Looking for sex in Dublin?
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a city of 1.4 million people and a top tourist destination. While Ireland’s laws aren’t exactly what you’d call sex-positive, that hasn’t stopped a steady flow of escorts, massage parlours, swingers, and underground play spaces from doing brisk business behind closed doors.
In this no-nonsense guide, we break down everything you need to know about the city’s dirty side: the legal quirks, the city’s famous “ghost” of a red light district, popular best hookup spots, the real price of sex, and exactly where the action’s hiding. This is your NSFW guide to Dublin. ☘️😉
Dublin’s Adult Entertainment
Sex and Prostitution In Dublin
Dublin’s commercial sex scene is kept well away from the public eye, thanks to Ireland’s historically conservative stance and strict laws.
Prostitution itself is legal, but since 2017 it’s a crime to purchase sex. In other words, the client can be fined or jailed, while the sex worker isn’t charged. It’s basically the controversial Nordic model in effect.
As a result of these laws, Dublin’s commercial sex has been driven underground: you won’t see legal brothels or window prostitution here, and any transaction is hush-hush to avoid attracting Gardaí attention.
If we look at the reasons why, it’s not just sex work laws. Culturally, Ireland has traditionally been less sexually open than other European countries… a legacy of Catholic influence and decades of censorship and taboo.
Still, there’s no stopping the oldest trade in the world.
Estimates suggest around 1,000 women are involved in Ireland’s sex trade at any time, many of them migrants from abroad. Based on our research, we would say these estimates are actually much lower than the real number.
As you’d expect, Dublin, as the capital, is the main hub of this trade, responsible for around half of the total sex work throughout Ireland.
Escort Industry
It’s the same story across Ireland. The escort scene is discreet and operates almost entirely online.
Independent escorts dominate – and most are freelancers advertising their services on the classifieds, or on a handful of popular directories (rather than being openly managed by agencies).
Running an escort agency is illegal, which has left Dublin with a lack of premium providers. At least, in the sense that you can’t just call an agency and ask them to send their best girl, or browse a website of fancy profiles, complete with live schedules and open pricing.
That said, there are rumours of a few informal agencies or Dublin-based networks, often run by gangs or unscrupulous individuals looking to make a fast buck.
In 2023, a Dublin man was convicted for leasing apartments and subletting them to escorts as pop-up brothels (which we’ll look at below)… he even ran a WhatsApp group of 450 escorts to fill the flats.
If the estimates of “1000 sex workers in Ireland” were true, that would be almost half of them in his phone book!
Can you say… tip of the iceberg?
We can get a sense of the market size by checking out the most popular escort directories and classifieds in the Dublin region. And in this department, one name stands above the rest.
Escort Ireland has a huge presence across the country, with the Dublin section predictably dominating. At the time of writing, it has 387 escort ads from the total of 1007 posted in Ireland.
That’s 38.43% of all sex work in the capital.
Ads on that site are quite detailed: you’ll see photos (often face-hidden for privacy), a menu of services, rates, and whether the escort is independent or part of a “touring” group.
Touring is common: many escorts visiting Dublin are from abroad, traveling through for a week or two.
As we noted, Ireland’s sex trade has a really high proportion of migrant prostitutes, including young women from Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. Some tour the city short-term, others live here (and not always legally).
Beyond Escort Ireland, the major classified sites see major action in their respective Escort sections.
Locanto Dublin has “999+ escort ads“, which is code for… “We’ve stopped counting“.
VivaStreet Dublin has 678 escort ads.
CraigsList and Backpage used to be full of sex workers back in the day, but both has since removed the sections where these ads were posted.
Likewise, the discussion spills over into popular forums and Reddit channels. You can find plenty of punter chat on sites like Boards.ie or the r/ireland subreddit (a very bitchy affair!).
All this is to say that Dublin has, by far, Ireland’s largest escort community. It is nowhere near as developed as other major hubs in Europe, but it’s not tiny either.
Dublin Brothels
There’s much less ambiguity with the law when it comes to brothels.
In short: there are no legal brothels in Dublin.
Any you see being advertised, or whispered about in forum circles, are strictly illegal (and likely to be shut down by the Gardaí).
As we mentioned previously, “pop-up” brothels are a known phenomenon throughout Ireland.
The ready availability of Airbnb-style lets has made this easier in recent years. Gardaí have noted that certain areas see spikes of sex ads when a pop-up brothel is in operation, as was the case in the conviction of the guy with the “450-escort phone book”.
He had eight mini pop-up brothels.
Red Light Districts
Dublin doesn’t have an active red light district, and certainly nothing in the “official” sense.
Historically, however, it once had the notorious Monto district, which was actually one of Europe’s busiest red-light areas in the early 20th century.
Monto (named after Montgomery Street, now Foley St) was an area north of the River Liffey, roughly around Talbot Street, Gardiner Street, and Amiens Street.
In its heyday (1870s–1920s), an estimated 1,500 prostitutes worked the streets there, servicing Irish workers, British soldiers, and locals alike.
Literally, the whole neighbourhood was teeming with brothels and streetwalkers.
Monto’s infamous reign of vice ended in the 1920s, when the newly independent Irish state launched a morality clampdown.
In March 1925, police raids in Monto led to over 100 arrests, effectively shuttering the open brothels.
The era of an official red light district in Dublin was over, and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see one again.
In more recent decades, there have been pockets of street prostitution (particularly on parts of Lower Gardiner Street and Benburb Street), but nothing resembling a proper RLD.
The Nordic sex work laws have driven whatever remained off the streets.
The Price of Sex in Dublin
So what of the existing sex trade in Dublin? How does it compare nationwide, and to the rest of Europe?
Prices for sex in Dublin are on the high side compared to many other European cities.
The combination of high demand, low supply and Ireland’s steep cost of living means paid sex doesn’t come cheap. Punters report roughly €150 to €250 for an hour with a Dublin escort as a ballpark figure, and from what we can see on the various escort directories, these numbers look pretty accurate:
Shorter half-hour sessions might go for around €100 to €140.
High-end or well-reviewed escorts can charge €300 to €400+ per hour, especially for out-calls to your hotel.
Even London’s escort rates can look like a bargain next to Dublin’s!
Erotic Massage Shops
Erotic massage parlours in Dublin operate in that classic Irish grey zone: not exactly legal, but not really illegal either… unless you get caught doing something too enthusiastic. Like trying to shag your masseuse.
These places usually advertise as Thai massage, tantric therapy, or sensual wellness. Never explicitly erotic, with the exception of the solo providers and madames brave enough to spam the classifieds.
Prices range from around €80–€150 depending on the duration and “extras” .
And while some venues might offer full service, the most common happy ending is of the manual variety. We haven’t seen many reports of FS being offered.
So how do you find the Dublin massage shops offering rub and tugs?
Well, sites like Locanto have an entire section dedicated to Erotic Massage (again, there are 999+ results 😂).
Many of the posts you see from “independent” providers are actually posted by the managers of these small shops… basically advertising their ladies. An obvious tell is when the ad is phrased as “We offer” rather than “I offer“.
Sex Clubs In Dublin
You might not expect it from a country that once banned condoms… but Ireland does have a swingers scene.
We’d recommend SDC for those looking to integrate with the existing community in Dublin. It regularly has events and private parties posted throughout the city.
In terms of specific clubs and societies…
EJ’s Club
EJ’s Club is one of the longest-running swingers collectives in the country. They host private play parties and themed meetups in secret venues around Dublin and beyond… everything from masked balls and gangbang nights to chilled-out socials where everyone behaves (at least until midnight).
There’s usually a couple of events per month. Check out their archived newsletters on the website for a flavour of what to expect…
ENVY Dublin
A newer entrant to our list; we haven’t actually heard too much about this group.
NVY is billing itself as “Ireland’s Premier Lifestyle Club”. It started in 2019 as “a group of like-minded individuals coming together on a journey of sexual discovery and consensual non-monogamy“.
Their events include curated sex parties, held monthly, at exclusive venues in Dublin. Entry starts at around €30.00, but some nights go up to €75.00 (like the Halcyon Play Party, apparently drawing over 120 Dublin guests).
The Vanilla Club
https://www.swing4ireland.com/clubs/the-vanilla-club
or
https://www.sdc.com/biz/irl/thevanillaclub/
Don’t let the name fool you!
The Vanilla Club is a private house party scene run by local swingers. Events happen semi-regularly in and around Dublin, but the main venue is said to have a fully licenced cocktail bar, hot tub, sauna, shower area and four private playrooms. You RSVP through the site(s), and once you’re vetted, you’ll be sent the details.
It’s usually €40.00 entry for couples.
The club is active on both Swing4Ireland and SDC.
Dublin Strip Clubs
Dublin has a handful of small-to-midsize strip joints, mostly in the city centre.
Topless dancing and lap dances are legal, but full nudity require a special license (clubs here typically do topless or bikini dances, with some going fully nude in private dances… house rules vary).
There’s generally no touching allowed.
Angels Lap Dancing Club
38-39 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin
Angel’s is one of Dublin’s top adult entertainment venues and has been putting on stageshows for over 16 years. In fact, the stageshows run every 15 minutes from 11pm til late.
This is one of the premier late night lap dance clubs where you are likely to meet some scintillating dancers in the early hours.
The dancers come from all over Europe, including the UK, France, Italy, with a few local Irish girls in the mix too.
Angel’s underwent a complete refurbishment in 2015 and now offers a luxurious, comfortable and modern interior with plenty of private booths for you to enjoy a private dance. They have 4 private suites available.
The club is located a mere 5 minute walk from St Stephens Green, or 5 minutes by taxi from the popular Temple Bar.
Club Lapello
55 Dame Street, Dublin 2
Club Lapello is the longest running gentlemen’s club in all of Dublin. It wants to introduce you to what it claims are the sexiest lap dancers in Ireland.
The strippers are a 50-50 mix between local Irish beauties and exotic international dancers, from both Europe and beyond.
Lapello runs a great value €35 deal which provides admission, a drink of your choice and a private dance with one of their strippers all inclusive. In addition, they have a wide variety of stag party and group packages.
This nude bar is open all 7 nights, til late.
The Barclay Club
47 South William Street, Dublin 2
One of Ireland’s best strip clubs, situated in an exclusive area of the city centre. This venue is all about luxury, sophistication and opulence.
It doesn’t have the feel of your typical dive strip bar. It looks like somebody has inserted a couple of stages in to somebody’s regal mansion. And those stages just happen to be graced by stunning exotic dancers from all over the world.
They have an intimate private suite for group bookings where you’ll have a private stage, private bar and the private undivided attention of your strippers of choice. Very popular for small corporate bookings.
Local Sex Shops and Adult Stores
Dublin has a number of excellent sex stores that are kitted out with the latest adult gadgets, accessories, fetishwear and gels. We’ve curated a list of our favourites below.
Basic Instincts
No 8, Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin
Basic Instincts is a mask and fetish store that concentrates on selling different kinds of authentic fetish items for your adult entertainment and pleasure. They have been around for over 25 years and one of the top sources for handmade and artful masks.
Some of their bestselling items include: Venetian masks, lubes and creams for men and women, sexy clothing, underwear, jock straps and swimwear.
If you’re looking for BDSM or bondage gear, be sure to visit this local fave!
Secret Paradise
38 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin
Secret Paradise has carved a niche in the Dublin sex store market by catering to a female-friendly and couples-friendly crowd.
The store is designed to dispel the seedy image that many Dublin sex shops are associated with. It prides itself on friendly customer service and a welcoming atmosphere. If you would rather have its products shipped to your door, you can order through its online store.
Secret Paradise sells several dildos, dongs, cock rings, bondage gear, and anal toys. It even has some app-controlled toys for those looking to add a little extra technology to their private thrills.
Miss Fantasia’s
25 South William Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Another long-running adult store in Dublin, located on South Williams Street, is Miss Fantasia’s adult boutique.
This store is light, airy and welcoming with a complete selection of sexy outfits, fancy dress, plus all the usual vibrators, dildos, lubes and gels. It has a few bondage related items too.
Other Notable Adult Attractions
Finally, some extra tidbits for exploring NSFW Dublin…
Fetish Events
Dublin hosts a long-running monthly fetish club night called Nimhneach (Irish for “poison” or “sting,” fittingly).
This is surely the gathering for the BDSM community. Nimhneach typically happens on the first Saturday of the month at a private venue; currently it’s often held at The Wiley Fox pub (28 Eden Quay), with the upstairs transformed into a dungeon-like space, kitted out with St. Andrews crosses, spanking benches and ropes galore.
Dress code is strict fetish wear… latex, leather, lingerie, or goth attire at minimum. If you show up in jeans and a t-shirt, we doubt you’d get in.
Gay Sauna – The Boilerhouse
For guys on the cruise, Dublin has an old reliable in The Boilerhouse.
It’s Ireland’s largest gay sauna. Found over at 12 Crane Lane, Temple Bar (down a little alley), it’s a multi-story bathhouse that’s been open since 1999.
The Boilerhouse spans 5 floors of men-only fun, including a dry sauna, steam rooms, a jacuzzi, a TV lounge, and plenty of private “cabins” or dark areas for intimate encounters.
It gets busiest on weekend nights, when a mix of local and international guys (of all ages, though mostly 20s-40s) fill the place. Getting in costs around €25.
Drag Shows and Cabaret
Dublin has a surprisingly popular drag and burlesque scene.
Bars like The George (Ireland’s most famous gay bar) have drag shows that are risqué and hilarious.
And burlesque troupes like La Folie Deshabille put on cabaret nights where you can enjoy some tasteful striptease artistry, if that’s your kind of thing.
Popular Hookup Spots
Not interested in paying for your action? Want to try your lucky with the famously friendly Dublin locals?
Dublin’s hookup scene revolves around pubs, bars, and clubs. Daytime “pickup” culture isn’t huge here… a bold cold-approach on Grafton Street at noon might get you more confusion than digits.
Temple Bar is an obvious port of call. Dublin’s touristy pub district is crawling with people every night, many in party mode. While Temple Bar is known for overpricing drinks and crowds of out-of-towners, it’s also a melting pot of flirting… a stream of strangers passing in the night.
If Dublin has a legendary hookup institution, it’s probably Copper Face Jacks (known simply as Coppers). This nightclub on Harcourt Street is famed for its late-night sloppy makeouts. Many singletons head here on the pull.
Another Harcourt spot, Dicey’s Garden, is popular especially on cheaper drink nights. Krystal is a bit fancier. In any case, Harcourt Street is ground zero for Dublin clubbing (and potential hookups).
Are there any great adult services or attractions in Dublin that we’ve missed?
Drop us your thoughts and reviews!
