RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards set to return to Vicar Street in November

The 8th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are set to return to Vicar Street, Dublin, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in celebration of Irish traditional music.

Hosted once again by radio broadcaster John Creedon, the ceremony will be live on RTÉ Radio 1 and the RTÉ Radio App, with highlights scheduled for RTÉ television.

Tara Campbell, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, noted that since the previous awards were held in February 2025, the upcoming ceremony covers an extended qualifying period, allowing for broader consideration of talent within the Irish folk scene.

"We are delighted to announce the return of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards to Vicar Street in November," said Campbell. "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 RTÉ Radio 1. 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.”

The awards recognise excellence across nine categories, seven of which are decided by a jury: Best Original Folk Track; Best Traditional Folk Track; Best Folk Singer; Best Emerging Folk Artist; Best Folk Instrumentalist; Best Folk Group and Best Folk Album.

The Folk Awards committee will present two special awards: the Hall of Fame Award, honoring a deceased artist for their lifetime contribution, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a living artist’s impact on Irish folk music over many years.

Previous honorees for the Lifetime Achievement Award include Moya Brennan, Dónal Lunny, Mary Black, and Christy Moore.

Musicians, labels, and the public are invited to submit entries for consideration via email at [email protected]. The qualifying period for submissions runs from November 18, 2024, through September 11, 2026.

Tickets will go on sale later this year.