RT Radio 1 Folk Awards 2026 Date Announcement

RT Radio 1 Folk Awards to take place on Tuesday 10th November 2026, Vicar Street, Dublin

Moya Brennan, D nal Lunny, Mary Black and Christy Moore among previous Lifetime Achievement Award honourees

The 8th RT Radio 1 Folk Awards will take place in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday 10th November 2026, hosted again by John Creedon. The Awards will be broadcast live on RT Radio 1 and on the RT Radio App and a highlights programme will be broadcast on RT television.

The RT Radio 1 Folk Awards are a celebration of the very best in folk music in Ireland.

Commenting Head of RT Radio 1, Tara Campbell said: We are delighted to announce the return of the RT Radio 1 Folk Awards to Vicar Street in November. These awards are an important part of what we do to support and celebrate the very best in Irish folk and traditional music and performance across RT Radio 1. As the previous awards took place in February 2025, we have a longer window to consider so many incredible musicians and so much outstanding music in the folk genre which we are excited about. And of course, we will continue to acknowledge the positive impact of two artists who have made a major cultural contribution in our Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement awards. We look forward to being back in Vicar Street in November for another celebration of the very best in Irish folk music over the past two years or so.

2025 WINNERS: For full details on last year's winners, see: RT RADIO 1 FOLK AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED - About RT

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR THE 2026 AWARDS

QUALIFYING PERIOD

The qualifying period for the 8th RT Radio 1 Folk Awards runs from Monday 18th November 2024 Friday 11th September 2026.

Submissions for consideration from musicians, labels, promoters and members of the public are welcome by email to folkawards@rte.ie. Please note that the shortlist and winners are selected by a jury, NOT by public vote.

JURY VOTE CATEGORIES

Seven awards are made each year as a result of voting by the Folk Awards Jury. These are:

Best Original Folk Track

A new song or instrumental track which has been released during the qualifying period.

Best Traditional Folk Track

A recording of a traditional track (song or instrumental) from the Irish folk tradition which was released during the qualifying period.

Best Folk Singer

An award for an Irish folk singer in recognition of a great recording or performance which took place during the qualifying period.

Best Emerging Folk Artist

An award recognizing a new act (solo or group/vocal or instrumental) who made an impact on the Irish folk scene during the qualifying period.

Best Folk Instrumentalist

An award for an instrumental solo artist or a band member, recognizing great musicianship either in a recording or a performance during the qualifying period.

Best Folk Group

The Irish folk group which made the biggest impact during the qualifying period.

Best Folk Album

The best folk album released during the qualifying period. This excludes re-issues or compilations.

Committee Vote Categories

Two awards are made each year as a result of deliberations by the Folk Awards Steering Committee. Those are:

Hall of Fame Award

An award given to a person no longer living who made a significant contribution to Irish folk music during their lifetime.

Lifetime Achievement Award

An award given to a living artist who has made a significant contribution to Irish folk music over a period of many years.

Tickets will go on sale later this year. Details will be announced in due course.

ENDS

For information: Neil O'Gorman | neil.ogorman@rte.ie

Alannah Thornburg accepting her award for Best Folk Instrumentalist in 2025, with Neansa N Choisdealbha

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/06/05/rte-radio-1-folk-awards-2026-date-anno...
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