Talbot Hotel, Wexford

The spectacular new look Talbot Hotel underwent a 10.5 million euro facelift in 2003 and now has one of the finest leisure centers in the country. Live music is still featured in the bar, but not weekly dancing.

Tara Ballroom, Courtown

This County Wexford ballroom was opened in 1946. In December, 2004, the owner received permission to demolish the local landmark for a new development. In 2006 it was demolished to make way for apartments which in 2013 stand vacant.

Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis

The Temple Gate hotel in the centre of the historic town of Ennis, Co. Clare rests on the site of a 19th century Convent of Mercy with a fascinating and eventful history, including dancing!

Templemore Arms Hotel, Templemore

Located on a site on which a hotel has stood for 150 years, the Templemore Arms Hotel was recently rebuilt to match the demands of the more discerning guest, but no dances.

The Quays, Galway City

For over 400 years, this famous pub in Galway has been providing entertainment for locals and tourists alike. Once a music hall, the pub still hosts live bands year round.

Tooreen Ballroom, Tooreen

One of the most famous "Ballrooms of Romance" in Ireland, this venue is famous for the reported sighting of the Devil back in the 1950's. Still looking great, the ballroom is very much a part of the community.

Town Hall, Ballyclare

Built in 1873, the Town Hall became a social centre with dances and events being held in the upstairs area. In the fifties and sixties the sprung floor of the ballroom attracted dancers from far and wide until 1973 when it became the new Council Chamber, but restored for dancing in 2002!

Town Hall, Kiltimagh

Once used for dancing, the Town Hall was then owned by the Dramatic Society but was recently taken over and refurbished by the IRD Kiltimagh.

Town Hall, Macroom

Like almost every town hall across Ireland, Macroom's hosted its fair share of showband dance nights.

Town hall, Skibbereen

This County Cork Town Hall, hosted many of the great bands of the showband era in its historic past.

Town Hall, Youghal

In towns across Ireland, the Town Hall was used periodically for dancing during the height of the showband era. The Town Hall in Youghal was recently refurbished and is now known as Mallhouse.

Travellers Friend, Castlebar

The "TF" as it is known locally has grown from a small hotel into a multi-venue entertainment complex. It has been completed renovated and is now features the "Travellers Friend Royal Theater" for major concerts.

Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena

The family owned hotel started running dances just as the Flamingo Ballroom closed over twenty years ago. It still runs a big country band night on Saturdays.

Two Mile Inn, Limerick

Now part of the Best Western chain, the Two Mile Inn hosted dances in the early 80's promoted by local manager, Paddy O'Connell. They ran a successful Tuesday and Sunday night.

Ulster Hall

Our thanks to Teddie Palmer for the photo of this popular Northern entertainment mecca.

Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown

The Valley Hotel has run dances on and off and currently features the Flamingo Nite Club as part of the local entertainment scene.

Waterfront Hall, Belfast

The Waterfront continues to be a big venue for showbands and major concerts, and promotes a major showband show every year.

Wavecrest Hotel, Achill Island

One of Achill's best known and longest established hotels, the 20 bedroom Wavecrest Hotel stands on a large one acre seaside site and has seen many of the smaller showbands tread its stage.

Weekend Club, Gurteen

The Teach Murray lounge is a major regional pub venue. In the early and mid 1980's they ran The Weekend Club and hosted many of the biggest country bands in Ireland.

West County Hotel, Ennis

This hotel is also now part of the Best Western hotel chain, a new trend across Ireland. It ran dances in the 70's and 80's but we don't know the current status.

Western Hotel, Claremorris

The Western Hotel established in 1830 as a coachhouse is one of the oldest hotels in the county, situated in the heart of Connaught, at a prime location for touring the West. It still runs entertainment events.

West Lodge Hotel, Bantry

The West Lodge, like many hotels in Ireland in the 70's and 80's, ran dances to help boost income during the quiet months of the year. Today it caters mostly to tourists and business.

Westpark Hotel, Portumna

One of the premier hotel gigs of the late 70's and early 80's the hotel was rebuilt and renamed the Shannon Oaks Hotel. We are told by David Masterson that in 2011, after this photo was taken, the hotel was badly burned in a fire and has been idle since.

Whitehorse Hotel, Cootehill

A local hotel in the North that, like many others, ran dances to augment income from a lack of tourist trade. The bar extensions of the 80's helped many hotels stay in business.

Whites Hotel, Wexford

Whites is one of many small Irish hotels that ran dances throughout the years to supplement its income. Today the hotel is part of the Best Western chain. Reports are it is closed in 2004 for reconstruction.

White Sands Hotel, Ballyheigue

Seaside resort hotel on the Kerry coast that ran showband dances for many years in the 70's and 80's.