Laharna Hotel, Larne

The Laharna Hotel, located on Main Street, Larne played host to many of the big showbands of the 50's and 60's. The postcard photo above was donated by Glen Brown.

Lahinch Centre Ballroom, Lahinch

In the late 1950's Lahinch built a modern complex with a cinema, ballroom, and swimming pool. In 1964 ballroom was licensed to hold 1600 people. In 1991 the Lahinch Centre Ballroom was closed. Seaworld's aquarium occupies the entire area of the old ballroom

Lawlor's Hotel, Dungarvan

Lawlors was one of those classic small to medium size gigs that depended, to a great extent, on an outside promoter. Many hotels in Ireland were used in this same way.

Leisureland, Salthill

This entertainment complex boasts one of the largest musical venues in Galway with seating for 1,000. These days it mostly hosts large, world famous orchestras including the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra.

Longford Arms, Longford

The Longford Arms Hotel is located in the heart of Longford town and like many of the medium sized hotels across Ireland, it has added a health and leisure center and discontinued dancing.

Macushla Ballroom, Dublin

Not only a dance venue, but scene of the famous "Macushla Revolt" in 1961 when a group of Gardai revolted against stifling bureaucracy and authoritarianism.

Magnet Ballroom, Strokestown

The ballroom was closed in 1989 and bought by Walsh Mushrooms and was used as a mushroom farm. It is now derelict. Our thanks to Alan Stanbridge for the photo and info.

Marine Hotel, Ballycastle

The Marine Hotel now has the standard leisure center and swimming pools, but still features entertainment on a regular basis. It is located near The Giant's Causeway.

Marlborough Hall, Arklow

The hall is still in use today, although no longer used for dancing. Liam O'Reilly sent us the photo, as well as the dance card which appears on the ballrooms page.

Metropole Hotel, Cork

This city centre hotel's ballroom has hosted many of the finest showband entertainers over the years and continues this tradition to this day.

Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch

Dating back to the 1800’s, the Millbrook Lodge was once a Church of Ireland Rectory. However since those days many transformations have taken place and this fine hotel still features live music.

Montrose Hotel, Dublin

This hotel, now part of the Jurys chain, has been hosting dances on Stillorgan Road for many years.

Muintir na Tire Hall, Conna

Like so many small villages across Ireland, this community hall was built by and for locals. It opens its doors on December 8th, 1945 and is still in use today.

Murphy Flood's Hotel, Enniscorthy

Located in the heart of historic Enniscorthy, Murphy Flood's Hotel has been at the center of the town's social and business life for many years. We don't know whether they still run dances, do you?

National Ballroom, Dublin

For 69 years the National Ballroom was the premier dancing venue in Dublin. Unfortunately it closed in 1989, but was given a new lease of live when it was partially acquired by the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art for expansion.

Newport Parochial Hall, Newport

In many small towns across Ireland, the Parochial Hall was the center of the town's social life (after the pubs closed of course). Although few hold dances these days, they are still in use.

O'Dea's Hotel, Loughrea

For almost 100 years, O'Dea's Hotel has been a landmark in Loughrea. A 3 star family run hotel, it is a Georgian Town House with 25 bedrooms and used to run dances.

Olympic Ballroom, Dublin

A major venue for years, the Olympic played host to major international stars as well as Irish bands. In 1994 it lost its dance license and today is a newly designed office complex.

Orange Hall, Kilrea

All across Northern Ireland, Orange Halls were used extensively for dancing throughout the sixties and seventies. Although not as widely done today, some still play host to the odd showband or local rock group!

Orchard County, Moy

Our thanks to Brian "Shorty" O'Kane for this photo of the Orchard County in Moy, Co. Tyrone, which he says is still going strong and keeping the music live!

Ormond Ballroom, Arklow

Like so many ballrooms that once buzzed with excitement at the top bands of the day, the Ormond lies empty and dark. Liam O'Reilly, who sent us this photos, tells us that he has heard the ballroom is soon to be demolished to make room for development.

Ortine Hotel, Lisnaskea

Like many small hotels throughout Ireland, (18 rooms) this hotel ran dances on and off during the heyday of the showbands. Like most others, though, those days are gone.

Oyster Ballroom, Dromkeen

The Oyster, a popular nite spot for many years, was spared the wrecking ball when it became the new home of Dromkeen Furniture years ago. Another ballroom, living to see another day.