I've found the matrix-synapse homeserver I run to be stable. Along with Element-desktop and the Element android app it's been a great experience for me.
With both of those, you don't need to worry about history or bouncers, as history gets synched even if you power down your homeserver and back up again like I do.
And authentication comes as a by-product of matrix-synapse/Element.
I also love url and picture previews displayed directly in Element (and other clients) by way of synapse - far nicer experience than the text-only of IRC in my opinion.
I think IRC has had its day. At least with myself.