The Olympia

The Olympia was originally designed as a skating rink. It was also used as a boxing stadium and a concert hall. In the 1950s and 60s the dance hall and the cinema were the main social pastimes of the young people. The Olympia, like every other dancehall in Ireland closed during lent at which time roller skating substituted for dancing. The cinemas also closed for the latter part of Holy Week. On Easter Sunday night the Olympia would be packed to capacity.

Charity Dance in the Olympia

Ticket for a charity dance held in the Olympia Ballroom,Waterford in 1963 by Southend United Football Club. Music by the Cadets Showband

Courtesy of Waterford Museum of Treasures

Charity Dance in the Olympia
Courtesy of Waterford Museum of Treasures

Charity Dance in the Olympia

Ticket for a charity dance held in the Olympia Ballroom,Waterford in 1963 by Southend United Football Club. Music by the Cadets Showband

Courtesy of Waterford Museum of Treasures

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There was a certain protocol which was followed by the patrons of the ballroom.Once you entered the hall, the girls would go to the right hand side of the hall and the men to the left.

During the 1950s and 60s most of the social life of the city centred around the Olympia. All the top showbands played there including the most famous of all Waterford's own Royal Showband.