7 Awesome Pride Events in Ireland 2023
Ireland has come a long way in embracing and celebrating diversity, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride events in Ireland have become a vibrant and integral part of the cultural landscape but also serve as powerful platforms to advocate for equality, honor the struggles faced by the community, and celebrate the achievements in the ongoing fight for acceptance and inclusivity. We have prepared a list of 7 awesome pride events in Ireland 2023, sorted by date.
The Importance of Pride Events in 2023
Even if progress is made in lots of ways toward equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, minorities are still discriminated against by homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and even racism. But what role do Pride Parades play in addressing these injustices?
- Honoring the Past and Recognizing Progress:
Pride Parades are rooted in a rich history of resilience and activism. They originated as commemorative events for the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. By participating in Pride Parades, the community pays homage to those who came before, acknowledging their courage and sacrifice in challenging social norms and systematic discrimination. Moreover, these parades celebrate the significant progress made in terms of legal rights, social acceptance, and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring further advancements.
- Visibility and Community Building:
Pride Parades are crucial in promoting visibility and fostering a sense of belonging among LGBTQIA+ individuals. These events allow people to proudly express their identities, free from fear or judgment. By coming together in a public space, LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies create a powerful sense of community, reinforcing that everyone deserves to live authentically and with dignity. Pride Parades also offer a safe environment for individuals who may still be struggling with self-acceptance, allowing them to witness and connect with a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ role models.
- Advocacy and Education:
Pride Parades serve as platforms for advocacy, raising awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting social change. These events highlight the importance of equal rights, non-discrimination, and inclusive policies. Through colorful displays, performances, and speeches, Pride Parades educate society on LGBTQIA+ issues, breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy and understanding. They create opportunities for dialogue and engagement with policymakers, organizations, and the general public, furthering the cause of LQBTQIA+ equality.
- Solidarity and Intersectionality:
Pride Parades emphasize the intersecting nature of identities and the importance of solidarity. They provide a space where individuals from various marginalized communities can come together and demonstrate their support for one another. Pride Parades actively embrace diversity, acknowledging that LGBTQIA+ individuals exist within different racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic contexts. Pride Parades foster a more inclusive and equitable society by advocating for equality across these intersecting identities.
List of Pride Events in Ireland 2023
Mayo Pride Festival
Mayo Pride Festival is organized by Mayo Pride, a non-profit community group dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival starts on the 1st of June and ends on June 4. The big Pride Parade takes place on Saturday, June 3 at 1:30pm from the Fairgreen to The Quay. Besides the parade, there will be a multitude of events, like Fierce Queer Cabaret, a Pride Cruise and a Pride Pizza Party.
Ruadhán Ó Críodáin will hold a workshop about LGBTQIA+ terminology for everybody who wants to learn more about inclusive and respectful language. For those interested in sports, the Mayo Pride Festival also has a lot to offer. There will be Sea Pride, a free event where you can swim, have a sauna session and enjoy some music and drinks. Furthermore, you can attend a Pride Hike as well as a Ride with Pride. This Pride Festival has something to offer for everybody.
Image by Mayo Pride
Dublin Pride Run 2023
The Dublin Pride Run is organized by Dublin Front Runners, Ireland’s largest LGBTQIA+ sports club. The Pride Run takes place June 16 at Phoenix Park at 7:30pm. The race is 5 km and aims to raise money for charity. The chosen charities include HIV Ireland, Trans Equality Together, and ShoutOut. This run is for more than just experienced athletes. Everybody can participate, even when it’s your first time doing a 5k, it’s up to you whether you walk, jog, or run. The focus is on fun, funds, and, of course, pride. Let’s start and get out your running shoes!
Image by Dublin Front Runners
Dublin Pride Parade
The Dublin Pride Parade is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year on June 24. Starting at 12 pm on O’Connell Street, the Parade will march to Merrion Square, where a whole Pride Village will be waiting for the celebrating people. Mother Pride Block Party will be the pre- and afterparty as well, set on many stages across the historical grounds of the National Museum of Ireland on June 23 and 24. So if you’re in Dublin this weekend, prepare yourself for an awesome experience.
Image by Dublin Pride
Navan Pride Festival
Navan Pride Festival will take place from June 26 to the 1st of July and is organised by a non-profit community, to raise awareness and visibility for LGBTQIA+ issues. With different events every day celebrating diversity and emphasising solidarity, they aim to bring together like-minded people supporting each other, without any judgment. Events like Drag Bingo, movie screenings, and talks as well as the Pride Parade on July 1 are scheduled for this Pride Festival. Week-long celebrations are waiting for you!
Image by Navan Pride
Wicklow Pride Festival
Something very special is about to happen on July 1 in Wicklow: Wicklow`s very first Pride Parade! The Parade will start at 2pm from the Grand Hotel Car Park. Besides that, there will be a wide range of events and activities, including live music, art exhibitions, workshops, and more. Everybody is invited to celebrate and create a more inclusive and accepting world for all. The Wicklow Pride Festival was created by Dave Thomas and his Civil Partner Patrick Bracken in 2015, with the aim of giving visibility to the community in Arklow. Join Wicklow’s first Pride Parade and celebrate with them!
Image by Wicklow Pride
Dublin Trans and Intersex Pride
The Dublin Trans and Intersex Pride takes place on July 8, starting at the Garden of Remembrance and ending at the Dáil. This Pride is different from other Pride Parades because it emphasises bringing Pride back to “its radical roots of protest”. Demonstrating for the rights of trans, non-binary, intersex, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and against right-winged politics, as their main targets are queers and immigrants. Join this special Pride Parade and fight for equality and visibility for Trans and Intersex individuals.
Image by Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin
Limerick Pride Festival
The Limerick Pride Festival takes place from July 3 to July 9. Their Pride Parade is going to be on July 8 at Merchants Quay, leaving at 2pm. The theme of this year’s parade is “United in Solidarity”, honoring the 30th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland. The schedule for the Limerick Pride Festival is not published yet, but keep an eye on their socials to not miss a thing.
Image by Limerick Pride
So get ready…
The pride events in Ireland 2023 are set to be exciting, inclusive, and memorable. From the powerful origins of the Pride movement to the legislative advancements in LGBTQIA+ rights, Ireland has a rich history that underpins the Pride celebrations. Whether you´re a member of the community or an ally, these events offer an opportunity to embrace diversity, raise awareness, and spread love and acceptance. Let´s come together to celebrate and continue the journey towards a more inclusive society.
