Dublin City Council Discusses The Future Of The Dublin Pub

The future of the Dublin pub, grassroots music venues, international night-time policy and the role of major events in shaping the capital will be among the topics explored at Dublin City Council’s new Bright Nights, Big City conference.

Organised by Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor in partnership with AIM Ireland, the conference will bring together leading voices from hospitality, music, culture, events and urban policy at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 to discuss the future of Dublin’s night-time economy.

“The Dublin pub remains one of the great institutions of the city, but there’s no question that it’s changing — because Dublin is changing and the way people socialise is changing too,” said Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City Night-Time Economy Advisor.

“What does the Dublin pub of the next 10 or 20 years look like? What do younger generations want from it, and how does it adapt while holding on to what makes it special? That’s the conversation we want to have.”

Where Next?

Supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the conference will bring together leading figures from hospitality, music, culture, major events and night-time policy in Ireland and internationally for a day-long conversation about Dublin after dark — and where the city goes next.

Discussions across the day will explore the future of the Dublin pub, the journey from grassroots venues to arenas, international night-time policy, club culture and safety, and the impact major events can have on the city.

Among those taking part are Willie Aherne of The Palace Bar; Trevor O’Shea of Bodytonic; Edel Curtin of the Live Music Collective; Shane Dunne of MCD; Julie Ryan of Izakaya Yamamori; Freek Wallagh, Night Mayor of Amsterdam; Michael Kill CEO of the UK Night Time Industries Association; Carly Heath, Bristol’s first Night-Time Economy Advisor; Joaquim Boadas, CEO of Spain Nightlife; Tony Smithers, Head of Events at Dublin City Council; Richard Tierney, CEO of St Patrick’s Festival; and Michael Stewart, Belfast Night Czar.

The future of Ireland’s grassroots music sector will also be firmly on the agenda, with Grassroots to Arenas examining the importance of the smaller venues where artists develop their careers.

‘Next Generation’

“Look at the meteoric rise of Fontaines D.C., who are set to play to 160,000 people next summer,” said Colm Hanley, CEO of AIM Ireland.

“They started out playing to fewer than 200 people in The Workman’s Club. Grassroots venues are the lifeblood of the music business. They are where artists develop, audiences discover new music and the next generation gets its start. There are no arenas without grassroots venues.”

The international programme will bring experience from Amsterdam, Bristol, Belfast and the UK, while the closing Big Nights, Big Cities conversation will look at what major events can do for Dublin — from UEFA EURO 2028 and the Fleadh to Dublin Pride and St Patrick’s Festival.

Bright Nights, Big City takes place at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

Further speakers and programme details will be announced ahead of the conference.