Galway live music venues Róisín Dubh and the Town Hall Theatre have been chosen as two of the best in the Connacht region.
The venues are on the shortlist for the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) Live Music Venue of the Year Awards, which has been chosen from hundreds of locations across the country by more than 8,000 IMRO members.

Each venue was judged on its atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and most importantly, the staff and management at each venue. One overall venue will be presented with the IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year Award which will be chosen entirely by the public’s vote.

In order for gig goers to vote for their favourite venue all they have to do is log on to www.surveymonkey.com/s/venueawards before Sunday February 19 (one lucky voter will also win an iPod touch for their input).

The Galway Arts Festival will also be vying for an award at the fourth IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards, which will take place on Tuesday February 28, at IMRO Buildings in Dublin – it is on the shortlist for the title of IMRO Music Festival of the Year.

The annual Awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, who provide the public with an exceptional live music experience week in, week out.

Live music venues and festivals play a pivotal role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and home-grown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering place for audiences of all ages and musical tastes and contributing hugely to the domestic economy.

Victor Finn CEO of IMRO said: “An extensive and vibrant venue network is the lifeblood of any strong live music sector. These awards acknowledge and applaud those venues and festivals throughout Ireland that excel in creating a memorable and exhilarating environment for music fans and performers alike”.

At the ceremony in IMRO HQ in Dublin on February 28, awards will also be presented to the leading live music venue in Dublin, rest of Leinster, Connacht, Munster and Ulster.

Having won the Connacht region award for four consecutive years, Roisin Dubh promoter Gugai said: “There are plenty of music awards out there, but it's great to have the IMRO Live Music Venue Awards to acknowledge the great work done by the staff in venues around the country.”