How to Date?

[u/O-Firefighter]

So well lads, Recently came out as gay to some of my mates and didn't go down all too well. I'm back at square one with trying to find people who are like myself.

I suppose I could be asking too much but How do you actually find other gay people in ireland?. I've lived in rural ireland most of my upbringing. I knew one lad in secondry who was Bi but that was about it...

Any suggestions or Tips? I'm from Clare but go to college now in limerick.

[u/Kernel-Ketchup]

When college starts back definitely look for an lgbtq soc there. In Clare check out this group:

https://www.queersheds.org/queershedsclare

[u/MarieDresslersGhost]

I’m on the board of Quare Clare and we’d love to have you join us to meet some other people in the area.

We’re connected to a variety of other organizations and our attendees range from university age on up.

We try to have events and outings all over Clare and we collaborate with Limerick folk often.

I’m happy to have our events person add you our WhatsApp group. Message me if interested.

[u/DimKikiR]

Sorry to hear that your friends didn't treat you so well, that must feel hard. But you're definitely not alone in this one, there are friends and people to have fun with and understand you. Open Bumble to maybe try and find other gay friends there.

Please also check meetup.com/MeetUp app for potential events. Just also googled and there is ulwolves.ie, which is the Lgbtq+ community in your university!

And also, have you thought about travelling more to Dublin? That could help you expand your horizons.

But definitely you're not alone.🙏 Feel free to message me anytime if you need to talk or socialise or just speak with another gay friend for a while

[u/caroline_Penny]

Volunteering for Pride? I used to live in Limerick and they had one. I have been gone a while so may be not be a thing now! But Pride is a great way to meet others. Also, meet up groups.

[u/grainne0]

Firstly, I'm sorry. You mates clearly aren't good mates and it's better to find that out now - I'm sure that feels shitty but I guarantee there will be more who accept you for who you are. 

I don't know Limerick well but check out if there are any LGBTQ groups at college. Do you play any sports? What kind of things do you like generally? Sometimes there are specific groups like gay GAA/rugby/art stuff where you can meet people and start making friends. One thing that helped me was watching more gay media and following different people on insta. It helped to make me feel confident in who I was and that the homophobes were the ones in the wrong. Also it helped me connected with more gay people. 

[u/O-Firefighter → u/grainne0]

I was in the local hurling group there but now i stopped going felt like I wasn't all too welcome kept getting odd stares coming into the place.

College is over for the summer so I'm back under the parents gaff. Started reading this book "Hearts Invisible Furies". I'm not sure about groups so I was looking for them here.

[u/grainne0 → u/O-Firefighter]

That's shitty. I feel like some old homophobia has come back round, hopefully that'll get less socially acceptable again.

Check out these guys in Clare: https://www.instagram.com/quareclarelgbtq

There's loads on in Cork so it might be worth the trek and having a look on meetup.com. 

https://www.instagram.com/na_laochra_aeracha it could be worth travelling to these guys in Cork for a bit or seeing if they post anything going on closer to you. 

I've read that book, it's very good but a bit sad in parts.

[u/hrald0]

Sorry to hear that, they were never your friends and you’re best away from their toxicity

I don’t know a huge amount of queer people from the Limerick/Clare area (I’m from Cork and bi), but I heard the wickham in Limerick is great for drag shows and the like (if that’s your thing). Meet up app is great but for dating, I heard great things about the hinge app Best of luck

[u/Silkazoans]

The clare st college soc is amazing and the people are so nice.

[u/Hopeforthefallen]

I just want to say, it doesn't have to be a retreat behind LGBT safe places, day to day life and people are more than accepting in the main. You are like everyone else, that is the reality.

[u/curious_wanderer_40]

Sorry to hear that your friends reacted like that. I suppose you know where you stand with them. A pity though it is over something that isn't hurting anyone and you can't change.

I recently moved to Ireland, initially to Cork then to Mayo, in a very rural area. So also finding it challenging to find groups. It seems that Dublin is where things happen. Not sure about Cork was only there a few months and so involved with work didn't have much time for anything else. There is a site sceeninkerry.com. I'm thinking about going along to their hike at some point.

Happy to chat if you want though.

[u/Aromatic_pickle6]

There are queer sheds dotted around the place too which could help you meet more people

[u/luminous-fabric]

If you like sports, then Sarsfield Rugby in Limerick is an inclusive rugby team, playing tag and contact. We're a friendly bunch with plenty social activities

[u/nirghata]

Run through your mutual friends on Instagram and follow the guys who look a bit fruity.

[u/Middle-Grape-173]

It didn’t go down well in 2026? Your mates aren’t your mates. They’re idiots. Glad you’re moving on and branching out!