There Are Only 83 Nightclubs Left in Ireland
There Are Only 83 Nightclubs Left in Ireland
Words: Izzy Copestake
The new government needs to be clear finally – is it going to help dance venues or not?
According to new research by Give Us The Night, Ireland now has just 83 regularly active nightclubs. While 2022-2023 offered a glimmer of hope with some reopenings, recent closures have reversed that trend, and even more venues looking like they are on the brink of shutting their doors.
“The new government needs to be clear finally – is it going to help dance venues or not?” asked Give Us The Night via their Instagram post. “From thousands of dancehalls back in the day (some of which the State even paid for) to 83 specialist night-time dance venues (nightclubs) left across the entire country. As Programme For Government details are finalised, we ask all of you to look very closely at the next announcements from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. On one hand you have a party – Fianna Fáil – that has made the most damaging changes (1935, 2000, 2008) to licensing, while on the other hand you have Fine Gael who have made all types of promises but delivered nothing.”
The report highlights a grim reality: even venues that managed to reopen are facing unprecedented pressures, with many teetering on the edge of closure. Rising operational costs, strict licensing laws, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a perfect storm for these establishments. The dwindling number of venues is particularly striking when compared to Ireland’s once-thriving club scene, and the club scene in other European countries such as Germany and The Netherlands.
In their Instagram post, announcing the figures, Give Us The Night highlighted some confusion around the definition of a club and gathering the data. “There is often a lot of masquerading in the late-night industry – is it a late bar, cocktail bar or nightclub? Not every venue is exactly what it says it is, and often oversells what its offering actually is. We understand though, it’s tough out there, and some venues have to at least appear to wear different hats. When we think nightclub though, we think Dance Club.”
The loss of dedicated dance venues isn’t just a nightlife issue, it’s a cultural loss. Nightclubs are essential spaces for music, community, and creativity to thrive, offering a vital outlet for self-expression and connection. Now is the time to demand meaningful government support for nightlife. This means finally addressing outdated licensing laws, reducing barriers for new venues, and protecting existing spaces. Without change, Ireland’s nightclub numbers will only continue to fall, and with them, an essential part of our cultural identity. Let’s not let that happen.
Elsewhere on District: Nightlife Licensing Changes Are Being Postponed Again
