Cara McHugh explores the evolution of Irish nightlife, from deep-rooted traditions to its modern-day scene.
Nightlife has played a significant role in Irish culture for centuries. Many might be familiar with the Irish céilís, which have served as a prominent form of dance and arts culture since the 1500s. During that period, these gatherings featured traditional Irish dances such as reels or jigs, performed both solo or in groups. As Penal laws were introduced in the late 17th century, these gatherings were suppressed, as all vestiges of Irish culture were to be eradicated under English rule. This resulted in a decline of both the Irish language and Irish traditions. Céilí dances were held in secret during the Penal Laws era, embodying an escape from the shackles of strict English rule, giving Irish people the chance to be entertained and immerse themselves in their true culture. In the late nineteenth century, Conradh na Gaeilge was established. This organisation, alongside Ireland’s first president Douglas Hyde, initiated the de-Anglicisation of Ireland, determined to revive Irish culture and language. The Irish céilí emerged stronger than ever, reclaiming an Irish identity detached from English influence.
it's clear to see a contemporary revival of Irish values and a craving for national identity to be cherished and honoured.
Céilí dances involved set dancing to live Irish traditional music, playing a variation of reels and jigs. The events not only carried a musical rhythm but also a structured physical rhythm, as boys were instructed to be on one side of the venue in a line and girls on the other. They then bridged the gap by choosing partners to dance with for the night. These events were largely successful as they served as a joyous place to mingle with new people and relish live entertainment. These values and aspects are still reflected in modern day Irish nightlife, though perhaps not so structurally as the dancing formation gap has been bridged - if not squashed for a better word - as we can see from Coppers nightclub on a Saturday night.
Nonetheless, it's clear to see a contemporary revival of Irish values and a craving for national identity to be cherished and honoured. We can see this through the resurgence of the Irish language, with bands such as Kneecap incorporating the language into their modern rap tunes and inspiring others to connect with it. Traditional Irish music has also received considerable attention, as people are opting for a trad session night out over a nightclub.
An increasing number of places in Dublin city are offering a ‘trad night’ with live traditional Irish music. Devitts Bar on Camden Street has live trad music every night from 6:30pm, though you may not be able to stretch the legs for a jig as the place always seems to be wedged! O’Donoghues just off St.Stephens green is also a gem, with a vast beer garden to soak up the April rays, listening to jigs with a famously-poured Guinness in hand. Other notable names to look at are Piper’s Corner and the Cobblestone pub, which also celebrate authentic Irish traditions. From secret céilís under Penal Laws to the bustling trad sessions of today, Irish nightlife has always been a space for cultural expression and connection. While the structures may have changed, the spirit remains the same - alive, evolving, and proudly Irish!