Limerick institution honoured at national celebration of Ireland’s live music industry
DOLANS Pub & Restaurant has been named Live Music Venue of the Year for Munster at the IMRO Live Music Awards 2026, with the winners announced at a gala celebration held at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
The awards, which recognise the venues, festivals, promoters and technical crews that sustain Ireland’s live music scene, were hosted by Tom Dunne and Rachel Mae Hannon, with live performances on the night from Dave Lofts, Ahmed With Love, BABYRAT, Scullion and DJ Maria Lawlor.
Winners were decided by an IMRO member vote following submissions from across the country, with the overall winner determined by public vote in partnership with Hot Press. Electric Picnic Music & Arts Festival claimed that top honour on the night.
Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO, paid tribute to all those recognised. “Live music is at the heart of Ireland’s cultural identity and it is sustained by the venues, festivals, promoters and technical crews who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” he said. “It is a privilege for IMRO to host these awards and recognise the people and places whose dedication, passion and expertise continue to drive Ireland’s live music scene forward.”
Among the other winners on the night, Vicar Street took the Dublin venue award, Spirit Store in Louth claimed both the Leinster venue prize and the venue technical crew award, Monroe’s Live in Galway won for Connacht, and McCafferty’s Bar in Donegal Town was honoured for Ulster. Singular Artists were named Live Music Promoter of the Year, while Aurfest in Louth and All Together Now in Waterford claimed the small and large festival awards respectively.
IMRO administers the performing rights of music creators and publishers in Ireland and internationally, supporting the Irish music community through advocacy, research and industry initiatives.