97 Dublin bars, clubs, and other cultural spaces were among 433 locations given the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme to host more evening events.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have announced the 433 locations granted the the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme, with 97 within in Dublin.

The scheme was developed to support venues such as pubs, cafés and alcohol free venues to trial new evening events. The aim is to boost the night-time economy across Ireland after pandemic restrictions and offer more employment opportunities to artists and performers.

433 organisations have received up to 10,000 euro in funding, with 37 applications rejected. Applications were received from a wide range of venues including pubs, nightclubs, cafés, theatres, arts centres, galleries, museums and retail outlets.

97 Dublin locations and organisations received funding through the scheme. Successful bars, clubs and pubs include The George, Wigwam, The Well, and new LGBTQ+ bar All My Friends. Cafés and restaurants selected include Esquires Coffee, Pablo Picante and Hen’s Teeth.

The grant also extends beyond bars and restaurants. Other locations receiving the night-time economy grant include Chapters Bookstore, the Museum of Modern Literature Ireland, Windmill Lane Recording Studios, and Goblin Skateboard Magazine.

In granting the support scheme to businesses beyond bars and restaurants, the government hope to encourage more alcohol-free events later in the evening and events of a wider variety.

Over 2,000 events were approved funding across the country, ranging from traditional music to electronic music, DJ nights, theatre, comedy, dance, literature, art and photographic exhibitions.

The Night-Time Economy

These new events are part of wider plans in the Department of Arts and Culture to boost the economy of towns and cities across Ireland. The Department has also appointed “Night-Time Economy Advisors” in towns across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Sligo and Longford Town.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin says she has secured 6 million euro as part of Budget 2023 to assist the night-time economy sector, stating she is currently considering the development of further initiatives.

“A vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-time economy is important for our towns and cities, it boosts the local economy, makes our towns and cities more attractive places to visit and to live in,” Martin said in a press release.

“It is also extremely important that we ensure that there is a balance between alcohol and alcohol free activities to ensure that a wider demographic can engage with the Night-Time Economy.”

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