The 2026 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards will take place at Dublin’s Vicar Street on Tuesday, 10 November, celebrating established and emerging talent within the Irish folk music scene. The ceremony, hosted by John Creedon, features a competitive shortlist across seven categories, with Tommy Sands receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and the late Dolores Keane honored with a Hall of Fame induction.
Who are the artists competing for awards?
RTÉ has confirmed the nominations for the eighth annual ceremony, highlighting a diverse mix of contemporary and traditional styles.
Congratulations to Donal Lunny who last night received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. #rtefolkawards @rteYou can watch the awards presented by @johncreedon on @RTEOne on Saturday 1 March at 10.55pmhttps://t.co/HnbMp4DyVo pic.twitter.com/SLEnFltUSg
— https://x.com/RTEArchives/status/1895049696080708089
- Best Folk Group: An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, Beoga, Lemoncello, Poor Creature, and Ye Vagabonds.
- Best Folk Album: An Bhearna Bhán by Jillian O’Malley, Caillte Sa Cheol by Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Curlew’s Cry by Barry Kerr, Ithaca by lullahush, It’s Not Going To Be Okay by Joshua Burnside, and Phases by Beoga.
- Best Folk Singer: Barry Kerr, Clare Sands, Joshua Burnside, Lisa O’Neill, and Macdara Yeates.
- Best Folk Instrumentalist: Caroline Keane, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Jack Talty, Seán McKeon, and Ultan O’Brien.
- Best Emerging Artist: Ellie O’Neill, Leevy, Rua Rí, and The Railway Boys.
For individual tracks, the competition is split between original and traditional compositions. Nominees for Best Original Folk Track include Clare Sands (Anam Cara), Dove Ellis (Heaven Has No Wings), Rua Rí (Johnny Workman), Barry Kerr (The Curlew’s Cry), and Lisa O’Neill (The Wind Doesn’t Blow This Far Right). The Best Traditional Folk Track category features The Railway Boys, Tríona and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Rattling Ark, Macdara Yeates, Cormac Begley and Liam O’Connor, and Damien Dempsey.
How is Tommy Sands being recognized?
Tommy Sands will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for his work as a songwriter, broadcaster, and social activist, Sands gained international prominence as a member of The Sands Family, performing at major venues including Carnegie Hall and Moscow’s Olympic Stadium. His music, particularly the song There Were Roses, is recognized for its role in addressing the realities of conflict and reconciliation during the Northern Ireland peace process, as reported by RTÉ.
Where can the public watch the ceremony?
The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 starting at 8pm on 10 November. For those unable to attend in person at Vicar Street, a television highlights programme is scheduled to air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player on Saturday, 14 November. According to Ticketmaster, tickets for the live event at Vicar Street are currently available for purchase.
What are the details regarding the Hall of Fame?
The late Dolores Keane, who passed away in March 2026, will be inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame. The ceremony will also feature live performances from a selection of the nominees and established artists, including Beoga, The Unthanks, Declan O’Rourke, Edwina Guckian, Joshua Burnside, and Jillian O’Malley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other ways to listen to the awards? Yes, the event is broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 and is also available via the RTÉ Listen platform, ensuring global access to the performances and award presentations.
How many categories are included in the 2026 awards? There are seven distinct categories covering groups, albums, individual singers, instrumentalists, emerging artists, and both original and traditional folk tracks.
Is the event open to the public? Yes, tickets for the ceremony at Vicar Street are on sale through Ticketmaster for fans looking to attend the live performances and awards presentation.
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