Temple Bar in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

Hirschfeld Centre

1979 – 1987

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Hirschfeld Centre Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

[Gaeilge:]
An Céad Spás Sóisialta & Pobail
do Dhaoine Aeracha in Éirinn
Bunaithe Anseo

[English:]
Ireland’s First Gay
Social & Community Space
Established Here
1979-1989

Erected 2019 by Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath/Dublin City Council.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Ireland, Dublin City Council Commemorative Plaques series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1979.

Location. 53° 20.716′ N, 6° 15.8′ W. Marker is in Dublin, Leinster. It is in Temple Bar. It is on Fownes Street Lower south of Temple Bar, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Fownes Street Lower, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sir William Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Liffey Bridge (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Norseman (about 90 meters away); St. Winifred's Well

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 90 meters away); Sergeant Stephen Kelly and Constable Patrick Keena (about 90 meters away); Frederick Douglass (about 120 meters away); The Beatles (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Castle Hall / Halla an Chaisleáin (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dublin.

Also see . . . How the Hirschfeld Centre transformed Ireland's gay scene (RTE, Jun 27, 2025).

While 1980s Irish queer history is primarily focused on David Norris’ legal battle to decriminalise sexual activity between males, the Hirschfeld Centre was radically transforming Ireland’s gay social scene beyond the courtroom, in the midst of both an economic downturn and rise of conservative forces. While the centre was the headquarters for the NGF and its political activities, it was much more than simply a headquarters. It housed a disco (Flikkers), a cinema, telephone befriending service (Tel-A-Friend), secretariat of the International Gay Association, a support service for parents of homosexuals (Parents Enquiry) and a café...While it was not until 1983 that the first gay pride protest march took place in Ireland, it was within the Hirschfeld
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Hirschfeld Centre Marker
As of 2026, the marker is located near the entrance of a vintage clothing store.
Centre in 1979 that gay pride was first celebrated in Ireland.

(Submitted on July 2, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Additional keywords. lgbtq+, lgbt, plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.