More XXX: Street Prostitution
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 |
|---|---|
| Arbour Hill | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Baggot Street | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Benburb Street | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Burlington Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Dock Road | Limerick |
| Fitzwilliam Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Fitzwilliam Square | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Haddington Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Herbert Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Herbert Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Ladd Lane | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Leeson Street | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Linenhall Street | Belfast |
| Lower Hatch Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Mespil Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Monto (Not in Use Since c.1922) | Dublin 1, Dublin |
| Montpelier Hill | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Morrisons Island, Morrisons Quay | Cork |
| Near Connelly Hall, Lapp's Quay | Cork |
| Near Holy Trinity Church, Fr. Mathew Quay | Cork |
| Near Ormeau Baths Gallery, Ormeau Avenue | Belfast |
| Near Pepper Canister Church, Upper Mount Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| O'Curry Street | Limerick |
| Parkgate Street | Dublin 7, Dublin |
| Pembroke Street | Dublin 2, Dublin |
| Pery Square | Limerick |
| Phoenix Park (for Gay Male Prostitutes) | Dublin 8, Dublin |
| Union Quay | Cork |
| Waterloo Road | Dublin 4, Dublin |
| Wilton Place | Dublin 2, Dublin |
