The first show in our upcoming Up Close and Personal series at The Grand Social, Dublin, is just around the corner – and to celebrate, we're offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Villagers, in conversation about the acclaimed 2013 album, Awayland, on Tuesday, September 28.

This intimate discussion series brings the audience a deep dive into a number of classic Irish albums with the artists who created them, talking about the background, the songs, the recordings and the mood of the times in which they were created. It promises the most fascinating insights into some of the greatest Irish albums ever recorded.

The line-up features Villagers (Sept 28), Gemma Hayes (Sept 29), Mary Coughlan (Oct 3), Tim Wheeler of Ash (Oct 18), Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny (Oct 19), and Damien Dempsey (Oct 20) – taking place live at The Grand Social, Dublin.

At these one-off listening parties, we’ll bring the lucky ticket-holders into the heart of the writing, recording and release of the album in question, as told live – and in person – by the artist that was at the heart of an outstanding creative achievement. And of course, we’ll listen to the album along the way, allowing listeners to experience the music again, in all its power and glory!

An album of remarkable poise and beauty, Awayland is the highly acclaimed second album from Villagers. Released in 2013, it deservedly won the Choice Music Prize that year, and was hailed for its powerful and wonderfully literary songwriting. Confirming Conor O’Brien as one of Ireland’s most brilliant wordsmiths, it remains an important and influential benchmark for Irish songwriters who aspire to greatness.

There are limited tickets for Up Close and Personal with Villagers available here.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, enter our competition below: