2022 - Update 11:
Go Ahead's Pride AOA bus, 11589, is seen leading the charge of buses at the Dublin Pride Parade on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).
The streets of Dublin proudly welcomed the annual Pride parade back to the streets on the 25th June 2022. Dublin was full of colour and excitement with a parade that impressively took over 90mins to pass through O'Connell Street. Dublin's Pride Parade has a long history dating back to the first one in 1983, with parades running anually since 1993. Like much of the world's festivities, Dublin Pride was a victim of Covid restrictions for both 2020 and 2021, with interactive events marking the occassion. But the parade returned to its former glory and as per usual the buses of Dublin were well represented.
Broadstone's AV441 in its AOA for Dublin Pride is seen with the Dublin Bears on Eden Quay on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).
Once again Dublin Bus lead the way with no less than 4 buses in the parade, AV441 with the Dublin Bears, GT159 for Gay Bohs, and PAs 179 and 260. AV441 was an especially nice touch from Dublin Bus, with the bus not required for active service these days. Dublin Bus' involvement in Pride is a long one, however it was good to see Go Ahead join in the festivites this year with their long-running Pride AOA bus 11589 finally having a chance to partake in a parade.
A rear shot of AV441 on O'Connell Street before the festivities began on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).
Like with any big occassion, the other buses of Dublin were on diversion. This year the Rosie Hackett Bridge was in full use with southbound buses heading down Gardiner Street, then Talbot Street, Marlborough Street and Rosie Hackett Bridge to Hawkins Street. The Gardaí controlled the operation well, allowing small gaps in the parade to allow buses to pass every few minutes. Southbound buses used the more traditional diversion route of Tara Street, Beresford Place and Gardiner Street, then Parnell Street to Parnell Square. Other routes such as the 38 and 120 terminated on Mountjoy Square.
Summerhill's SG598 is seen operating a diverted Route 123 on Lower Gardiner Street about to turn right onto Talbot Street on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).
Phibsboro's VT38 is seen operating a short Route 38 at the Route 7 terminus on Mountjoy Square North which it shared temporarily during the Pride Parade on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).
Phibsboro's PA151 is seen operating a diverted Route 122 on Beresford Place on the 25th June 2022 (click on photo for larger version).