Northern Ireland’s most iconic bars and nightclubs
Cool FM's Old Skool Weekend has us taking a trip down memory lane…
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Non-stop floor fillers and dance classics from the likes of Ian Van Dahl, N Trance, Basement Jaxx, Love Inc and so many more.
All of this nostalgia got us looking back on some of the forgotten bars and nightclubs across Northern Ireland that are sadly missed.
Let’s journey back to the good old days...
Traks, Portrush
Traks’ handy location, just beside Portrush train station was a huge appeal for university students from all over. Some of the biggest names in dance performed there, such as Tiesto, Darren Styles, Sash and Cascada to name a few. Traks sadly closed its doors a decade ago, in early 2011.
BOX, Belfast
BOX nightclub was the perfect after party spot for performers touring in the arena next door – acts like Rihanna, One Direction and Lady Gaga all visited the iconic BOX VIP area. Rory McIlroy even celebrated his first major win there.
Kelly’s, Portrush
The North Coast venue called time on its infamous ‘Lush’ nightclub earlier this year. Not to worry though, Kelly's management revealed that a new era for the brand is in the pipeline – a world-class, purpose built outdoor entertainment space will be revealed very soon.
Milk/Rain, Belfast
The Tomb Street club underwent a few dramatic makeovers over the years, including names. Rain was perhaps the most memorable for its circular dance floor upstairs and popular themed nights.
Neros, Portstewart
Nights out in Neros included laser lights, podium dancers and vintage nineties anthems.
Earth, Derry/Londonderry
This was one of the city’s most popular nightclubs, last orders were called just a few years ago. Many locals remember nights filled with hardcore dancing, epic music and very sweaty dance floors.
Beach Club, Belfast
Anyone else remember the neon foam parties and outrageous drinks promotions at Beach? The Hawaiian themed décor strangely never felt out of place when you had a VK in hand.
Network Club, Belfast
One of Belfast’s most popular nightclubs in the 1990’s the Network Club played host to some of dance music’s leading lights from Nick Warren to Tall Paul, Jeremy Healy to Dave Seaman.
M Club, Belfast
Chosen as the afterparty venue for the MTV EMA awards back in 2011, Justin Beiber, Rizzle Kicks and Bruno Mars partied at M Club. This spot had such a reputation in its day, with the huge dancefloor, cheap drinks and neon lights.
El Divino, Belfast
With three floors of vibrant colours, different themed décor and insane crowds, you’d feel like you were in Ibiza if it wasn’t for the view across the River Lagan. Hugely popular in its day, you’d find yourself queuing for hours outside, to eventually join a queue at the bar inside too.
Mandela Hall, Belfast
Queens students had something quite special, that not many universities could afford…Mandela Hall was the perfect venue not just for clubbing but for live music and events all year round. Tickets would sell almost instantly for a gig here, perhaps it was the affordable bar that helped.
Coach, Banbridge
Many clubs didn’t survive the Covid-19 pandemic, Coach Nightclub being one. World-class DJ’s like Pete Tong and Nick Romero performed there, but with the growing strain on the industry the venue struggled.
Stiff Kitten, Belfast
Perhaps most remembered for ‘Sketchy Thursday’ university students in Belfast loved this spot. You would hear everything from techno house music to cheesy bangers.
The Boom Boom Room, Belfast
The Boom Boom Room is one of Belfast’s landmark music venues, with an impressive dance hall and floor. Over the years some of the top artists took to the stage, selling out almost every night of the week.
Café Vaudeville, Belfast
Recently taken over by Revolucion de Cuba, Café Vaudeville was a chic spot, for sophisticated day drinking. The cocktails here were lethal!
Bar 7, Belfast
Bar 7 never really took off, it had a very different vibe to Box and Beach Club in the Odyssey Arena. It's sleek and sexy interiors had huge potential for a cool and classy bar,
Tokyo Joe’s, Belfast
House music and dance classics were part of Tokyo Joe’s soul – where crowds would flock to hear the old school hits and the latest dance tracks every night of the week.
Let us know your favourite spots from back in the day - get in touch via social!
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