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Irelands most famous Gay bar and night
club is going from strength to strength, there is a night club on every night from Wednesday to
Sunday, with free entry before 10pm, Beware of the 'No Runners' door
policy.
Features
Kylie
Night at the George - March 2001 - Click
Here
Reviews
Number of reviews:-
4
Review
1 by Shoegirl -
2000
Guide
to the George
In my travels on
and offline I have often been asked about my favourite haunt, Ireland's
biggest and arguably the best gay bar and club, the George. Notorious
insofar as most Dubliners will know that its "that sort of a
place," it is, however, a boon to us gay folk, as its big, well
known, and the chances of meeting someone interesting or merely friendly
are enhanced. In short, if you're in Dublin and on the scene, sooner or
later you'll find yourself there. Here for the first time, is the
Shoegirl's unofficial and totally uncalled for guide to this drinking
hole in the heart of the city.
I probably should
add that nobody has paid me to write this, I am not an employee or an
affiliate of the said place, nor do I wish to give an impression that
this is anything other my express opinion.
Well, lets get
started. The basics. Its on South Great George's Street, just off the
Dame St end. On your left if your coming towards the city from the
Aungier St direction, or on your right otherwise. I presume you are
expected to be 18 or over to be there, but I honestly don't know. The
best way to start my guide is probably as a glossary.
Admission
Now here's a good
one. Wearing trainers is a big no no. This policy was only adopted about
a year or so ago, probably to higher the tone of the place, if such a
thing were possible (it is a gay bar, after all!) Admission depends on
the somewhat dubious scrutiny of the bouncers, who parade the place
keeping some sort of order (probably more order in fact than most
straight places!) Being obviously underage is not a good idea, nor is
being already blatantly drunk or particularly violent looking. If you've
already been barred, trying to get in is probably not a great idea,
though occasionally one can be forgivens for past misgivings (unless you
caused serious bodily harm, which obviously should have put you in
Mountjoy in the first place.)
Barring
A
frequent fate for those who misbehave. Excessive over indulgence in
alcohol is the most common misdemeanor, generally accompanied by anti
social behavious such as looking crooked at bouncers, smashing entire
tables of glasses, falling off the stage or severely harassing other
customers. Not to be recommended as readmission is somewhat difficult.
Folks have been known to be barred for a couple of years. It is also
possible to be thrown out without actually been barred (believe me, the
Shoegirl has suffered this fate) but this is generally due
to personal
vendettas with bouncers or other customers.
Beer
The point of the
whole thing. Served by bar tenders in pint glasses or bottles, depending
on one's choice. Shoegirl's tipple of choice (Kilkenny) not being
served, Smithwicks is a likely bet for her many nights there.
Bingo
The busiest night.
On Sundays, from roughly 7pm or later until about 10pm or so, depending
on the occasion. Presented by the ever popular Shirley Temple bar and
her luscious band of drag queens.
Closing
Time
An inevitable
consequence of fate. Though not so bad if you've had a sober night and
are doing the driving. Normal pub hours on Mondays and Tuesdays,
otherwise, the DJ gives way shortly after 2.30am, sometimes extending on
for a bit and on extremely rare occasions giving the crowds what they
want. Dallying, singing, being sick in the loo or grabbing every
available glass in a desperate attempt to stay there is considered a
throw-outable offence. The invariable rush for the cloackroom, however,
is a good excuse to avoid the cold and the queue at the taxi rank
(though in my case, a good stagger home towards flatland.)
Drag Queens
Fall into two
categories: employees and customers. The former are usually there on
Sundays at the Bingo, the latter can be found at any time. Regulars have
been known to occasionally arrive in full drag and harass their friends
(remember Halloween, Gerry?) to the amusement of those in the know. Mind
those heels though.
Dancefloor
Reasonably sized
and with a stage. Some feel that a presence on the stage is a sign of
being a poser, particularly if one can't actually dance, but one gets a
better view of other customers. Its also a good place to "be
seen" if you are into that sort of thing. Try not to fall off after
drinking six pints, its just not nice. The ability to dance is a
definite advantage here, romances are often made out on the floor.
Unfortunately, they also can be damaged, so be careful what you do out
there!
Dyke's
Corner
Popular, if
sarcastic, term used by certain women to describe the front alcove,
mainly peopled on busy nights by women, generally slightly older, many
of whom are likely to be leaving for women-only clubs elsewhere. May
seem intimidating to some, but generally more polite than other parts of
the bar and easier to get served (courtesy of my favourite barman.)
Girlfriends
These fall into two categories: yours, and
other people's. Yours should be kept to yourself. Leave other people's
alone, especially after drinking the white beer or slamming tequila.
Insults
A Favourite Pastime of certain
groups of lesbians. Generally beginning with "But SHE'S A DOG!!
Jurrasic
Popular
term for the lounge, mainly frequented by older men who don't
particularly like loud dance beats. Also open during the day, which the
main bar is not. The place to go for an early evening tipple or just to
escape. Also related is the verb "to go Jurassic" meaning to
stay there for the evening or to simply start drinking so early that the
main bar has not yet opened.
Language
Can actually be a major
barrier, as many foreigners appear here, often in significant mass. One
may occasionally be invited to join in a "game" with several
Spaniards, most of whom invariably are not exactly to one's usual taste
in women! There are also many continentals, American tourists, British
ex-pats and other visitors.
One Night
Stands
These fall into
two categories, the one you may possibly intend having tonight, and the
one that will not go away. In some cases you may even be that one night
stand that just won't go away, a scenario likely to end up in
heartbreak, extreme drunkeness, and possible barring. The scene being
generally quite meat-marketish by nature, it is possible, though I admit
never having achieved it at this venue, to pick a woman up in the
George. REMEMBER: Toilets were not built for the purposes of sexual
encounters! However, it can be extremely embarassing having to run out
of the toilet every time you go in to make a call to your beloved new
girlie, because inevitably your last last one nighter comes in and says
in her own inimitable way "howaya!"
"On the
Pull"
A popular term for
searching for love, a snog or a possible casual shag. Tougher for girls,
unless you happen to resemble some famous model (though everyone will
probably think you are straight.)
Regulars
The hardcore
customer who arrives in once a week or more. Many regulars also show up
practically every night of the week. One wonders what they are earning.
You know you are one when even standing within 3 feet of the bar elicits
a shout of "Two Smithwicks?" or when a request for an
unadulterated Red Bull is greeted with hoots of laughter.
Straight People
A considerably common breed in the George, especially
since the arrival of Bingo over a year ago. Favourable coverage in the
media has brought many of these people in to see the sights, experience
the tastes, and perhaps discover something of themselves! More common
though, and infinitely more cordial, are the "straight
friends", usually female, though not exclusively, of regular
punters, who just refuse to go
anywhere else. A disproportionate number end up annoucing their change
of sexuality within a short period of time, though many simply enjoy the
vibe. Straight couples, however, are a breed unique to Bingo as are
groups of middle aged married women. The latter are quite friendly, the
former are notorious for blocking exits, entrances, open spaces, your
view of the dancefloor, your view of the other side of the bar and any
available space. Regarded with scorn by most regulars, this group tend
not to reappear, and seem distinctively uncomfortable, apart from the
rather perverted breed of heterosexual male who simply believes that
lesbians were made for him and just haven't met him yet!
Terminal 3 with Vada
A cult night, one
particularly popular with hardcore regulars and a good alternative to
the bingo, recently changed its name to 'Space N' Vada' as its hosted by the ever charming Vada, probably the tallest of the
drag queens, the way it works is like this. You bring your three
favourite CDs or LPs (vinyl usually gets you noticed), get a ticket from
the ever helpful assistant, and they play your three favourite tracks.
Sounds simple? It is, but arrive early or you'll be missed. I have been
known to attempt to wreck everyone's head by playing "Climb Ev'ry
Mountain" from The
Sound of Music. But The Cure goes down just as well. Who says gay
people have no taste!? Followed by the usual DJ bop.
Toilets
Fall into two basic
categories: Gents and Officially-Ladies-but-also-frequented-by-Gents.
There are also some in Jurassic, but we won't go there (its highly
unnecessary.) Being a girl, its impossible to explain exactly why the
fellows have to use the girl's loos, but it appears that the social life
is better, they're less likely to be cruised, and there is more toilet
roll. Speaking of the latter, forget the first cubicle on a busy night.
Believe me, its not worth it.
Vendettas
Traditionally had by women, though sometimes by men.
Petty jealousies can lead to one's life being at serious risk. If
someone looks a bit frightening, it is no guarantee that they are or are
not. Some of the most harmless butches are in fact lambs at heart, but
on the other hand, there are charmers who will be more than willing to
box your face in for calling them a "mad dog" at a women-only
the following week, where they are more likely to get away with
it.
So there ends my A-Z brief guide. Have fun, behave and
if not be careful, and if you happen to spot me, mine's a Smithwicks!
|
Click
here for one negative review of the George
Click
here for two more positive reviews of the George |
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If you've been to The George and wish to review
any night at all for the
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