In May Ireland became the first country to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote, essentially hanging out a global, rainbow-hued “You’re welcome” sign. (Irish poet Oscar Wilde, persecuted for being gay, would be surprised to say the least.) Shortly after Ireland’s landmark vote, Tourism Ireland launched a website for LGBT visitors and released a video inviting the world to visit the clearly welcoming country.

ManAboutWorld will be visiting Ireland in early fall. Be sure to check out the magazine  later in the year for our article, but if you’re itching to get going now, here are our top recommendations for enjoying gay-friendly Ireland this year and next.

1. The Outing: If you’re single but want to change that, we have the perfect event! The 3rd annual matchmaking-oriented Outing (taking lace Oct 2-4) is a gay offshoot of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (August 28-October 4) — going strong since the 1850s. This year not only can you meet someone there, you should be able to get married too! Though we advise waiting to get to know your new Irish honey a little bit first. That’s the famous Panti Bliss to the right.

2. Vagabond Tours: This gay-friendly tour company specializes in local experiences, offering small motor coach groups and 4×4 active vacations.

3. Brendan Vacations: Back in 2003, the very first gay tours of Ireland  were operated for RSVP Vacations by Brendan, the leader in luxury vacations to Ireland. They offer four different styles of vacations, including chauffeured- and self-drive options.

4. Rail Tours Ireland: Rail Tours Ireland offers train-based journeys from two to nine days. It’s easier and more social and picturesque than renting a car plus you will see some really off-the-beaten-path parts of Ireland.

5. Belmond Grand Hibernian Train Journey: Speaking of trains, if you can wait a year, Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express) will offer a new train journey in Ireland in 2016. This will give you and your husband to be the time to plan the daddy of all honeymoons in the wold’s most gay-welcoming destination.

A passionate traveler, Ed Salvato is co-founder and editor in chief of ManAboutWorld magazine, the number-one gay travel magazine for tablet and smart phones. With over 15 years experience, Ed is considered one of the world’s leading gay travel experts. Click here for a free three-month subscription to the magazine.

Photos: Top: Oscar Wilde sculpture in Merrion Square Park, Dublin by Amy Barr; Middle-right: Courtesy of The Outing; Above: Courtesy of Belmond.