Give Us The Night: In-depth survey highlights Ireland’s nightlife decline

Give Us The Night, co-founded by DJ Sunil Sharpe and Ciara Power, has published The Rhythm of The Night, a report on Ireland’s nightclub industry and dance culture. It documents a steep decline in nightclubs—from 522 in 2000 to just 82 in January 2025.

The report finds that 71% believe Irish nightclubs can’t survive under current conditions. Contributing factors include 2.30 AM closing time—the earliest in the EU—and the high cost of Special Exemption Orders, which average over €21,000 annually plus legal fees.

A proposal to extend closing times to 6 AM was introduced in 2022 but has since stalled and removed from recent legislative agendas despite being included in the Programme for Government.

The report shows strong public support for reform, with 84% agreeing that flexible licensing could improve the sector’s viability and community value. Recommendations include VAT freezes on dance events, restoring noise mitigation grants, better transport and bike infrastructure, expanded drug-testing and more non-alcoholic options.

To raise awareness, Give Us The Night is holding public talks under the “Where Is The Night?” banner across Ireland. These events aim to push for licensing reform, the repeal of outdated dance laws and increased support for cultural venues.

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Word Credit:TomNova/Image Credit:giveusthenight