More XXX: Street Prostitution in Ireland
Attention! We are not legally trained. The information on this site should not be construed as legal advice.
The Law: Prostitution itself is not an offence under Irish law or UK law (applying to Northern Ireland). However, the Irish Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act of 1993 prohibits soliciting or importuning another person in a street or public place for the purpose of prostitution and loitering for the purpose of prostitution. Likewise, under UK law, it is illegal for any person to loiter or conduct solicitation in a street or public place. In both cases, the legislation applies to both prostitute and client and specifically prohibits "kerb crawling" from a motor vehicle. So, in short, Street prostitution is illegal in Ireland.
Nowadays you will not find prostitutes plying their trade in most of Ireland's once famous red-light districts. This is because Irish prostitution moved indoors in the 1990s. These days, if you see a lady working on the streets in Ireland, you are probably looking at a drug addict. Using the services of such ladies is not only against the law, it is also supporting drug-addiction, exploiting vulnerable persons and blighting Irish communities. So, please, don't do it!
Message Boards: Irish Street Prostitution Discussions
Old Red Light Districts in Ireland:
| Street | Location |
|---|---|
| Belfast | |
| Linenhall Street | Belfast |
| Near Ormeau Baths Gallery, Ormeau Avenue | Belfast |
| Cork | |
| Union Quay | Cork |
| Near Holy Trinity Church, Fr. Mathew Quay | Cork |
| Morrisons Island, Morrisons Quay | Cork |
| Near Connelly Hall, Lapp's Quay | Cork |
| Dublin | |
| Monto (Not in Use Since c.1922) | Dublin 1, Dublin |
| Montpelier Hill | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Mespil Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Near Pepper Canister Church, Upper Mount Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Waterloo Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Wilton Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Lower Hatch Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Phoenix Park (for Gay Male Prostitutes) | Dublin 8, Dublin |
| Pembroke Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Parkgate Street | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Herbert Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Leeson Street | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Benburb Street | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Baggot Street | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Arbour Hill | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Fitzwilliam Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Burlington Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Fitzwilliam Square | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Herbert Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Ladd Lane | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Haddington Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Limerick | |
| Pery Square | Limerick |
| Dock Road | Limerick |
| O'Curry Street | Limerick |
