Palm Beach Ballroom, Portmarnock

Another County Dublin favorite night spot during the height of the showband era. We thank John Baird for supplying the photo.

Pavilion Ballroom, Westport

The Pavilion, once one of Mayo's most famous "ballrooms of romance," closed years ago, but was spared the wrecking ball, and today functions as a Cash and Carry.

Percy French Hotel, Strokestown

This small County Roscommon hotel held the traditional dance dates throuhgout the 70's and 80's before Irish tourism got the shot in the arms in needed when the Celtic Tiger took off!

Plaza Ballroom, Belfast

Although the Plaza closed in 1970, it wasn't until 1975 that it was destroyed by fire. Finally in 1980, it was demolished. The Plaza was one of Belfast's biggest and best ballrooms throughout the early showband era!

Quay Road Hall, Ballycastle

Like many town's, Ballycastle's Community Center has doubled as a dancehall throughout its history. And like most of them, the best of the showbands appeared there in their heyday.

Quay Road Hall, Ballycastle

A different view of the Quay Road Hall which is still in use today. Our thanks to John Baird for this photo.

Rainbow Centre, Glenfarne

The "original" Ballroom of Romance, the Glenfarne Centre, although a little run down, is still being used for socials, meetings, etc. This one of the classic ballrooms that will hopefully be saved.

Ramble Inn, Antrim

Like many pubs, the Ramble Inn has played host to many of the showband names over the years, usually providing a venue to play midweek, when the ballrooms were quiet in the latter days.

Ranch House, Cummer

Like so many other ballrooms of the era, the Ranch House was no more than a shed on the side of the road between Tuam and Galway. It saw all the big bands, but today stands empty and derelict.

RDS, Dublin

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has played host to most of the major rock acts in the world and was, for many years, THE major rock and concert venue in Dublin.

Redbarn Ballroom, Youghal

The Redbarn, unfortunately, burned down many years ago. On the site, a hotel has been built known as the Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre.

Rinka Ballroom, Islandmagee

This Country Antrim ballroom that once jumped to the showbands now serves the town as a shop for all types of goods. Thanks to Glen brown for this photo.

Ritz Ballroom, Carlow

Michael Brennan provides this picture which has the Ritz Ballroom labeled, although difficult to see. Also in the picture is the Ritz cinema. The ballroom now stands empty and unused.

Riverdale House Hotel, Kenmare

One of many hotels that ran dances when the tourist season wasn't packing them in. This 64 room hotel is now part of the Best Western chain and caters mostly to tourists and functions.

Rose Hill House Hotel, Kilkenny

This former dancing mecca was purchased and refurbished by The Griffin Group and is now known as The Hotel Kilkenny.

Royal Ballroom, Castlebar

Although still standing, the Royal has been reburbished and altered many times by owner Pat Jennings. Once, one of the greatest ballrooms in the West, it is now part of the TF Royal Theatre complex and still hosts big names.

Royal Hoey Hotel, Athlone

Like so many hotels built in Ireland's towns, the Royal Hoey has been the perfect venue for dances over the years.