Béar Féile is coming up at the end of the month, the boys are coming out of hibernation, and they are getting ready to crown a Mr Bear Ireland 2026. For the contestants, this is no small responsibility. After all, Ireland is the bear capital of the world, according to a recent report by Grindr.
Two bears are competing in the final stage for the title of Mr Bear Ireland 2026, which comes with a whole host of duties from representing the Irish bear community at events around the world to activism back home.
First up, in no particular order, is Rob Partridge of Galway. Partridge is a co-founder of Opera Unhinged and a frontline worker. He is full of bear spirit, embracing body positivity for diverse bodies and standing up for inclusion. Rob is originally from Wales but has spent nearly twenty years in Galway.
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Partidge’s values are shaped by his journey through hearing loss and body image issues. He has previously chaired Galway Pride, founded the Galway branch of the national LGBT Helpline, and was a founding member of Mayo Pride. He is currently developing an LGBTQ+ rugby team for Galway and an online magazine for gay men called Social Care Now.
Our next and final contestant, Emmett, has spent the last twenty years travelling the world as an award-winning chef, but now he has returned to Wexford, where he spends his days caring for his mother.
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Emmett believes the South East needs a strong, hard-working advocate and better sexual health services. He is a proud ginger-bearded power bear who plays the fiddle quite badly, to his own admission, but fiercely. Emmett wants to ensure everyone has access, no matter where they live.
You can vote for Mr Bear Ireland 2026 here.
Béar Féile 2026 takes place from March 19 to 22 across venues in Dublin, including The George, Bridie’s Bar, Pantibar, and Street 66. Events include bingo, a cabaret, a bear sauna and a céili. For the schedule and tickets, check out dublinbears.ie.
© 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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