Every September, more than a million people step out to celebrate Culture Night — an evening that transforms Ireland into a giant stage for music, theatre, dance, and visual art. From its modest beginnings in Dublin 20 years ago, it now stretches across 1,700 locations nationwide. But with so much creative energy packed into a single evening, the obvious question is: why stop there?

In today's podcast, Ciara Doherty asks whether Ireland is missing a trick when it comes to its night-time economy. Why are we an outlier in Europe when it comes to late-night cultural events? Could dance music and club culture finally be recognised as a legitimate art form? And what would better funding, fairer pay, and changes to licensing and transport mean for the people keeping Ireland’s creative pulse alive?

Joining Ciara are two guests who live and breathe this space: Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s Night-time Economy Advisor, and Natalie McCormack — better known as DJ NATMAC — the founder of the Electronic Music Council. Together they explore how Culture Night could be a springboard for something bigger, bolder, and lasting all year round.

For more information about Culture Night, visit culturenight.ie

Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natmacdj