Dublin is not only the capital of the Republic of Ireland, it is also the center of Ireland’s gay scene. After recently legalizing same-sex marriage and passing liberal gender recognition laws, Dublin hosts the very popular Dublin Gay Pride at the end of June.
Dublin’s exceptionally nice attitude extends to its smoky side. The city is home to one of the liveliest, largest, and best-maintained gay saunas in Western Europe. If you want to have a cocktail or two before venturing into one of the city’s saunas, check out Dublin’s Gay Nightlife Guide, which lists several great establishments nearby.
The boiler house
The Boiler House is Dublin’s premier gay sex and sauna club, conveniently located in the lively Temple Bar nightlife district, and also close to several major theaters, pubs and restaurants. Popular with everyone from students to seniors, and both locals and out-of-town tourists, this favorite spot to pop in and mingle with the locals is located on a quiet street between Essex and Dame streets, in a building Five-story with clean facilities. and friendly staff. If you are visiting from out of town, please let the gentleman know at the admission window and he will be happy to explain how things work.
Standard admission to this bathhouse is 22 euros, but students and those under 25 can enter for 15 euros. In addition, you can borrow sandals for a deposit of 5 euros.
The Boiler House is open 24/7; During the week, hours are from noon to 6 am the next day. Among the clean and well-kept facilities, guests can get to know each other better in a TV room with porn shows, steam rooms, dry sauna, group shower area, and a dungeon-style sling. Admission entitles you to a locker, and you can also rent private cabins for more intimate encounters.
Smoking is not allowed in the building (or in any bar in Dublin), but there is a heated terrace where smoking is allowed. You can also grab an espresso or a bite, as well as buy basic toiletries, in the inviting and cozy café. Holistic full body massages can also be booked for 40 euros.
Port
Without a website and just a fair reputation among regulars and visitors, the Dock is the less frequented and much smaller of the city’s two gay hotspots. It’s part of the small, basic Inn on the Liffey Guesthouse, a men’s lodging option with cheap rooms. Guests staying at the inn have free access to the sauna and bathhouse.
The property is conveniently located on the north bank of the River Liffey, just steps west of Caple Street and Pantibar. Open all day on weekends, the Dock has some private rooms and a common lounge and dark room. The staff are also known to be very friendly, and because this place is smaller, it’s good for newbies who don’t want to worry about crowds.
