Recently, District 8 announced that it will be closing its doors for good on January 26. Featured last April as one of our clubs in focus, since opening its doors on August 15, 2014 with Rodhad, District 8 has been the undisputed home of big room DJs in the city – ie. acts capable of selling 1,000-plus tickets. It has become one of Ireland’s most revered clubs, and in my opinion the first venue to capture the energy of the old Red Box on Harcourt Street.

Flight Facilities, Modeselektor, Joseph Capriati, Four Tet, Ejeca, Skream, Patrick Topping and Kerri Chandler are just some of the names who have graced the District 8 Stage over the years. There was s a strong focus on Irish talent as well, with Mano Le Tough hosting a ‘Maeve’ label showcase, and Matador and Paco Osuna doing a club takeover. DJ Deece, meanwhile, hosted a number of sell-out all-nighters.

Sunil Sharpe also delivered a series of extended, five and six hour sets, while Boots & Kats were another recent success story; under the stewardship of Bedlam and the District 8 team, they have grown from a popular festival act to selling out the club. District 8 also provided a platform for a wide range of artists such as Cailin, Eve, Shane Linehan, Lee Kelly and Mode 1.