We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the IMRO Live Music Awards 2026.
These awards recognise the venues, festivals and promoters that sustain Ireland’s live music scene, with this year’s shortlist reflecting the strength and diversity of talent across the country.
This year, we have teamed up with The Louise Duffy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 to reward regional winners with a live outside broadcast from their venue.
The awards will take place at the Guinness Storehouse on 21st April, hosted by Tom Dunne and Rachel Mae Hannon, with performances from Ahmed With Love, BABYRAT, Scullion and a surprise guest.
IMRO members decide the category winners, while the public is invited to vote for the Overall Winner in partnership with Hot Press here: https://www.hotpress.com/music/voting-for-imro-live-music-awards-overall-winner-23137519.
Full shortlist below:
Live Music Venue of the Year – Dublin
- 3Arena Amphitheatre – Dublin
- 3Olympia Theatre – Dublin
- The Grand Social – Dublin
- Vicar Street – Dublin
- Whelan’s – Dublin
Live Music Venue of the Year – Leinster (Excluding Dublin)
- Cleere’s Bar & Theatre – Kilkenny
- John Lee’s Bar and Venue – Offaly
- Set Theatre – Kilkenny
- The Spirit Store – Louth
- Wexford Arts Centre – Wexford
Live Music Venue of the Year – Munster
- Coughlan’s Bar & Live Music Venue – Cork
- Cyprus Avenue – Cork
- Dolan’s Live Music Venue – Limerick
- Gleneagle Arena – Kerry
- University Concert Hall – Limerick
Live Music Venue of the Year – Connacht
- Monroe’s Live – Galway
- Róisín Dubh – Galway
- TF Royal Hotel & Theatre – Mayo
- Tig Cóilí – Galway
- Westport Town Hall Theatre – Mayo
Live Music Venue of the Year – Ulster
- McCafferty’s Bar – Donegal
- McCafferty’s Bar & Restaurant – Dungloe
- The Abbey Hotel – Donegal
- The Central Bar – Donegal
- The Chasin’ Bull – Donegal
Venue Technical Crew of the Year (In partnership with Audoo)
- 3Olympia Theatre – Dublin
- Button Factory – Dublin
- The Spirit Store – Louth
- Vicar Street – Dublin
- Whelan’s – Dublin
Festival Technical Crew of the Year (In partnership with Audoo)
- Aurfest Music & Comedy Festival – Louth
- Dolan’s Live at the Docklands – Limerick
- Electric Picnic Music & Arts Festival – Laois
- Galway Folk Music Festival – Galway
- Kaleidoscope Music Festival – Wicklow
Live Music Festival of the Year – Large
- All Together Now Music Festival – Waterford
- Electric Picnic Music & Arts Festival – Laois
- Forbidden Fruit Music Festival – Dublin
- Kaleidoscope Music Festival – Wicklow
- BikeFest Motorcycle and Rock Music Festival – Kerry
Live Music Festival of the Year – Small
- Aurfest Music & Comedy Festival – Louth
- Forest Fest Music & Arts Festival 2026 – Laois
- Galway Folk Music Festival – Galway
- Other Voices Music Festival – Kerry
- Vantastival Music Festival – Louth
Live Music Promoter of the Year
- Aiken Promotions – Dublin
- Dolan’s Promotions – Limerick
- MCD Productions – Dublin
- Shenanigans Promotions – Louth
- Singular Artists Promotions – Dublin