Dublin Pride: What's On This Weekend
Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out in Dublin this weekend for the annual Pride parade. Gardai are putting extra security measures in place for Saturday, which includes a ban on large bags or rucksacks.
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The Parade
This year, the parade will take a completely new route to get around the Luas works. It will start with speeches at St. Stephen’s Green South from 12pm, before leaving at 2pm and heading for the Pride Party in Smithfield Square where there will be a "huge amount" of entertainment with music, drag acts and speeches.
There will be a number of floats and stands with food and bars within Smithfield Square.
Before The Parade
If you fancy getting in to town early ahead of the parade there are a number of breakfast events on, including one at Trinity. BeLonG To and Youth Work Ireland are laying on a booze-free breakfast in the Buttery Restaurant for 14 to 23 year olds from 10:30am.
Before that at 10am, TENI Pride are hosting a breakfast at The Church Cafe on Mary Street.
After The Parade
Dubliners are spoiled for choice this year, with events taking place right across the city centre. You can stay in Smithfield Square where there will be music and bars, but there are other places putting parties on too.
Pantibar's all-day street party will kick off on Capel Street from 2pm, Eurovision's Loreen is headlining the Mother Block Party at the Tivoli and The George will have pop-up bars out the back.
Odessa and The Mercantile are also throwing parties, while Dublin Bear Pride are hosting a George not Michael – event at Oscars Bar in Christchurch.
Sunday
Street66 on Capel Street will be hosting a Hangover Acoustic Sessions the day after the parade, while Shirley and her girls will be popping their balls at Bingo in The George.