The Last Disco

A tragic fire at the Stardust nightclub on Valentine's Day, 1981 in a working-class suburb of Dublin caused the deaths of 48 young people, with an average age of just 19 years. After years of families and survivors fighting to find out what really happened, new inquests held in 2024 finally revealed the full story.

'A riveting and important read, forensically documenting the state's failings while also relating the traumatic human fallout for a whole community for whom life would never be the same again' - Mick Clifford

'Meticulously compiled and unflinching yet sensitive, [this is] an exceptional record of a story that should never have happened' - Irish Independent

'A gripping page-turner, deftly balancing information, analysis and human story
[and] offers a single location where we can go to get our heads around one of the worst disasters in recent Irish history' - The Irish Times

In 1981, the Stardust nightclub in Dublin was a beacon for the city's nightlife - until it became a nightmare. On that fateful Valentine's Day the dance floor became a scene of horror, as flames engulfed the venue, claiming the lives of 48 young people and leaving the survivors scarred forever.

In this gripping account the harrowing true story is revealed, citing new evidence brought forward during recent inquests in the relentless pursuit of justice.

Through the eyes of the survivors, the families and investigators, compiled with meticulous research and compassionate portrayals of their voices, this poignant book honours the memories of those who were lost, while shedding light on the tragedy that still shocks the nation to this day.