Former Arcadia Ballroom, Arcadia Apts, Lower Glanmire Road

The Arcadia Ballroom was a significant venue in Cork’s live music history. From its origins as a dancing ballroom, it soon became one of the premier places to do so in Ireland with many big names playing here to those looking to swing around the floor or have a bop...

The first was Oscar Rabin in 1946, followed by Vic Lewis, Eric Winstone, Victor Sylvestor, Freddy Randall, Harry Gold, Jimmy Shand, Sid Phillips, Chris Barber, Kenny Ball, Bobby Lamb, Humphrey Lyttelton, Gerardo & Harry Roy.

Coming into the 1960s people such as Emile Ford, Karl Denver, Eden Kane, Shane Fenton & Jim Reeves performed here. Rock and pop acts also graced its stage including the Who, Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd-Who turned up with two vans; one for the band and the other full of light and stage craft, already central to their concerts before they became one of the biggest acts in rock history.

Rory was a keen attendee and not long after was treading the boards with the Fontana and Impact. Taste as well were often seen having shows here. Throughout the 1970s, Rory returned to Cork to grace the Arcadia stage.

The venue continued to flourish with many notable names in the 1980s following Rory to play to audiences such as U2, XTC, UB40 and The Specials as well local bands like Microdisney and Nun Attax.

Sadly, the venue closed in 1997 to make way for the Arcadia Hall apartments you see today. The ballroom is remembered by a plaque on the walls of the accommodation block.