Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, which can only mean one thing – it's time to crack open the brand new Hot Press Annual!

The cover of this year's edition reflects both the monumental highs and the tragic lows that shaped 2023 – including Cillian Murphy's lauded Oppenheimer role, CMAT's massive year, Boygenius' globe-conquering return, Katie McCabe's World Cup goal, and Katja Mia's star turn in the upcoming Uprising music series; as well as the immense loss of three icons of Irish music: Sinéad O'Connor, Shane MacGowan and Christy Dignam, who are honoured in editor Niall Stokes' moving introduction.

Inside the Hot Press Annual 2024, you can also look forward to...

The Hot Press team select their top albums of the year, with an array of music superstars duking it out for top spot. Plus – the top hip-hop, folk and electronic albums of another rip-roaring musical year...

In our look back at the key musical happenings of 2023, Ed Power looks at how Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo dominated the musical landscape, while Pat Carty reflects on his musical highlights, including The Rolling Stones' acclaimed comeback and another live masterclass from U2...

Roe McDermott rounds up the top movies of 2023, with appearances from Past Lives, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Oppenheimer and more...

Blindboy talks to Jess Murray about his third book Topographia Hibernica, Flann O’Brien, Gaza, Cypress Hill, and their beloved hometown of Limerick City...

Blindboy

Imelda May reflects on the unique songwriting genius of the late great Shane MacGowan...

All of the major musical and cultural happenings of the year – and loads more besides – are covered in the Hot Press Round Table Summit, as Stuart Clark talks to an all-star panel including Mary Coughlan, Meryl Streek, Ispíní na hÉireann, Selló, Chalk and Morgana McIntyre...

Rock and roll vet Noel Fitzpatrick discusses his hugely successful TV career...

One of the true legends of Irish sport, Liam Brady pulls no punches in his gripping memoir Born To Be A Footballer. He discusses iconic Arsenal moments, winning Serie A with Juventus, crazy boardroom scenes, the FAI, his fallout with Jack Charlton and more...

A brand new music-based TV series hits the screens on Virgin Media Television in January 2024. With Stuart Clark flying the flag for Hot Press, and Katja Mia as the main presenter, it promises a very different experience in music television in Ireland. We explain the background – and Katja talks about what the show means to her…

Katja Mia at UPRISING. Copyright MIguel Ruiz.

Having recently published his instant classic memoir Sonic Life, legendary guitarist Thurston Moore talks to Paul Nolan about no-wave, Irish punk, star-studded Hollywood parties, Nirvana in Cork, and playing Bowie’s 50th birthday bash...

Snooker superstar Ronnie O'Sullivan discusses his gripping new Prime Video documentary, which explores his sporting triumphs and private struggles...

All-conquering Peamount Utd manager James Callaghan talks to Paul Mahony about another league-winning season, and also discusses how the Women's Premier Division continues to go from strength to strength. Plus, we profile a selection of the most promising young men's players...

Holly Cairns, Jazzy, Nell Mescal, Orén Kinlan, LYRA, Bressie, Jarlath Regan and Toshín share their highlights of 2023...

Plus – the year's most remarkable books, quotes, photos, games, politics, controversies and more...

So don’t miss out! Pick up your copy of the Hot Press Annual 2024 now...