Dublin’s nightlife is fueled by its people, as they strive for a better city. Louise Bruton explains how the city’s music venues have deeply influenced her life.
Walking through Dublin, memories come alive. Despite evolving landscapes, music and art remain the essence of this city, with every street echoing past experiences. Even on a calm midweek morning, cobbled alleys resonate with the anticipation of a much-anticipated gig, while empty smoking areas are stirred by post-show discussions.
From sneaking into underground shows and unearthing dance music in repurposed train stations, my life has been intricately woven with the fabric of Dublin’s nightlife. Venues may rise and fall rapidly, but over the decades, Dublin’s creative and musical ecosystem has consistently battled against developers vying for its unique spaces. Abiding economic downturns, lockdowns, and the ceaseless tide of gentrification, some venues transform, while others fade away. Yet, the spirit of creativity endures.
Less Trad, More Global: The Evolution of Irish Music
Dublin’s musical panorama is thriving like never before. Once dominated by singer-songwriters, it now boasts a rich tapestry of genres, genders, and backgrounds. Irish pop artists have diversified; the scene now includes comedic talents like CMAT, emotional storytellers like Saint Sister, and smooth sounds like Soulé. Folk music emerges victoriously with Lankum, Lisa O’Neill, and Lisa Hannigan leading the way, while the hip-hop scene flourishes with Jafaris, Kojaque, and JYellowL proudly showcasing their unique styles and local accents.
Rock acts such as the Pillow Queens, Fontaines D.C, and the experimental Gilla Band are complemented by a burgeoning electronic community, featuring talents like Krystal Klear, R.kitt, Kormac, Eliza, Maria Somerville, and sohotsospicy. However, the frequent venue closures within the city challenge our ability to experience these performances live.
A Legacy of Iconic Music Venues
Every city mourns the loss of beloved music venues, and Dublin is certainly no exception. The Adelphi Cinema hosted The Beatles’ only Dublin performance in 1963, now replaced by a department store’s parking lot. The Top Hat Ballroom once charged £8 for a double bill featuring Sonic Youth and Nirvana in 1991, but now exists only in memory as apartments rise in its place.
Landmarks such as The Baggot Inn, once home to U2’s live residency, have transformed into a Mexican-themed eatery, while the storied Countdown Club, where Thin Lizzy members initially bonded, is now a takeaway restaurant, leaving many music aficionados bewildered.
Amidst the decay of some venues, the latest wave of cultural destruction sees valuable establishments being replaced by modern developments.
In 2012, the vibrant space housing Tripod, Chocolate Bar, and Crawdaddy was transformed into a retail and restaurant complex, which remains largely unoccupied. Set in an old red brick train station, it opened its doors in 1993, welcoming acts like LCD Soundsystem, Janelle Monáe, Wu-Tang Clan, Ladytron, and many more.
Similarly, the Tivoli Theatre, located in the heart of the historic Liberties area, was renowned for hosting young DJs and dance music enthusiasts. It became a key rock venue in the 1990s, featuring Oasis’s first Irish gig in 1994, before transitioning to a techno hub, only to be demolished in 2019 for modern apartments.
The Vibrant Scene of Camden and Wexford Streets
Despite challenges, the Camden and Wexford Street strip is alive every night. Each niche community gathers to drink, eat, and dance; from suits to sports fans, and indie enthusiasts to students, everyone finds their corner. Whelan’s has been a staple for over 70 years, a cherished venue for both established and emerging artists seeking intimate performances. Across the street, Anseo thrives with an eclectic soundtrack provided by DJs spinning ska, punk, folk, and soul.
While cherished venues hold a special place, innovative spaces are emerging. Street 66, an LGBTQ+ venue, shines with its unique blend of music and performances, while Mother offers a vibrant disco atmosphere every Saturday in Grafton Street’s Lost Lane. Closer to the River Liffey, 39/40 hosts underground club nights, and the backroom of the Asian restaurant Yamamori features Tengu’s specialist nights dedicated to techno, hip-hop, and R&B.
Fueled by a longing for vibrant nightlife, unique venues have become the hub of after-hours fun. Hang Dai, a Chinese restaurant, morphs into a dance haven at 11 PM, featuring a lineup of eclectic DJs. This fusion of quality food and sensational music sets a different kind of ambience.
Bodytonic runs both the Bernard Shaw, now in Phibsboro, and Wigwam, a venue renowned for its culinary delights and lively DJ sessions. Outdoor spaces accumulate crowds, inviting people to dance and relish good company.
On Meath Street, Lucky’s combines traditional pub vibes with woodfire pizza and specialty techno, while L’Gueleton brings Aperol Spritz and R&B tunes to life until the early hours.
Preserving Dublin’s Nightlife Culture
Dublin’s nightlife may be fluid, but it thrives through community engagement and shared experiences. The independent volunteer group Give Us the Night passionately advocates for positive change in the city’s nightlife landscape. Their efforts include the push for a night mayor and staggered closing times to enhance the overall community atmosphere.
The grassroots effort to save Dublin’s traditional music venue, The Cobblestone, exemplifies resilient community spirit. In 2021, a proposal for a hotel above this cherished pub sparked an impassioned response, leading to protest marches and a successful campaign to deny the developers’ permission.
Now, as I walk these streets, fresh memories mingle with the old. Art galleries double as vibrant venues for spontaneous gigs, museums converse through echoes of unique festivals, and restaurants pulse with life beyond dinner time. The spirit of celebration prevails; I recollect an unforgettable event held in a butcher shop and marvel at organizers who transform everyday spaces into extraordinary party venues. These streets hum with pride and resilience, and I hope we always keep this vibrant voice alive.
Ultimately, every structure in Dublin tells a story. When stories of remarkable nights and exceptional performances emerge, they transform places into cherished memories. Dublin’s nightlife is deeply rooted in the people who nurture it, each filled with the tenacity to improve their beloved city. While we search for good times, we trust they will soon uncover us once more.
Delving Into Dublin’s Musical Legacy
by Fionán McGrath
Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum: Located in the Button Factory, this unique venue holds a treasure trove of memorabilia, featuring vintage recording equipment, instruments, and artifacts from artists like Phil Lynott. Experience the magic by playing instruments in the recording studio.
Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Music & Whiskey Tour: This engaging 2.5-hour walking tour explores Dublin’s rich musical history combined with whiskey tasting, allowing attendees to visit significant landmarks associated with legendary artists such as Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher.
