The 7th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards will take place in Vicar Street, Dublin on Wednesday 26^th February 2025, hosted again by John Creedon.. The Awards will be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 and on the RTÉ Radio App and a highlights programme will be broadcast on RTÉ television.

The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are a celebration of the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year,.

Commenting Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Peter Woods, said: "The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are an important part of what we do to support and celebrate the very best in Irish folk and traditional music and performance. This country continues to produce some of the very best musicians and music in the folk genre which we are delighted to showcase in these awards, while also celebrating the positive impact of those who came before. We look forward to another great live event in Vicar Street in February and to celebrating the very best in Irish folk music over the past year."

 

THE DETAILS

QUALIFYING PERIOD 

The qualifying period for the 7th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards runs from Monday 13th November 2023 - Sunday 17th November 2024.

Submissions for consideration from musicians, labels, promoters and members of the public are welcome by email to folkawards@rte.ie. Please note that the shortlist and winners are selected by a jury, NOT by public vote.

 

JURY VOTE CATEGORIES

Seven awards are made each year as a result of voting by the Folk Awards Jury.  These are:

 

Best Original Folk Track 

A new song or instrumental track which has been recorded during the qualifying period

since the last awards.

Winner in 2024: Anáil na hOíche – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin

 

Best Traditional Folk Track 

A recording of a traditional track (song or instrumental) from the Irish folk tradition which was recorded during the qualifying period.

Winner in 2024: Seán Gabha – Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Bláth na hÓige

 

Best Folk Singer 

An award for an Irish folk singer in recognition of a great recording or performance which took place during the qualifying period.

Winner in 2024: Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin

 

Best Emerging Folk Artist 

An award recognizing a new act (solo or group/vocal or instrumental) who made an impact on the Irish folk scene during the qualifying period.

Winner in 2024: Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

 

Best Folk Instrumentalist 

An award for an instrumental solo artist or a band member, recognizing great musicianship either in a recording or a performance during the qualifying period.

Winner in 2024: Aoife Ní Bhriain

 

Best Folk Group 

The Irish folk group which made the biggest impact during the qualifying period.

Winner in 2024: Lankum

Best Folk Album 

The best folk album released during the qualifying period. This excludes re-issues or compilations.

Winner in 2024: False Lankum – Lankum

Committee Vote Categories

Two awards are made each year as a result of deliberations by the Folk Awards Steering Committee. Those are:

Hall of Fame Award 

An award given to a person no longer living who made a significant contribution to Irish folk music during their lifetime.

Recipient in 2024: Séamus Ennis

 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

An award given to a living artist who has made a significant contribution to Irish folk music over a period of many years.

Recipient in 2024: Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill

For full details on last year's winners, see https://about.rte.ie/2024/02/27/rte-radio-1-folk-awards-winners-announced-3/

Tickets will go on sale later this year. Details will be announced in due course.

For information: Neil O'Gorman, Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ