With the help of Tonie Walsh, I have compiled a list of some great moments in Irish clubbing.

The Opening of Flikkers at the Hirschfield Centre, 1979

Flikkers opened its doors against the backdrop of a hostile environment for Ireland’s LGBT community. It opened at the peak of disco and began to take on influences from the emerging techno scene in Europe as the 80’s rolled on.

The opening of Sides Danceclub, St. Brigid’s Day 1986.

Kerryman John Nolan changed the landscape of Dublin clubbing when he opened Sides. Hugely inspired by the US club and party circuit.

Sweat at Sir Henry’s, Cork, November 1988 – 2003

Founded by Greg Dowling and Shane Johnston (Fish Go Deep). Sweat earned the reputation as one of Europes best House parties.

Southern Soul Disco Weekenders, Cork, c. 1998-1999.

This festival was critically acclaimed and widely respected in Ireland and the UK.

Elevator at the Ormond Multimedia Centre, 1993-1994.

Elevator was a collaboration between Derek Bruton, Tonie Walsh, HOT, the design team at X Communications and music industry entrepreneur Paddy Dunning. Ahead of its time in terms of size, production and general madness!

The opening of PoD., Spring 1993.

Brainchild of John Reynolds. The PoD was arguably Dublin’s first world class nightclub. It won several awards and it was at the center of Dublin clubbing for 19 years.

Homelands, Mosney, 1999.

Ireland’s first dance music festival provided stages for Techno, Drum & Bass, House, Trance and other contemporary styles. Featured Orbital and Pete Tong.

Sugar Sweet at the Arts College, Belfast. Early 90s.

Founded by David Holmes, Sugar Sweet was crucial in Belfasts early club scene. Orbital wrote the track “Belfast” after performing there.

Apocalypse Now Launch Party, Button Factory, 27.01.2012

Apocalypse Now was a series of parties counting down to the end of the Mayan Calendar. Jeff Mills rattled the foundations of the club on opening night.

Originally published in Hot Press Magazine, March 2015