Popular Letterkenny bar, McGinleys, has been named the IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation held their 2025 awards at the Sugar Club in Dublin last night.
And after input from more than 25,000 IMRO members, McGinleys was a popular choice as the overall winner.
Eleanor McEvoy, Chairperson of IMRO, highlighted the significance of the awards.
She said “Live music venues are the backbone of Ireland’s music culture. They create essential spaces where artists and audiences connect, and we are proud to celebrate the dedication of those who make live music possible.”
The award was collected on behalf of McGinleys Bar by popular proprietor Stephen Elliott.
The bar on the town’s Main Street is a hugely popular go-to venue for music fans offering music almost every night.
The overall award winners from last night were:
Regional Winners:
Dublin – The Button Factory, Dublin
Rest of Leinster – The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Connacht – TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Munster – Coughlan’s, Cork
Ulster – McGinley’s Bar, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Festival & Crew Awards:
IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2025 – All Together Now
IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year 2025 – Another Love Story
IMRO Venue Tech Crew of the Year 2025 – Vicar Street
IMRO Festival Tech Crew of the Year 2025 – Electric Picnic
Hot Press Live Venue of the Year 2025 – 3Arena
Hot Press Special Recommendation Award 2025 – The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Hot Press Special Recommendation Award 2025 – Mike the Pies, Listowel
The IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards celebrate the venues, festivals, and crews that sustain Ireland’s thriving live music scene. These awards not only honour excellence but also highlight the ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for live music.
