Max HeyraudWe shine a spotlight on five crews making their hometowns tick, from Waterford to Dublin, Galway to Belfast, with each putting their own stamp on club culture in their city.
Sometimes it feels like Irish club culture is punching well above its weight. A deep pool of talented artists, dedicated promoters, and tight-knit DIY communities keeps the momentum going and dance music culture alive across the country. These are a few of the collectives going above and beyond in their hometowns.
Enigma, Waterford
Waterford-based party Enigma have long been pushing the envelope with their brute-force brand of techno. While rooted in techno, their sound often veers into hardcore and near-gabber territories, while still making space for more classic styles. One thing remains constant: a strong devotion to supporting local talent.
Whether through showcasing their residents or booking rising names like Victor Krum, Sonia, and Sophie Reid, Enigma keeps the focus on the community. Their home at Electric Avenue is fully transformed for each event, complete with industry-standard lighting, visuals, and sound, with DJs playing from inside a cage. They always put the party first, and it shows.
Hot Boxx, Dublin
Hot Boxx follows a similar format to Enigma, delivering high-energy techno parties that range from nosebleed sounds from RAMKKA to deep drum and bass from Panda Drey. Run by the Electronic Party Ireland crew, the night is an offshoot from their usual rave offerings, and you can feel the difference.
The setup is raw but high-production. The booth is placed in a full 360-degree layout, echoing festival-style stages seen across Europe, complete with a cage surrounding the DJ. It is one of those parties that grabs you the second you step past the door and does not let go.
Deep Sea Dweller, Galway
Galway’s Deep Sea Dweller are the front-running electro party across Ireland. The name is an ode to Drexciya, and the bookings and parties live up to that legacy with clear intent. They have been bringing electro’s elite to Galway for some time now, with guests like Dopplereffekt and Plant43 playing just last week, alongside past bookings including Anthony Rother, Kerrie, and IMOGEN.
Their residents are among the most technically sharp DJs on the island, and the crew are true tastemakers in every sense. Through consistently sharp curation and a deep commitment to the sound, Deep Sea Dweller continues to push the electro agenda with purpose.
OCD, Belfast
By this point, OCD have probably earned veteran status in Belfast. Over the years, they’ve made it their mission to touch every corner of the dance music spectrum. From recent outings with Hardline boss and UKG contemporary DJ Cosworth, to Irish house and disco royalty Boots & Kats, and even a curveball booking with The Vengaboys, OCD has never been about sticking to one sound.
Their ethos? Run mad parties with even madder acts for particularly mad crowds, and so far, it’s worked. Just a few months ago, they marked eight years of throwing events with a celebration at Ulster Sports Club, no small feat for a crew that’s danced through nearly every venue in Belfast. And with their no-fucks-given approach, we don’t think they’re slowing down anytime soon.
INSTINCT SOCIETY, Dublin
“INCLUSIVE PARTIES ONLY” reads INSTINCT SOCIETY’s Instagram bio, and it perfectly reflects the ethos their parties embody. This is a crew passionate about sharing their love for the high-octane, sometimes near chaotic, but always bass-fuelled corners of club music.
Their bookings, from 4am Kru to Dylan Fogarty, High Fidelity and more, show a party deeply rooted in the trenches of this sound. But more than just selectors and ravers, they pride themselves on carving out parties for the people. Whether it’s International Women’s Day events, Palestine fundraisers, or parties raising money for the Small Trans Library, they are harnessing rave for the greater good.
That ethos creates a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, free from the snobbery or cliques that can sometimes be attached to club culture.
