Shoppers and passers-by might notice a brighter corner of Dublin city centre , Belong To’s new LGBTQ+ youth hub opens a welcoming, youth-designed space where 14–23-year-olds can socialise, create and access support. It’s a visible, practical response to growing demand for inclusive, local services.

Essential Takeaways

  • Youth-designed: Young people shaped the hub from mood boards to final fittings, so the space feels lived-in and relevant.
  • Activities and calm: Zones include creative workshops, Dungeons & Dragons, jewellery-making and quiet seating for catching breath.
  • Support on-site: Drop-ins and crisis counselling are available, with professional sessions delivered in partnership with Pieta.
  • Tech and togetherness: An interactive touchscreen and flexible seating suit workshops, gaming and informal meet-ups.
  • Central and accessible: Located in Dublin city centre, the hub complements Belong To’s national online and network services.

A bright, lived-in space that actually feels made for young people

Walk in and you notice the mural first , colourful, confident and made with artist Emma Hurson , then the hum of conversation, the clink from the kitchen and a quiet corner where someone’s reading. The sensory detail matters: this isn’t a clinical drop-in, it’s a normal place to hang out. According to Belong To, the design was co-produced with the young people who will use it, so every nook reflects real needs and identities.

Why a dedicated hub matters now

Belong To’s new centre responds to a clear demand for visible, safe spaces in the city. The organisation has worked with LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland since 2003, and leaders say a physical hub complements their online work and the National Network of youth services. A central location helps young people find in-person community without long travel, and the mix of social and support services makes it a practical lifeline on tough days.

Activities, tech and practical design , small touches that make a big difference

From an interactive touchscreen for workshops to flexible seating for group gaming or quiet chats, the hub balances noisy and calm. Creative zones for jewellery-making and role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons give people ways to socialise that don’t rely on small talk. The fully equipped kitchen acts as a gathering point, too , nothing brings people together like food and a place to sit down.

Support is built into the offer, not bolted on

This hub is as much about wellbeing as it is about fun. Drop-in sessions run alongside crisis counselling provided with Pieta, so help is there if someone needs it. Staff and youth workers are present to signpost services and offer immediate support, which makes the space feel safer and more practical than a social-only venue.

How this hub was made by young people, for young people

A youth committee steered the project for months, from early mood boards to the final finishes, which explains the carefully considered zones and the informal, hospitable vibe. Kieran O’Donovan, CEO at Belong To, framed it as an example of what happens when young people have a real voice, and youth workers told RTÉ News that safe spaces like this help young people feel they belong.

It's one small change that can make every meetup or moment of support feel safer and more real.

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