Perfect Day: Omar Sharif Jr.'s Dublin

You may recognize Omar Sharif Jr. as the grandson of the late Doctor Zhivago himself, but the Egyptian actor has made an impression all on his own. Since publishing a coming out letter in The Advocate, Sharif has fearlessly supported the LGBT community. This past July he was interviewed on the Arabic news program Shabab Talk, a segment that was hailed by viewers as the first time many people in the Arab world heard directly from a gay person. Now Sharif turns our attention overseas once again, but this time to Dublin, where he has wrapped filming Jim Sheridan’s The Secret Scripture (alongside heartthrobs Eric Bana and Theo James) to be released later this year. “It’s always been one of my favorite cities,” says Sharif, “and these are some of my favorite places to see, be seen, and drink whiskey.”

Photo: Rob Durston/Fáilte Ireland

Phoenix Park

It is one of the largest city parks in the world and a wonderful way to spend a sunny day. It houses the Presidential Palace, the Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle, and memorial gardens. I like to walk around, or even pack a picnic to share with a cute Irish boy. Dublin 8; PhoenixPark.ie

Photo: Brian Morrison

The Irish Whiskey Museum

This place is a must-see for whiskey fans visiting the country that invented the poison. So are the Guinness and Jameson factory tours. I did all three back-to-back-to-back…and then I forget what happened. 119 Grafton St.; IrishWhiskeyMuseum.ie

Photo: Rob Durston/Fáilte Ireland

Trinity College Library

Trinity College houses the largest and most comprehensive library in Ireland. And, I mean, there are certainly worse ways to pick up gents than trolling college libraries. 2 College Green; TCD.ie/Library

Photo: Dublin Regional Tourism Authority

Kilmainham Gaol

An old Victorian jail preserved and open for tours, this spot brings creepy to a new level. Many Irish Revolutionaries called this place home in the early 20th century. If history is your thing, go here! Inchicore Rd.; HeritageIreland.ie/en/KilmainhamGaol

Photo courtesy of Fallon & Byrne

Fallon & Byrne

If you're feeling gluttonous, I recommend Fallon & Byrne. It's more than a restaurant, it's a Dublin institution with amazing food and wine—certainly worth a visit. Remember the Three B's: Bread, butter, and beef, all dietary staples of Ireland. (Wait, is butter a carb?) 11-17 Exchequer St.; FallonandByrne.com

Photo: James McDonald

Panti Bar

The lush in me suggests Panti Bar, also a Dublin staple and a fun gay bar owned by the world famous LGBT activist and drag queen, Panti. 7 1, 8 Capel St.; PantiBar.com

Photo courtesy of The Front Lounge

The Front Lounge

This joint actually became a gay bar by accident when another watering hole a few doors down closed. Legend has it the drunk gays then stumbled up a few doors and The Front Lounge became a queer destination unwittingly. The Irish gays are nothing if not resourceful—and great storytellers.  34 Parliament St.; TheFrontLounge.ie