The result in this deeply Catholic country has been surprisingly clear and has encouraged broad political and social debates in many large Western countries that have so far refused to open marriage to homosexuals. A law came into force in 2017 that allows same-sex couples to adopt. Leo Varadkar was the first Irish minister to come out as homosexual in 2015 - he has become Ireland's first openly gay prime minister on 14 June 2017. Pride events are held in Dublin, Cork and Galway every year. Dublin also hosts a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival ("GAZE") taking place every long Bank Holiday weekend in August. A vibrant gay scene has developed in Dublin and Cork. Don't miss the infamous drag shows at Dublin's "The George" bar.