Max HeyraudWe shine a spotlight on five crews making their mark from Belfast to Cork, Galway to Limerick, and Dublin in between, each one carving out a space for their sound and community, and keeping the spirit of the underground alive in their own way.
Ireland’s club culture has long thrived on the edges, propelled by passionate promoters, ardent dancers, and a belief in the power of the party. Across the island, these five collectives are doing greater than simply hosting parties; they’re building scenes, resisting conventions, and proving that the dancefloor is still essential.
Crilli DnB – Belfast
Crilli are legends of the Belfast underground. One of the city’s longest-running parties, they’ve been holding it down for over 19 years, bringing seminal figures like Goldie and dBridge to the North of Ireland and cultivating a DnB scene that often gets overlooked in the wider dance music conversation. Crilli have built a loyal community and a legacy, solidifying their status as true icons of Belfast nightlife.
Rave Culture – Galway
Few do it like Rave Culture in Galway. Eclectic by design and rooted in a pure party ethos, this crew moves across venues with a dedicated following ready to dance to anything—techno, electro, house, DnB, and more. What sets them apart is their ability to create a space where various cultures, sounds, and life experiences collide. It’s raw, it’s joyful, it’s nearly old-school in spirit. At the heart of it all: community.
RIØT – Limerick
RIØT have become a powerhouse in Limerick’s club circuit. Known for their regular events and sharp visual identity, they prioritise immersive production—360° DJ booths and dynamic lighting that pulls you deep into the experience. Their crowd is loyal, following them across both RIØT’s harder-edged techno events and their sister party GRÜVMENT, which leans into classic techno sounds. From Victor Krum to Keyrah and Cult, RIØT is the future of Limerick’s club scene.
(𝗔𝗥𝗧)𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 – Dublin
One of the most exciting new parties in Dublin’s competitive club scene, (𝗔𝗥𝗧)𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 has quickly made its mark. Rooted in classic house and techno, but never strictly bound to it, they’ve championed both emerging Irish talents like Kjinn and Rían and revered names like DJ Stingray, Jeremy Sylvester, and Mark Broom. With a young, curious crowd and a commitment to bridging the past and future of club culture, they’re shaping up to be a vital presence in Dublin nightlife.
MACHINA – Cork
“Weird music for weird people in Cork.” MACHINA lives by this motto. Curated by Hope of Dali, this party is a beacon for the countercultural, the queer, the underground. It’s sex-positive, inclusive, and fiercely protective of safe spaces—more than just a night out, MACHINA is about creating a home for those who need one. With a focus on non-conformity, community, and the liberating power of the dancefloor, this is Cork’s most vital and uncompromising party.
