Max HeyraudWe shine a spotlight on the positive side of Irish club culture.
From the rise of DIY parties and the resurgence of underground raves to a new wave of gender diversity and a sense of collective power, there’s a lot to be hopeful about. Across the country, local talent is taking center stage, driving the scene forward and pushing boundaries on both a national and global scale. As Ireland’s music scene continues to evolve, there’s an undeniable energy in the air that feels fresh, inclusive, and more connected than ever before. Here’s a look at the five key things to be positive about as we move into 2025 and beyond.
DIY Parties and Raves are on the rise
Across Ireland, DIY parties and raves are making a big comeback, with crews hauling their sound systems into forests, warehouses, and forgotten corners to create something real and community-driven. Whether it’s late-night afters, secret locations, or collectives turning unused spaces into dancefloors, this movement is fuelled by passion, not profit, and it’s building a scene that feels genuinely sustainable.
Collaboration Is Back in a Big Way
There’s a real sense of togetherness brewing across the Irish scene, with artists, crews, and communities linking up more than ever. Whether it’s co-renting studios, making music together, or merging forces to throw parties that blend scenes and crowds, the post-COVID generation is finding its rhythm. The days of isolation are giving way to shared spaces and shared visions. Crews are pooling resources to build their microsomes of scenes from the ground up.
Gender Diversity Within the Club Scene is Healthier Than Ever
While there’s still plenty of ground to cover in making the Irish scene truly inclusive, 2025 feels like a genuine turning point. Since the pandemic, there’s been real momentum toward diverse and representative lineups, with promoters actively booking across the gender spectrum and pushing past the old boys’ club mentality. Collectives led by women, non-binary, and queer artists are not just participating—they’re leading, curating nights with fresh sounds, new energy, and a wider perspective on what club culture can be. The result? A scene that’s richer, more vibrant, and more exciting than it’s been in years.
Local Parties Are Thriving
There’s a real buzz right now around people showing up for the party, not just the names on the flyer. Smaller, intimate parties built around local talent are carving out serious space, proving you don’t need an international headliner to pack a dancefloor. It’s been a slow shift, but more dancers are buying into the party itself—the atmosphere, the community, the sound—rather than chasing big names. Ireland’s stacked with homegrown talent, and giving them that spotlight is key to building a sustainable, exciting scene.
Ireland’s DJs Are Taking the World by Storm
It might sound cliché, but Irish artists really are having a moment—and it’s bigger than ever. Every weekend, you’ll find homegrown DJs and producers touring across Europe, the US, and beyond, flying the flag high in clubs and festivals worldwide. Their records are landing in stores from Tokyo to Berlin, and here at home, Irish releases are front and center in every decent record shop. From underground stalwarts to chart-topping newcomers, the new wave of Irish talent isn’t just making noise—it’s making a mark on the global stage like never before.
Photo Credits: Karl Magee
