Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Ballroom Boom

    • Director

      Billy McGrath

    • Credits

      Producer:
      Billy McGrath

      Writer:
      Billy McGrath

  • Category

    Documentary
    Music

Adam Clayton from U2 explores the phenomenon of 1960s Irish showbands, when thousands of musicians performed the latest hits live in ballrooms. Chronicling a hugely successful local industry, made up of working-class musicians, that created legends such as Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock, and future rock heroes Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher, this new feature-length cut of Billy McGrath's Ballroom Boom is a fascinating snapshot of a time when Ireland created, and worshipped, its own stars.

European premiere: Galway Film Fleadh, 9 July 2026

85 minutes, Ireland, 2025, Colour


The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland