PantiBar is one of Dublin's most celebrated LGBTQ+ venues, located at 8 Capel Street in the heart of the city. Named after its founder, the iconic drag queen and activist Panti Bliss (Rory O'Neill), the bar opened in 2007 and has since grown into a cornerstone of Ireland's queer social scene.
The bar was founded with a clear purpose: to offer Dublin's LGBTQ+ community a dedicated, intimate space in the tradition of smaller European gay bars, at a time when the city's scene was dominated by larger, more anonymous venues. From the outset, PantiBar set itself apart with a strong identity, warm hospitality, brilliant cocktails, and a packed calendar of entertainment.
Regular offerings include karaoke nights, pub quizzes, and vintage music sets, with the legendary Saturday night shows remaining a firm favourite. These extravaganzas combine drag performance, sharp humour, and glamour in a way that has made PantiBar famous far beyond Dublin's city limits.
Beyond its reputation as a great night out, PantiBar has played a significant role in Irish LGBTQ+ history. During the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum, the venue became a true community hub, with people gathering there to campaign, celebrate, and share one of the most emotional moments in modern Irish history. The bar's distinctive exterior sign was even granted retention by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds of its cultural significance.
In 2019, PantiBar expanded with the opening of Pennylane, a sister venue across the street offering a more relaxed gin-bar atmosphere, giving patrons the option to move freely between two complementary spaces.
Whether you are after a perfectly poured Guinness, a glittery drag spectacle, or simply a welcoming place to be yourself, PantiBar delivers on every count.
