using matrix via weechat using the new python weechat-matrix (https://github.com/poljar/weechat-matrix) plugin should give a very convincing IRC on steroids experience; it even has e2e encryption landing. The emacs matrix client (mclient.el) is also in active dev again.
Riot is also good, but probably too bloated for your tastes :)
Riot is also good, but probably too bloated for your tastes :)