Eurovision mania: 7 viewing parties happening around Ireland

Lynda Martin, Mickey Joe Harte, Donna and Joe McCaul; Eurovision has created many legends in its time. Even Dustin the Turkey gave it his best with his now infamous rendition of Irelande Douze Pointe (mentioned without comment). 

As much about the flops as it is the success stories, Eurovision has garnered quite the cult following in its over six decade existence and many places have even started hosting their own themed watch parties… because, why not!? We rounded up a few such events taking place around the country below. 

To quote Johnny Logan, “what’s another year?”

The George, Dublin

Dublin’s The George will be holding not one, not two but three different Eurovision nights so you can catch all the action on the big screen. Ireland’s semi final is up first tomorrow night (hosted by Dolly Grip) with the second to follow shortly after on Thursday, May 11 (hosted by Davina Devine). The all-important final takes place on Saturday, May 13th with things kicking off from 7pm. Entry is free on Tuesday and Thursday and free before 8pm on Saturday. 

Pantibar, Dublin

Pantibliss will also be hosting three separate viewing parties with the queen herself joining the festivities to host and roast on Saturday night. DJ Stephen Dowling will be on deck, providing the tunes during and after the final. 

The Maverick, Belfast

It’s full-on Eurovision fever at the Maverick in Belfast where there will be an entire weekend of events celebrating what they describe as “the greatest show on earth”. Set to live stream the finale on both indoor and outdoor screens, admission is free and doors open from 2pm. 

The Sugar Club, Dublin

Join Tony Cantwell, Ploon (IYKYK… if you don’t know, get up to speed here) and the rest of the gang at the Sugar Club this Saturday for what promises to be “the most exhilarating Eurovision experience ever”. A self-proclaimed Eurovision superfan, Cantwell – or Tony Horror as he’s known on social media – will be joined by a star-studded panel of Ireland’s wittiest comedians as they immerse themselves in the electrifying LIVE broadcast of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Will he achieve his goal of replacing Marty Whelan as RTÉ’s permanent Eurovision commentator? Only time will tell… 

The Pav, Cork 

Ireland’s leading drag haus, Mockie Ah will be heading up the Eurovision celebrations down in Cork this year. Watch the Eurovision 2023 Final live on the cinema screen, come dressed as your favourite Eurovision contestant and join in on the pre-show games. After the show, the vibes will continue with a club night playing pop, disco and Eurovision classics (obviously) until late with pop-up drag shows, drink promos and giveaways throughout. 

Opium, Dublin

As Official Partner to the Eurovision Song Contest, Baileys has teamed up with Dublin venue Opium to organise a very special watch party in honour of the occasion. Victoria Secret will take on hosting duties with live performances from special guests Pixie Woo and Marian Mary the 6th, as well as DJ sets from Rocky T. Delgado and GLAMO and lots of delicious treats too. 

Pálás, Galway 

The sister cinema to Dublin’s The Light House in Smithfield, Pálás has lots planned for the next few months – including a live watch-along of the Eurovision final up on the big screen. They’ll even have a pre-show party hosted by Blondie and Annie Naggins in the bar beforehand. Not to be missed!

Feature image via @bandwildyouth