The Turks Head, located at 27 Parliament Street &
Essex Gate in
Dublin 2, Ireland, is an iconic nightclub and bar that has played a unique role in the city’s nightlife scene for decades. Housed within the vibrant Temple Bar district, the venue is known for its eclectic
architectural style, featuring Moorish and Hispanic-inspired details, colorful tiles, and a lively, theatrical interior. The site itself traces its roots back to the late 19th century, originally operating as a public house before evolving into a contemporary nightspot.
Since its transformation in the late 1990s, the Turks Head has maintained a steady reputation as a hub for creativity, diversity, and non-stop energy, appealing to both locals and tourists alike. Its combination of inventive décor, late-night events, and a welcoming atmosphere has given it a lasting cultural significance within
Dublin’s wider nightlife ecosystem. Over time, the Turks Head has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities and expand its capacity, including the addition of a spacious dancefloor and state-of-the-art sound systems.
However, it has consistently remained at its original address, preserving its distinctive blend of historic character and modern flair. The Turks Head is celebrated as a venue that champions both underground and mainstream music, regularly showcasing a wide array of genres from house and techno to live funk and indie acts, thus cementing its reputation as a springboard for emerging talent and a favored stage for established performers.
Among the notable artists who have graced the Turks Head’s stage are legendary house DJ
Larry Heard (Mr.
Fingers), Irish dance music
pioneer Fish Go Deep,
Berlin-based DJ and producer
Ellen Allien, and homegrown talents like DJ Sally Cinnamon and electronic duo Le Galaxie. Local indie band Ham Sandwich and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Erica Cody have also performed memorable sets there, while guest appearances from international touring acts such as
Crazy P and
Greg Wilson further highlight the venue’s appeal to a global audience.