Max HeyraudWe asked and you delivered. We select the top Irish club shows of the past 12 months as picked by our readers.
2023 has been an absolute juggernaut of a year for Irish dance music. While some venues have come and gone and others have opened up shop, Irish dancefloors have remained bustling and high-spirited throughout the year.
Shout out to all the promoters who’ve had massive years, putting on club shows across the country and keeping our scene active and buzzing from January through to December. Promoters such as Reboot, Bumble, Research, Subject, Hidden Love, Sense, Kriptik, Rathaus, Deep Sea Dweller, Influence, Human Error, Slither, Club Economy, NSFW, Omni and more have significantly contributed to a hugely successful year for Irish club culture.
Check out the best Irish club shows from last year, as chosen by our readers.
Research & Subject Present Dax J B2B Chlär, Stef Mendesidis & Ayolxi at Index
Quite possibly the biggest and baddest techno lineup of the whole year. This was a masterclass from start to finish.
Here&Now and Illicit Present: Chase & Status at Here&Now Club
The legendary Chase & Status sold out Here&Now with a D&B showcase for the ages. A packed-out two-room showcase with drum and bass is a rarity in Dublin, but the wait was worth it.
The Lounge & Shed Residents Present: MCR-T at The Grand Social
The infamous Berlin-based DJ and live performer, MCR-T made his Irish debut back in March for Dublin promoters The Lounge & Shed Residents, and as you can image this was booty-shaking heaven.
Schmutz Presents: Daniel Avery at Ulster Sports Club
Schmutz brought electronic music titan Daniel Avery to Ulster Sports Club for a sold-out show of forward-facing techno. This was a sweaty night at Belfast’s favourite techno haunt.
Index & Influence Present: Cera Khin, Carv & Alt8 at Index
It’s been a big year for hard techno and Influence have front-runners of the Irish scene. This triple threat of bone-shattering techno was always going to be a knockout and that it was.
Divergence Presents: Shee at Laverys
Shee has had a whirlwinded 2023, that’s seen him playing across Europe, America and Ireland. Earlier this month he touched down in Belfast for a wild ride through his expansive collection of synth-heavy house cuts… bliss.
Hidden Love Present: Tafkamp at Wigwam
What can be said about Taffie that hasn’t been said before, is arguably one of the best DJs on the planet with a vast knowledge of all things techno and house. The Self Reflextion boss played an impromptu B2B with Wicklow’s own DJ Frequency, this was nothing short of legendary.
Ar Ais Arís Presents: Sully & EMA at Áras na nGael
Bass heavy sounds shook Galway institution Áras na nGael in March as UK don Sully and Woozy boss EMA played for Rob Rua’s Ar Ais Arís party. Bellowing low-end on Rise Up Soundsystem, yes, please.
Index Presents: Sasha & Digweed at Index
A third entry for Index, and it goes as no surprise that the UK seminal duo of Sasha and John Digweed make the list. Sasha or John play Ireland most years, they’re practically royalty and for good reason. This was a session with two absolute professionals.
