RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards to return in February 2025

THE DETAILS

QUALIFYING PERIOD

Submissions for consideration from musicians, labels, promoters and members of the public are welcome by email to [email protected]. 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:

A new song or instrumental track which has been recorded during the qualifying period since the last awards.

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, go here.