Max HeyraudThe Clockwork Door, one of Dublin’s renowned alternative social spaces, is closing its doors permanently.
The Clockwork Door’s management announced on social media that the venue would close on Monday, June 2nd, earlier this week. Its closure marks the end of an era for Dublin’s social and artistic scene, as the space was known for its distinctive “Time House” model and its commitment to being a sober, welcoming venue.
Over the last nine years, The Clockwork Door has been a hub for non-traditional nightlife, offering board game nights, open mics, storytelling workshops, and sober community activities. As one of Dublin’s few alcohol-free establishments, it carved out an important niche for people looking for connection without the strain of bar culture.
“There’s no single reason for this decision,” the team said. “It’s death by a thousand cuts. Dublin has changed a lot in recent years, and not in ways that favour small, community-driven spaces like ours.”
They cited the rising costs and economic challenges facing independent venues in the city. “Something has to change soon,” they added. “This city is dying, one closure at a time.”
