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7 of Ireland's best clubs

Ireland is renowned the world over as a great place to party and their club scene does not disappoint. While there has been a spate of club closures both north and south of the border – most notably Dublin's District 8 – the scene remains in good health.  These, in no particular order, are seven of our favourite dancefloors in Ireland and Northern Ireland...

1
THE LIMELIGHT, BELFAST

The iconic Limelight complex has brought some of the world's biggest artists to Northern Ireland. From Jeff Buckley to Primal Scream and Oasis, the venue is steeped in history. Limelight Two is the original venue, but electronic music fans will be more familiar with Limelight One. The new addition - added to the complex 2012 - has a state of the art sound and lighting system that has hosted South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou and tech house hero Kettama in recent months. Meanwhile Belfast's fans are eagerly awaiting visits from Hot Chip and Abode's Michael Bibi.

2
INDEX, DUBLIN

Located in Dublin’s Aaron Quay, Index is a 500 capacity club space popular with the city's house and techno fans. Leading artists including Detroit techno pioneer Juan Atkins, Move D and current DJ Mag Croatia coverstar Eats Everything have worked Index's Void sound system to the maximum over the last few months. While Overmono and DJ Haus are upcoming.

3
YAMAOURI TENGU, DUBLIN

Yamouri Tengu is fast becoming one of the most important underground clubs in Dublin. The intimate space – with room for just 250 moving bodies – has hosted Tom Trago and Levon Vincent recently, while Deetron is upcoming. 

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4
THE PALM HOUSE, BELFAST

Now almost two years old, Belfast's Palm House prides itself as a meeting point for the city's creative communities. The event space, located on Bankmore Square – an area of the city under development – hosts a combination of live and electronic music, with a focus on avant-garde and underground sounds. Randomer and Eclair Fifi are two of the artists due to visit the space soon. While AVA festival will host a Pride Block party next month.

5
WIGWAM, DUBLIN

On the site of the legendary former Dublin nightspot Twisted Pepper, lies a hybrid venue called Wigwam. It's a bar and restaurant by day, but after-dark the Pantry – with it's red drapes, low lighting and Void sound system – comes alive to the sound of some of the world's leading underground artists. Palms Trax is a forthcoming highlight, as are Glasgow party-starters Optimo.

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6
PYGMALION, DUBLIN

Pygmalion's intimate basement within the Powerscourt complex is  primarily an incubator for local talent, but the wider Powerscourt space is opened up for large events, which have recently brought Ross From Friends, Nightmares on Wax and Eclair Fifi to the city.

7
ELECTRIC, GALWAY

Electric is a repurposed ballroom space that is brimming with character. The 1,200 capacity club attracts Galway's electro fans with bookings like Felix Da Housecat and 2manyDJs. Local hero Sunil Sharp is up soon, as is Boys Noize.