New adult playhouse Brief Encounters opens in Galway

The inclusive cruising club and retail space is expanding west with a 2,000 sq ft lounge, cinemas, and Ireland’s largest selection of poppers.

The lounge Area in Brief Encounters
Image: Brief Encounters

Galway has welcomed a new addition to its nightlife and adult entertainment scene as Brief Encounters, the well-known Cork-based adult store and cruise club, officially opened its doors at Unit 2, Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road. Following the success of its Cork venue on Connell Street, the brand has now expanded west, promising a welcoming, discreet, and inclusive space for adults of all backgrounds.

The Galway location offers an extensive 2,000 sq ft lounge, designed with comfortable seating and mood lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can make use of private booths fitted with glory holes, while those seeking adventurous experiences will find three group fun rooms, including one equipped with a sling. In addition, the venue features two cinemas and viewing areas screening a rotation of queer, heterosexual, and trans films around the clock.

Other facilities include a dedicated cruising and dark area, a changing and make-up booth for women, trans, and cross-dressing visitors, and private locker rentals available for a small fee. The adjoining adult store is stocked with a wide range of toys, accessories, and what the venue describes as the largest selection of poppers in Ireland.

While the space is advertised as LGBTQ+ inclusive and open to all, conversations online have highlighted that the majority of patrons tend to be queer men. However, efforts are made to cater to a broad audience, with queer women’s porn included in the cinema programming, and a strong emphasis placed on maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who enters.

In Cork, Brief Encounters has already built a reputation as a trusted venue where people can explore their desires in a supportive setting. Just a short walk from the city centre, the original location has become a hub for members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as anyone curious to discover new encounters in a private and comfortable space.

With the Galway expansion, Brief Encounters aims to mirror this success, offering the same combination of retail, relaxation, and play facilities under one roof. The team stresses that the venue is designed not only for exploration but also for socialising, making it as much a lounge and community hub as it is a cruise club.

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