Get ready to glam up and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at The GALAS 2026, Ireland’s only LGBTQ+ awards, returning on Saturday, October 3rd.

The GALAS, Ireland’s LGBTQ+ awards, will take place in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

The annual sell-out event celebrates and acknowledges the contributions of individuals, companies and organisations to making Ireland and the world a better place for the LGBTQ+ community.

From rewarding LGBTQ+ people who give themselves for the greater good of the community, to allies who commit to fostering inclusion and equality, to entertainers, artists and culture-makers who contribute towards making queer Ireland a vibrant and exciting place to be, the awards ensure these heroes don’t go unsung.

The awards include 15 categories, encompassing activism, arts, allyship, events, sports and more, recognising the efforts made by those who work tirelessly towards a better future for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. Following the awards ceremony, there will be a fabulous after-party to celebrate together and dance the night away.

Keep an eye on The GALAS and GCN's socials for hosts and music guests to be announced very soon.

FAQs

The GALAS was created in 2009 by GCN and the National LGBT Federation (NXF) to honour the LGBTQ+ trailblazers of Ireland and beyond. Since then, the event has recognised over 160 individuals, companies and volunteer organisations who have a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community and are actively striving for a just and equal society. It also serves as the largest fundraising event of the year for the NXF, a registered charity, and GCN, Ireland’s free independent LGBTQ+ media and a trading name of the NXF.

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When do the 2025 nominations close?

Nominations closed on Friday, July 17th, at 5pm.

Who can vote?

Voting is only open to residents and citizens of the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The GALAS LGBTQ+ Awards recognise the contribution of individuals, groups, organisations and companies from within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

How does the nomination process work?

The public nominates in each category. A longlist is formed from all nominations. At the end of the nominations process, the longlists for each category will be distributed to LGBTQ+ organisations throughout Ireland. These organisations will select four nominees from the longlist who will make it to the shortlist. Shortlisted nominees are selected using the reasons provided in the nominating process and judged against a clear selection criterion provided by the National LGBT Federation.

Is food served at the event?

Canapés will be served along with a drinks reception from 7 to 8pm. (There is no sit-down meal).​

Is there a bar at the event?

Yes, there is full bar service before the ceremony kicks off, but table service is only during the event, to cut down on noise. Last orders at 12.30am.​

Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?

Yes, it is important to bring your ticket(s). Even a screengrab of your ticket on your phone will be great. We do find that the Eventbrite app is good but people sometimes delay in accessing it at the ticket area.

How long is the award ceremony?

Drinks and canapes- 7 - 8pm, Awards 8pm - 10pm.

Is there an after-party?

After the awards wrap up, Mother’s DJ Glamo will be spinning tunes with a full bar until 12.30am.

Is there a dress code? Is this a formal black-tie event?

It's not strictly a black-tie event, but dress to impress!

I have made it to the shortlist. Do I get a complimentary ticket?

Yes, you are entitled to a complimentary ticket. You will be emailed the promo code that you can use on the seat map. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a complimentary ticket for your guest(s).​

I already bought a ticket, but now I'm on the shortlist, and my group is on the shortlist. Can I get a refund?

Thanks for buying early! Yes, you can get a refund – please email stefano@gcn.ie and we will sort it out.

I can't seem to buy more tickets when I use my promo code.

You have to log in once and use your code for a complimentary ticket, then log in a second time to buy additional tickets at the table you have chosen.

I want to get a table of 10, but they are greyed out or unavailable.

These tables are either booked out already or reserved. If the reservation is cancelled, these tables will be released.

What is the closing date for ticket sales?

When all the seats are sold, we will close off sales. Seats have been put on sale till the day of the event itself, but normally are sold out a week before the event.​

I require an accessible seat.

Our event is fully accessible; however, we recommend that people who require an accessible seat let us know, just so that we can make sure your seat is suitably located in the room.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Tickets are limited and only available online.​ No tickets are sold at the

Description supplied by the event organiser.