Deer Park Hotel, Antrim

The Deer Park was a regular venue throughout the 70's and 80's. A posting on www.nitowns.com reports that the hotel has now been demolished after being closed for some time.

Downshire House Hotel, Blessington

The typical small hotel which ran dances at various times in the past.

Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum

Built in 1730 as a manor house, it was purchased by Austin and Mary Crowe in 1978 and opened as a hotel in 1981. It has now been restored and boasts an award winning leisure club and golf course.

Edenmore Hotel, Jordanstown

This small hotel used to host the big names, including Dickie Rock. Those days are long gone, though, and today the hotel serves as a Nursing Home for elderly care.

Embassy Ballroom, Derry

One of the major venues in the city, the Embassy Ballroom hosted major national and interntional acts throughout the years. It has been renovated and is now called Fusion.

Entertainment Centre, Arklow

Unlike many other ballrooms that have been demolished or abandoned, the Entertainment Centre has been renovated and continues to be part of the lifeblood of the town. Liam O'Reilly tells us the old ballroom now houses a gym and is part of the new Leisure Centre.

Erne Ballroom, Belturbet

The Erne Ballroom was one of the staples of dancing in County Cavan. This photo was sent to us by Kathleen Smith, a regular contributor to the site. It shows the ballroom up for sale. It has apparently been scheduled for demolition in late 2007.

Europa Hotel, Belfast

This downtown hotel in the heart of Belfast continues to provide top band entertainment as it has for many years. A major hotel and a major venue.

Eyries Dance Hall, Co. Cork

This dance hall is located in the village of Eyeries, which is 5 miles north of Castletownbere (just off) the Kenmare road. It is still in use today.

Fairways Hotel, Dundalk

Built in 1930, the Fairways was a regular stop for the big bands. It is now officially billed as a "Hotel and Conference Center." See www.fairways.ie for more info.

Fethard Ballroom, Fethard

The Fethard Ballroom is one of the dwindling number of old style ballrooms to be in regular use. Locals still flock to the ballroom for everything from book fairs to dances.

Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane

The Fir Trees is located on the outskirts of the market town of Strabane. It has 26 bedrooms, a lively bar and bistro with live music and an excellent restaurant. The ballroom has been refurbished as a 300-seater function room, but stills holds concerts.

Flannery's Hotel, Galway

Flannery's Hotel ran big band dances mid week in the early 1970's. We're not sure how long they ran dances, or whether they are still ative today.

Floral Hall, Belfast Zoo

In May 1936, the art-deco Floral Hall was opened. It soon became popular as a ballroom and entertainment centre, and had 130,000 visitors in 1947. It closed for dancing when the troubles started in the early 70's.

Fort Royal Inn, Ballymena

The Fort Royal is situated on the main road between Ballymena and Ballymoney and has been catering to dancers for many many years.

Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan

Built in 1970, the Four Seasons was one of the top venues in Monaghan. Today it is a conference and leisure center, like many Irish hotels in the wake of the Celtic Tiger.

Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown

The Glenavon House Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone, is set on nine acres and now features a health and fitness centre as well.

Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney

The Gleneagle is one of the areas top hotels, and has been a top dance and cabaret spot for many many years. Acts like Dickie Rock and Joe Dolan still pack them in at the Gleneagle.

Glentworth Hotel, Limerick

This downtown hotel was running gigs in the late seventies and early eighties. It's central location made is a great spot for discos and rock gigs. We don't know whether it still runs dances.

Gorteen House Hotel, Limavady

The Gorteen House Hotel sits on secluded grounds but continues to provide a wealth of entertainment options. Jensen's Niteclub features everything from wet tee shirt contests to live music.

Granada Ballroom, Granard

The Granada was one of the finest ballrooms in the midlands but today, like so many others, it stands empty and derelict. Our thanks to Seamus Kiernan for the photo.

Granada Ballroom, Kingscourt

Like so many ballrooms of the era, the Granada stands idle. Our thanks to Eileen and Brid Martin for the photo.

Granada Ballroom, Kingscourt

The Granada in 2009 from Google Earth. Silent.

Great Southern, Galway

The Great Southern Hotel stands proud at the foot of Eyre Square. This landmark building, built in 1845, has been a mainstay of Galway nightlife for many years.

Great Southern, Killarney

Since 1854, the Killarney Great Southern has been one of the most famous hotels in Ireland. Located in the town centre on 36 acres of landscaped gardens, it still hosts cabaret acts and functions.

Gresham Hotel, Dublin

One of Ireland's most famous hotels, the Gresham was the scene of many dances over the years featuring many of the showband era's biggest names.

Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar

The Greville Arms continues to be one of the mainstays of Mullingar's nightlife. They recently opened their Le Louvre Niteclub and feature entertainment most nights of the week.

Great Southern Hotel, Sligo

This hotel is now called the Sligo Southern, and was also called the Inishfree Hotel in the 80's and 90's. Never a major venue, it has run dances on and off for many years.