The shortlist (below) was announced this morning at the IMRO building by Victor Finn (IMRO Chief Executive).

The annual awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, providing the public with an exceptional live music experience on a weekly basis.

More than 11,500 IMRO members considered hundreds of venues across the country for the shortlist. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue. IMRO members also voted on Ireland’s music festivals, delivering a shortlist of their top ten festivals.

At the ceremony in IMRO HQ in Dublin on February 21, awards will be presented to the leading live music venue in each of the following regions: Dublin, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Connacht, Munster and Ulster (Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan). The IMRO Live Music Festival of the Year will also be presented on the night. Performances on the night will come from Overhead, The Albatross and Soulé, plus other acts to be announced soon.

One overall award will be presented to the IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year. This award is decided upon by the public, who vote for their live music venue of the year from the combined shortlist of all the regions.

Fans can vote by logging on to surveymonkey.com/r/imrovenueawards choose their favourite from the shortlist provided, by February 18th.

The ceremony will also see the presentation of the award for Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year via The Readers Poll which is contributed to by Hot Press fans and can be viewed here - hotpress.com/readerspoll/

IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year 2016 Shortlist

IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2016
Abner Browns, Dublin 6
Whelan’s, Dublin 2
3Arena, Dublin 1
Vicar Street, Dublin 8
The Academy, Dublin 1

IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year 2016
National Opera House, Wexford
The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny
The Harbour Bar, Bray, Co. Wicklow

IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2016
Matt Molloy’s, Westport, Co. Mayo
Monroe’s, Galway
The Quays, Galway
JJ Harlows, Roscommon
The Venue, Strandhill, Co. Sligo

IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2016
Connolly’s of Leap, Cork
Coughlan’s, Cork
DeBarra’s, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
The White Horse, Ballingcollig, Co. Cork
University Concert Hall, Limerick

IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2016
Voodoo, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
McGinley’s, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Mc Kenna’s Bar, Monaghan
Hotel Kilmore, Cavan

IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2016
Body & Soul
Vantastival
Longitude
Knockanstockan
Sea Sessions
Electric Picnic
Indiependence
Cork Jazz Festival
St Patrick’s Festival Dublin
Galway Arts Festival

IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year 2016
Another Love Story
Canalaphonic
Other Voices
Willie Clancy Summer School
Doolin Folk Festival
Sligo Live
Kilkenny Trad Fest
Acoustic Yard Festival
BD Festival Wicklow
Dublin Fringe Festival

IMRO Tech Crew of the Year Award 2016
3Arena
Whelan’s
Vicar Street
Other Voices
The Olympia Theatre
National Concert Hall
The Grand Social
Electric Picnic
Coughlan’s
Body & Soul