60 recipients of the 2026 Grassroots Venues Support Scheme have been announced (Updated)

Following a pilot scheme in 2025, an additional €1 million has been allocated to support grassroots music venues and showcase emerging artists across Ireland.

Sixty venues have been offered funding of up to €20,000, an increase from the 34 supported last year. Additionally, grant recipients also include venues platforming Irish comedy.

The 2026 scheme offered grants under two separate streams to support venues at various levels of development.

Grants of up to €20,000 were available under Stream A to established grassroots venues with a proven track record in programming emerging Irish artists. Stream B offered grants of up to €8,000 to venues that have previously programmed Irish artists and will use the funding to programme emerging artists performing live music or comedy.

"Our grassroots venues are central to nurturing emerging artists and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the live performance industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face", said Minister O'Donovan.

"I look forward to seeing the diversity of genre and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I'd also encourage audiences from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their career".

The Grassroots Venues Support Scheme is a Night-Time Economy initiative that supports the work of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and follows a recommendation arising from Action 5 in the revised Night-Time Economy Action Plan.

Funding can be used to cover direct event costs, including event production, equipment hire, artist and crew fees, PR and advertising, security, and event insurance. The scheme requires that all artists and crews be paid for their work. Additionally, if established acts are booked, venues must also programme at least one grassroots artist on the same night.

Approved Applicants 

1.  John Lee's Bar and Venue  - Tullamore, Co. Offaly  - €20,000
2. Prim's Bookshop - Kinsale, Co. Cork - €20,000
3. Cyprus Avenue - Cork city - €20,000
4. The Laughter Lounge - Dublin 1 - €20,000
5. The Ol' 55 Bar and Venue - Galway city - €20,000
6. Spirit Store Ltd - Dundalk, Co. Louth - €20,000
7. Toals Bar - Dundalk, Co. Louth - €20,000
8. McHughes Public House - Drogheda, Co. Louth - €20,000
9. The Cornerstone - Loughrea, Co. Galway - €20,000
10. The Grand Social - Dublin 1 - €20,000
11. The International Bar - Dublin 2 - €20,000
12. Dolan's - Limerick city - €20,000
13. The Attic - Doolin, Co. Clare - €20,000
14. Whelan's - Dublin 2 - €20,000
15. Bank Lane - Waterford city - €20,000
16. Sin É - Dublin 7 - €20,000
17. The Sound House - Dublin 1 - €20,000
18. Yamamori Tengu - Dublin 1 - €20,000
19. Mike the Pies - Listowel, Co. Kerry - €20,000
20. Connolly's of Leap - Leap, Co. Cork - €20,000
21. The White Horse - Ballincollig, Co. Cork - €20,000
22. Kavanagh's Bar and Venue - Portlaoise, Co. Laois - €20,000
23. Kenny's Bar - Lahinch, Co. Clare - €20,000
24. The Whale Theatre Company - Greystones, Co. Wicklow - €20,000
25. The Workman's Club - Dublin 2 - €20,000
26. Set Theatre - Kilkenny city - €20,000
27. Pot Duggans - Ennistymon, Co. Clare - €20,000
28. Hen's Teeth - Dublin 8 - €20,000
29. Wigwam - Dublin 1 - €20,000
30. Levis Bar - Ballydehob, Co. Cork - €20,000
31. Coughlan's Bar - Cork city - €20,000
32. The Bernard Shaw - Dublin 9 - €20,000
33. Peadar Kearney's - Dublin 2 - €20,000
34. Cleary's Bar - Newcastle West, Co. Limerick - €20,000
35. Róisín Dubh - Galway city - €20,000
36. The Social - Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal - €20,000
37. De Barra's Folk Club - Clonakilty, Co. Cork - €20,000
38. The Commercial Bar - Limerick city - €20,000
39. Monroe's Live - Galway city - €20,000
40. John Cleere's Bar & Theatre - Kilkenny city - €20,000
41. The Sugar Club - Dublin 2 - €20,000
42. Billy Byrne's - Kilkenny city - €20,000
43. Seven Bridgestreet - Galway city - €15,000
44. Lucky's Bar - Dublin 8 - €15,000
45. Arthur's Pub - Dublin 8 - €15,000
46. The Green Room Dingle - Dingle, Co. Kerry - €15,000
47. Buncrana Cinema - Buncrana Co. Donegal - €8,000
48. O'Flaherty's Bar Ltd - Buncrana, Co. Donegal - €8,000
49. Mo Chara - Dundalk, Co. Louth - €8,000
50. Wickham Way - Limerick city - €8,000
51. Odd Mollie's - Drogheda, Co. Louth - €8,000
52. Mary Mullens Bar - Galway city - €8,000
53. Arundels by the Pier - Ahakista, Co.Cork - €8,000
54. The Circular Bar - Dublin 8 - €8,000
55. The Greyhound Bar - Kilkee, Co. Clare - €7,900
56. The Reg - Waterford city - €6,000
57. The Maritime Hotel (Live by the Bay) - Bantry, Co. Cork -€6,000
58. Abbey Lane - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny - €6,000
59. Paddy Mac's Bar and Lounge - Coachford, Co. Cork - €6,000
60. The Salmon Pool - Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny - €5,000