Amazing queer events happening across Ireland in January

Wipe off the January cobwebs, crumbs, and glitter, and escape the cave for a bit for these queer events.

Entertainment. Written by Ailo James Kerr.

Queer event guide january. A picture from Hysteria comedy, whosthatguy, and Victoria Secret.
Image: Hysteria, Whosthatguy, Victoria Secret

Welcome to our January event guide. You’re probably broke and exhausted after the holidays, but you have to get out and go to some queer events to keep the winter blues at bay. Here’s a selection of queer events happening this January around the country with a little something for just about everyone.

Neuro Pride Winter Picnic Limerick
Limerick, People’s Park Bandstand – January 3, 1-5pm
Neuro Pride’s Winter Picnic is coming to Limerick for the first time on January 3, 2026, for a “casual and cosy wintry gathering at The Bandstand in People’s Park”. This event will be all about connection and comfort, encouraging people to express themselves how they like while drinking all the good wintery beverages like soup and hot chocolate. To reserve a spot, click here.

Swim Lessons by Splash Out
Dublin, Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines – January 7, 8pm, then every Wednesday for 6 weeks
These LGBTQ+ swimming lessons give space for members of the community to learn or improve their swimming in an inclusive and safe space. For more info, click here.

 

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Out Connections Belfast Launch Conference
Belfast, The MAC – January 9, 10am-4pm
A day of workshops and networking around LGBTQ+ issues. For more info, click here.

 

Crash and Burn Comedy
Dublin, Sin é – January 10, 8pm
Hysteria, Ireland’s queerest comedy club, hosts many shows a month, and their night Crash and Burn will be on January 10. For tickets, click here.

 

The Secret History of Queer Dublin Walking Tour
Dublin, Oscar Wilde Memorial – January 10 4pm, January 31 4pm
Alternative Dublin is running this queer walking tour. “Gay people, as artists, activists, politicians and revolutionaries have played crucial roles in shaping Ireland’s history for better and worse.” That’s representation. For tickets, click here.

Come to Europe
Dublin, The George – January 10, 6pm
Drag Race Brazil stars are coming to The George with a show hosted by Victoria Secret! See Ruby Nox, Poseidon Drag and Paola Hoffman Van Cartier live in Dublin, with an optional meet and greet. Get your tickets here.

 

Ceili and Irish Dancing for the LGBTQ+ Community
Dublin, Fringe Lab, Temple Bar – Every Tuesday at 7pm
This is a high-energy evening of Irish dancing where no experience is needed, and you can just go for the craic. Find more info and prices here.

 

Queen of Hearts Lesbian Speed Dating 45-60
Dublin, Richmond Restaurant – January 20, 7pm
This speed-dating event is for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people aged roughly 45-60 and will include a complimentary drink, a raffle, and hopefully some matches! Get your ticket here.

 

Next Big Thing Festival
Dublin, The Workman’s Club – January 21-24
Cork, Dali – Jan 31-Feb 1
The Next Big Thing is a DIY music festival in the city, starting in Dublin and culminating in Cork. It’s a festival “by musicians for music lovers of all kinds” showcasing the best up-and-coming acts Ireland has to offer. They’ve got alt-rock grrls, prog pop-punk, synthwave, ghost core, noisy grunge, and buff boy bands, heavy on the queer representation.

The festival is sponsored by Safe Gigs Ireland, an initiative working to prevent spiking and sexual violence, making attending live music events safer. They also have an accessibility rider for audience members to let their needs be known and hopefully accommodated! Tickets are on sale here.

 

The Khunt Wars
Dublin, The Sugar Club – January 22, 7-11pm
Launching in January, Khunt Wars is a new event created to showcase queer performers, with the tagline: “Calling all Divas, Kings, Misfits and Weirdos!” Drag artists will compete to be crowned the Khuntiest. Tickets, tickets, get your tickets.

 

‘Love in the Lav’ by Dr Averill Earls – Talk and Panel Discussion
Dublin, Irish Georgian Society – January 23, 6-7:30pm
This book launch and discussion will see Páraic Kerrigan and Tom Hulme chatting with Dr Averill Earls about her new book on queer history in Ireland. Book here.

 

Dublin Leather Weekend 2026
Dublin, Pennylane, Pantibar, DV8, and The George – January 23-25
Dublin Leather Weekend is happening in LGBTQ+ venues across Dublin City Centre from January 23 to 25, 2026. There will be a whole host of events, including bingo, boogies and more. The Main Event is, of course, the Mr Leather Ireland 2026 competition, but also over the weekend, the Puppy Ireland 2026 competition will take place, as well as a dedicated rubber space, a social for femmes and thems, and a guided tour of historical sites of resistance.

 

I’m baby: Born Again
Dublin, The Racket Space downstairs at The Bernard Shaw – January
This event, hosted by Kiki Cult and Nara Hope, will feature baby drag artists, giving them a space to grow and get their sea legs. It will be “an open stage consisting of entirely new drag queens, kings, and things with special performances from Kiki Cult and Nara Hope themselves”. The performances will be followed by a DJ. Get in.

 

 

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A post shared by Nara Hope (@narahope_queen)

This concludes our list of queer events happening in Ireland this January. Have we missed yours? Let us know at [email protected].

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