Ireland’s drag scene has always been about more than wigs and lip-syncs. It is a living, breathing expression of queer culture, blending performance, politics, and personal identity into something uniquely powerful. In recent years, it has taken an exciting new turn with the rise of drag schools and courses in Ireland. Yes, you read that right. Drag has gone educational, and the results have been nothing short of fabulous.

Back in 2022, Cork queen Mia Gold partnered with the Gay Project and Cork ETB to launch Ireland’s first-ever drag school. What began as a pilot quickly blossomed into a full-fledged annual programme, complete with evening classes, weekend workshops, and a final “Drag-uation” showcase. Students were guided through makeup skills, stagecraft, character building, and the rich history of drag.

The project has become part bootcamp, part queer history lesson, and part confidence-building space, with Mia Gold presiding as the fiercest of headmistresses. For Ireland’s queer community, it was a milestone moment that continues to grow in strength every year. The Cork initiative showed that drag schools and courses in Ireland can be both structured and empowering.

The Cork Drag School proved that drag could be taught in a structured and supportive setting. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to explore gender expression, learn performance techniques, and find a chosen family of like-minded creatives. Graduates have gone on to perform locally and nationally, contributing to a growing drag ecosystem that celebrates inclusion and diversity. What might have seemed like an experiment at first is now a cornerstone of Cork’s LGBTQ+ cultural life, proving that drag education is here to stay.

GCN readers will also remember the buzz in Dublin when the Gaiety School of Acting introduced its Drag Masterclass in 2024. Led by Tailor Maid, the workshop offered a one-day deep dive into the world of drag. Attendees learned everything from makeup basics to character development, with the day culminating in short performances that blended humour, vulnerability, and fierce creativity. While it has not yet been confirmed for 2025, the class highlighted just how much appetite there is in the capital for drag education. It showed that drag is not only for those who aspire to the stage, but also for anyone curious enough to step into a pair of heels, even if only for a day.

What made the Dublin initiative stand out was its accessibility. For some, committing to a months-long programme like Cork’s might feel daunting, but a single Saturday workshop lowered the barrier to entry. It allowed people to experiment, learn new skills, and dip their toes into drag culture without long-term commitment. The response proved that drag has something to offer everyone, from seasoned performers to complete newcomers. The Gaiety’s experiment was a reminder that drag can be both educational and welcoming in equal measure.

And then there is Drag & Draw in Kilkenny. This mash-up of life drawing and live drag performance brings together art, humour, and cabaret in one joyful space. Queens pose, perform, and interact while participants sketch, often with hilarious or unexpected results. The sessions are informal, inclusive, and perfectly Irish in their mix of artistry and camp fun. Drag & Draw offers a more playful and social entry point into drag culture, proving that learning does not always have to happen in a classroom.

The rise of these initiatives shows that drag in Ireland is evolving into something much larger than entertainment. It is becoming a platform for creativity, self-expression, and community building. Whether it is Cork’s structured drag school, Dublin’s one-off masterclass, or Kilkenny’s arts-meets-camp experiment, drag is being taught, learned, and lived in new ways. Each initiative creates space not only for performers but also for allies, fans and curious participants to join the conversation.

As we have documented time and time again, Ireland’s drag scene thrives when it builds platforms for new voices. These schools and workshops are exactly that: safe, supportive spaces where the next generation of performers and allies can find their footing. For many participants, it is not only about wigs and heels but about confidence, empowerment, and discovering a community where they can belong. The impact stretches far beyond the stage, reminding us that drag is as much about identity and resilience as it is about performance.

So yes, the classroom has officially become fabulous. Drag schools and courses in Ireland are rewriting what queer education can look like, blending artistry with activism and fun. Attendance is not mandatory, but trust us, you will not want to skip it. Whether you are a queen in training, an ally with a sketchpad, or someone simply curious about the world of drag, Ireland’s drag scene proves that there has never been a better time to learn, play and strut.

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