Meet Eamon Bishop, Mr. Bear Ireland 2025

Bear Féile, hosted by the Dublin Bears was a smashing success this year, as always. Held from March 20 to 23, bears from the world over gathered in the Irish capital for a weekend of fun, frolic and fur. Of course with every Bear Féile, there comes with it a new Mr. Bear Ireland and we have the 2025 winner Eamon Bishop, with us to discuss the wonders of the Irish bear scene, Bear Féile, and his goals as titleholder this year.

JH: What drew you to the bear community?

EB: The sense of camaraderie and acceptance. The bear scene embraces a broader definition of masculinity and attraction—it’s about confidence, kindness, and celebrating ourselves as we are. The first time I walked into a bear event, I felt that warmth, and I knew I had found my people.

JH: Tell us about your local bear scene and some of your favorite places or organizations whose events you enjoy.

EB: The Irish bear scene is vibrant and welcoming. The Bear scene has been steadily growing over several decades. As with many gay communities there has been highs and lows that help shape who we are today. Decriminalisation in 1993, marriage equality legislation by popular vote in 2015 and other federal Queer (LGBTQIA+) have made the Republic of Ireland one of the most progressive countries in Europe and the world. However, some issues still need to be improved upon for the trans & gender fluid members of our community. 

We’ve had various groups, clubs and bars over the years. Some of them are still with us today. The George Bar & Night Club, the oldest Gay Bar in Dublin, Panti Bar, Street 66, Pennylane and DV8 have all added their unique style over the last few years. There has always been an informal Bear scene in Dublin with the George Bar being a central hub for mature men & Bears. 

Over the last few decades groups like L.U.B.E – Leather,Uniform, Bear, Encounter, The Furry Glen, Men of The North, and BuBu have helped shape the Bear scene. However, the Dublin Bears have succeeded at establishing a more visible Bear community here along with bear identity. They are a community based, not for profit club run by a dedicated group of volunteers. They just celebrated their 15th anniversary. They host various club nights during the year ….Glitter Bear, Bear Pride and the largest Bear Party in Ireland the Bear Féile Weekend.

JH: Tell us about this year’s Bear Féile – what were some highlights?

EB: Bear Féile is now well established on the European and International Bear Calendar. Féile is Irish for party or festival and the Bears in Ireland know how to party! The Bear Féile Weekend has a unique Irish flavour and a big Céad Míle Fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes – hosting Bears from Ireland , Europe and the World.

It kicks off with a welcome party on the Thursday in Pennylane & The George Bar. Friday afternoon is the Irish Céilí in Street 66 where locals and visitors get to dance to some traditional Irish music. Later that night there is Glitter Bear Disco at DV8. It’s where the Bears can get their shirts off and harnesses on, allowing a bit more skin on skin sweaty hugs. 

Saturday afternoon there is the Bear Music Bingo in Panti Bar  hosted by the Leathermen of Ireland. Later that night is the Big Bear Party & Mr Bear Ireland competition in The Button Factory which is hosted by the world famous Ms Panti Bliss. 

Sunday they have the Bear Bus Tour sponsored by Dublin Bus and Bear Sauna sponsored by The Boilerhouse. Sunday night is the closing party at the famous Drag Sunday Bingo in The George Bar hosted by Shirley Temple Bar. It’s a fantastic weekend with something for everyone which makes it hard to pick one highlight. But I guess on a personal note getting selected to be Mr Bear Ireland is definitely one of my proudest moments.

JH: Speaking of which, what makes you unique, and why do you think you won the competition?

EB: I think it comes down to authenticity. I’ve lived a full life, I’m confident in who I am, and I love connecting with people. I’ve always believed that being a bear is about more than just looks—it’s about presence, warmth, and community spirit. Maybe that’s what the judges and the crowd saw in me.

JH: You are a gorgeous daddy bear. What has your experience been in our community as a man of a certain age?

EB: Thank you John I take that as a huge compliment! Honestly, aging in the bear community has been empowering. There’s a respect for experience, confidence, and sex appeal that doesn’t fade with time. That said, ageism can still creep in, even in our own spaces, but I think we’re shifting toward celebrating mature men in a big way.

JH: Tell us one thing you love about the bear community and one thing you’d like to see improved upon.

EB: I love the inclusivity. It’s one of the few spaces where different body types, backgrounds, and ages all mix so well. If I could improve one thing, it would be making sure that we continue to be as welcoming as we claim to be. Sometimes cliques form, or certain body types get more attention, and we need to keep that in check. One area we need to improve is being more welcoming to our TransBear brothers. They are part of our tribe, and we should embrace them with the same open arms that make this community so special.

JH: Anything else you’d like to mention?

EB: Just a massive thank you to Dublin Bears and everyone who has supported me. Being Mr. Bear Ireland 2025 is an honor, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I will be hitting the ground running to help promote and increase the viability of Dublin Bears and our Bear Community. I am also looking to connect with other groups and events. My first official event was supporting the launch of the international Dublin Gay Theatre Festival on April 3rd. After that I went to BuBu on Friday to mix with the Bears north of the border and connect with Mr Belfast Bear. 

So if you see me at an event, come say hi—I love meeting new people.” 

I am also committed to working with the Dublin Bears committee to help develop our club nights in DV8. We are in the process of rebranding it as FUR, a club night for Hairy Bears to Smooth Guys. Plus we have already launched early bird tickets for Bear Féile 26!

Keep up with Eamon Bishop, Mr. Bear Ireland 2025, and all his adventures by following him on Instagram @Irishbish