Photo by Maor Attias
This article is based on reporting from Mixmag.
In 2000, Ireland had 522 nightclubs. Today, only 83 remain, marking an 84% decline in venues and a dramatic shift in the country’s nightlife landscape.
This drop is highlighted in a new report by Give Us The Night, the first major study on Irish club culture in over 15 years. The findings point to outdated licensing laws and economic pressure as key factors in the industry’s decline, where once-vibrant venues are steadily disappearing.
At the center of the issue is the 1995 Public Dance Halls Act, described by Give Us The Night as “outdated” and rooted in a “conservative, anti-youth sentiment.” The law still shapes today’s restrictions. While cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam allow round-the-clock operations, clubs in Dublin must close by 2:30 AM. As a result, nightclubs now account for just 0.6% of the 14,085 active liquor licenses across the country.
Efforts at reform have stalled. A bill introduced in 2022 to extend weekend hours to 6:30 AM remains in limbo. Even if passed, Ireland would still have the earliest club curfew in Western Europe.
Despite the challenges, public support for nightlife remains strong. The study found that 90% of respondents see clubs as safe, inclusive spaces, especially for minority and LGBTQ+ communities. The same number believe every community should have access to a local venue.
According to Sunil Sharpe of Give Us The Night, more clubs have opened than closed this year. While the change is small, it signals a potential shift. The report also reveals a lasting affection for club culture, with 81% of people calling it “timeless.” Sharpe reflects on this longevity: “Nightclubs are 60 years old in Ireland… the fact they still matter to younger and older generations means a lot.”
His final question lingers: “What will club music be, without clubs?”
