New Cork LGBTQIA+ venue set to open this weekend

A new, dedicated LGBTQIA+ venue is set to open this weekend, in the bar formerly known as Conway’s Yard.

Vibe Cork owner Jen Bowler told The Echo “it’s a permanent gay venue, not a pop up – we’re there for the long haul.” 

“I’m in the community myself,” said Jen, who is getting married to long-time partner Caroline Bailey soon, saying, “I want to make sure this is done right and everyone’s happy."

Ms Bowler has highlighted a lot of issues around safety to Paul Montgomery from Clancy’s Group, the owners of Conway’s Yard.

“We need somewhere nice and fun to go to that’s also safe,” she said.

“Coming out all those years ago in Tralee was so tough and still can be so hard - having somewhere to go in Cork at that time allowed me to be my true authentic self and now I want to be able to offer that same safe space to our amazing community,” she added.

Vibe will officially open this Saturday February 3 and Sunday February 4, and Jen explained that they aim to open Thursday to Sunday or Wednesday to Sunday going forward.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for my whole life, so it’s mad that it’s getting to happen – I think I’m still in a bit shock!" she continued.

“I’ve had the plan for a few years in my head, but I was just trying to start smaller and plan a gay night but The Clancy’s group fully backed having a permanent gay bar, they were mad to do it, and in the last week or so its all come together,” she said, adding that the space is getting done up this week ahead of their Saturday opening.

“We’ll be doing a wide variety of entertainment - drag shows, live music, bands, dancers, cabaret nights, other themed nights, getting special guests, so there will be plenty and it will be constantly changing,” she said.

Jen added that the reaction from the community has been great since the news was announced on Instagram.

“It’s great to see that people are happy about it, and I want to make sure we do a good job of it, because we need somewhere that we can be safe but also have a laugh and a dance.” 

More information and details of their line-ups will be shared on their Instagram page @vibecork