SESH

Sandinos is a renowned nightclub and live music venue located in the heart of Derry, Northern Ireland. Named in honor of the Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto César Sandino, Sandinos was established in the late 1990s and quickly became an icon of Derry’s vibrant cultural and music scene. The venue was founded as a response to a desire for an alternative, progressive social space that would offer more than just nightlife, serving also as a community hub where activism, politics, and the arts could thrive alongside great music.

Over the years, Sandinos has developed a reputation for its eclectic atmosphere, leftist decor, and warm, inclusive ethos, often evoking a spirit of solidarity and resistance. Its interior is distinctively adorned with murals, posters, and memorabilia celebrating international freedom struggles, musicians, and political figures, making it much more than a simple club or bar. Sandinos has remained at its Waterside location on Water Street since its inception.

While there have been minor renovations and expansions—most notably the addition of a dedicated music hall for larger gigs and special events—the venue itself has retained its original charm and character, with the same red-bricked facade and cozy interiors that locals and visitors cherish. Culturally, Sandinos has long stood as a sanctuary for music, dialogue, and artistic experimentation, playing a crucial role in nurturing local talent and bringing world-class artists to the city. Its legacy is intertwined with Derry’s own story of resilience and creative expression, hosting countless fundraisers, poetry readings, political debates, and grassroots gatherings alongside its legendary club nights.

Notable artists who have performed at Sandinos include internationally acclaimed musicians such as Snow Patrol, Duke Special, and Nadine Shah, while also regularly featuring leading local acts like SOAK, The Wood Burning Savages, Touts, Ryan Vail, and Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas. The venue’s support for emerging talents and internationally recognized performers alike has helped secure its status as one of Ireland’s most respected independent music venues, celebrated for its authenticity, energy, and unwavering commitment to the arts.