The latest show in our acclaimed Up Close and Personal series at The Grand Social, Dublin – run in association with Aidan Shortall and supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – is just around the corner. To celebrate, we're offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny, in conversation about their acclaimed 1973 album, Planxty, on Tuesday, October 19.

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.

Following shows with Villagers and Gemma Hayes at the end of September, and Mary Coughlan, and Tim Wheeler earlier this month, the upcoming line-up includes 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!

Released in 1973, Planxty – the debut album from the band of the same name – rescued Irish folk music from the leather-elbowed ballad groups. With uilleann piper Liam O’Flynn joining Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine and Christy Moore in what was a folk super-group, they combined songs and tunes in a marvellously innovative mix – irrevocably changing the course of Irish music completely in the process.

There are limited tickets for Up Close and Personal with Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny available here.

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

Up Close & Personal is presented by Hot Press in association with Aidan Shortall and supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.