THE GAELIC CLUB
64 DEVONSHIRE STREET, SURRY HILLS, AUSTRALIA
PH: (00 612) 9211 1687
Despite the name and well-hidden members bar upstairs the only thing Irish about the Gaelic Club is the Celtic script on the toilet doors. There is that weird sculpture of the face above the stage, but I'm not sure that he has any irish ties...
LOCATION & ACCESSABILITY
The club is situated just behind Central Station and about 5 minutes down the hill from Crown Street so access is easy from all angles. There is a members area atop the club but this is more remeniscent of a workers club or RSL and is seperate to the venue itself, but does serve as a great hiring space for parties as it is big and has a balcony - very nice!
VENUE LAYOUT & BARS
As one of the newer venues in Sydney the Gaelic doesn't do too badly. It's a good size and has an excellent viewing balcony on the upper level that I have seen many an idiot launch themselves off. The sound and sight lines are always good (if you're not short), but try to get a spot close to the stage as it can reach scorching temperatures in there when full, so if you're stood further back underneath the upper level the sound can get lost and the heat... well, lets just say you're going to need fluids. But do look out for the various centrally placed pillars, and also try to avoid standing on the left side of the room as you'll inevitably get caught in the cross flow of people heading toward the toilets.
There is only one main bar runnning along the right hand side of the room so getting a drink is always a challenge. However if you can reach the front there is a little space between the end of the bar and front of the stage that tends to remain hidden and relatively roomy, so drinking and dancing can be had.
TICKETS & SHOWS
When I left home (over a year ago) The Gaelic seemed to be nabbing a lot of the great gig's that would normally have been at the Metro or Annandale so there's always a reason to head to the club. The staff are always friendly and fun, the drinks are reasonably priced and the bands are always on form. A host of Australian acts have played there including Regurgitator and Beasts of Bourbon, as well as internationals such as The Datsuns, NOFX, My Morning Jacket, Ben Kweller, Jamie T and many more. It also has a late license so keep an eye out for the odd dance party mash up. All tickets for the club are sold through www.moshtix.com.au which can be a very convenient way of booking, but for goodness sake don't forget your ticket print-out and/or your Moshtix card or you're screwed.
All in all the venue is worth a squiz due to great line up's and atmosphere. And if you can come out the other end of the gig feeling riled up and ready to go (which you hopefully should), beware the mad Madison and Strawberry Hills Hotel on either side, as I have seen them make mice out of many, many men.
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