Monroe's wins IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year

The IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year awards took place last night at the organisation's HQ in Dublin.

Monroe's of Galway was awarded the biggest honour, scoring highest in the IMRO public vote and winning 'Live Music Venue of the Year'.

Hot Press were heavily involved in the awards too, having asked you, the readers to vote in our Readers' Poll and let us know your favourite venues. You deemed the O2 your number one, and the Dublin venue was awarded 'Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year'.

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes commented at the event last night, "Live music is more important than ever for musicians and bands – so it is crucial they they should have the best possible venues to play in. The IMRO Live Music Venue Awards are a brilliant platform for recognising all of the good work that is happening all over Ireland in creating those opportunities for musicians."

Other regional winners included:
Dublin – The Olympia
Rest of Leinster - The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Munster – Glor Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare
Ulster – McGrorys, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
Connacht – Roisin Dubh, Galway

'Festival of the Year' went to Strdbally extravaganza, Electric Picnic, while Live @ The Marquee, Cork, took home the 'Best Small Festival' prize.

Congrats to all!