Kelly’s Nightclub, Portrush (1995): A Haven of Unity, Love, and Dance
Thirty years ago, Kelly’s Nightclub in Portrush stood as a beacon of light in the heart of Northern Ireland during a time when the world felt divided. It wasn’t just a venue; it was a sanctuary where the pulsing beats of dance music drowned out differences, creating a harmony of ecstasy, unity, and love.
In the summer of 1995, my friends and I packed our bags, video cameras in tow, and ventured across the Irish Sea to capture the magic of this legendary club on film. Stepping into Kelly’s felt like walking into a different dimension—a kaleidoscope of strobe lights, thundering bass, and a sea of people from all walks of life coming together on the dancefloor. The room buzzed with an electrifying energy, as DJs spun the anthems of the era, weaving soundtracks to memories that still live on today.
kellys Shades of Rhythm





At Kelly’s, boundaries dissolved. Catholic or Protestant, local or visitor, seasoned clubber or newcomer—it didn’t matter. The dancefloor was a leveller, where unity thrived under the shared love for music. The echoes of laughter, the thrill of collective joy, and the euphoric connection in those moments transcended divisions, offering a glimpse of what a better world could look like.
With our cameras rolling, we captured candid smiles, wild dance moves, and fleeting moments of sheer elation. Watching the footage now, 30 years on, it’s impossible not to feel the nostalgia wash over us. Kelly’s was more than a club; it was a heartbeat of a generation—proof that when the music played, unity prevailed.
To those who danced through the doors of Kelly’s in ’95, you were part of something magical—a movement fueled by love, connection, and rhythm. It remains a legacy of togetherness, etched in time and in the hearts of all who were there.