Me and my husband are planning to take a trip to Ireland this year. We are still trying to decide on when/where we should stay and what types of things we want to see and do. I’ve read through many posts and have somewhat of an idea of what we’d enjoy but thought i’d post to see what I may not have read yet.

When is the best time of year to visit? We’re from Chicago and know Chicago has a few gay party weekends such as Market Days, IML, Pride etc. Are there such events in Dublin? We certainly aren’t coming just to party but would like to time it so that we try something new.

Is there a specific area to stay in hotel wise that has a lot to walk and see, eat, drink? I feel like the Temple bar area would be ideal but would love some feedback.

We plan to rent a car and would also love to stay in a castle somewhere and experience things outside of Dublin as well. Any castle or sight seeing suggestions?

While we are gay we don’t require everything we do to be exclusively LGBT. We obviously don’t want to end up somewhere that we won’t be treated well but we have no problem making friends with straight people as as gay ones. Any attractions or sight seeing that isnt necessarily gay but is a must for a first time traveler to Ireland? We do plan on renting a car.

Here are a few things that are on my list so far-

The George Sweatbox Pantibar Temple Bar Hotel Cliffs of Moher