Max HeyraudWe’re into the second week of 2025 so it’s time for our obligatory Ins & outs for Irish club culture over the next 12 months. What did we miss?
2025 holds plenty of challenges for club culture worldwide, with some outdated trends and laws affecting Ireland specifically. Globally, we’re seeing clubs close at a rapid rate, with Germany and the UK feeling the impact over the last two years, while Ireland has been losing clubs for the past decade. The commercialisation of club culture is another issue stifling the scene, which has only become more evident in Ireland in recent years. However, the most pressing issue remains our restrictive closing hours, which we highlight here.
That being said, there’s still plenty to be positive about. We’ve just come out of a hugely successful winter and autumn club season, with a particularly prosperous Christmas calendar of events. Let’s take this energy into 2025 and continue to push for a brighter future for our scene.
In
Paying Local DJs Fairly
DJ fees are skyrocketing, with headliners outpricing small clubs and forcing dance music events into larger venues. Yet, local DJs are still being taken advantage of, often paid the same—or less—than they were years ago. In what other industry could someone work for five years or more and see no meaningful increase in their earnings? It just doesn’t add up.
Day-Parties
We can’t open late in Ireland [yet], so the regular 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. or even 2 a.m. closing times often feel like we’re missing out on a full club experience. The only solution is to open earlier. Day parties naturally help later club shows by creating a better atmosphere, as people have been dancing from earlier in the day. They’re the simplest fix to our restrictive opening hours.
Multi-Genre Parties
In recent years, parties have focused on booking the same sound across the board, but that wasn’t the case when rave culture first emerged in Ireland and worldwide. In the UK during the ’90s, it wasn’t uncommon to hear drum & bass followed by house, then into breaks, techno, and more. This approach gives audiences a better musical education and helps bolster various scenes, not just the ones that are trending at the time.
Inclusive Lineups
Variety is the spice of life, and inclusive lineups that welcome FLINTA, POC, and other marginalised groups ensure our dancefloors reflect the true spirit of club culture. It’s not just the right thing to do—it strengthens the scene. Artists from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences bring fresh influences that enrich the music we listen to and how we engage with club culture as a whole.
Out
45-Minute Sets
An hour is already restrictive enough for a DJ, but 45 minutes barely gives any time to truly express yourself as an artist. While we understand these sets exist due to Ireland’s restrictive opening hours, anything less than an hour shouldn’t be accepted—end of story.
Asking Someone for a Guestlist That You Barely Know
Buying tickets helps support the scene. Clubs are closing, artists are dropping out, and parties are coming to an end—the scene needs your help. Buying a ticket is the best way you can contribute. While guestlists can really help when money is tight, if you can afford a ticket, you really should buy one.
Aggressive Nightclub Security
How often do we hear stories online about aggressive, abusive, and unhelpful nightclub security? From incidents of sexism and racial abuse to the unnecessary use of force, it’s a growing issue. Clubs should be safe spaces for everyone, but if security staff can’t follow the rules, why should patrons be expected to? It’s time for a serious shift in how security is trained and held accountable.
Early Closing Times
Unfortunately, early closing times look like they’re here to stay for now, but we must continue to push for change. Let’s keep making noise and pressure the government and local TDs to set a date for the publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2024 and the repeal of the Public Dance Hall Act 1935. Keep the pressure on.
Photo Credits: Simon Cunningham
