Manic Street Preachers in The Olympia
For many years, the extent of my venue experience was my local bar, the odd trip to the Olympia and a few visits to the in-need-of-repair Point Theatre. However, over the past two years, my horizons have been widened. Vicar Street has become a regular haunt now, along with Whelans, our own Greytones Theatre, Tripod and of course the new O2. I’ve also been further afield, having sampled the delights of Kilkenny (loving Cleere’s) and Limerick’s Dolans. Then again, the sound quality at the festivals can be incredible and Springsteen turned the RDS into the greatest venue on the planet in July this year.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation has announced the second annual IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards. The awards recognise Irish venues and over 400 venues across Ireland qualify for the awards, including pubs, hotels, arts centres, theatres and purpose built music venues.
Last year, Vicar Street more or less swept the boards and most notably won National Live Music Venue of the Year. I can’t argue with that - I’ve been to comedy gigs, charity events, concerts and most recently an incredible Q&A night with Kevin Smith.
Over 6,000 members of IMRO are currently nominating their top three Irish venues through an on-line poll on the IMRO website. Venues are being judged on a number of criteria including venue ambiance, staging, sound and lighting facilities, diversity of programming, venue staff and management and promotional activities of the venue.
Along with one overall award, there will also be awards for venues in the following regions: Dublin, Leinster (excluding Dublin) Connaught, Munster and Ulster (covering Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan).
The shortlist of nominated venues will be announced at the end of October and the awards will take place at the beginning of December at a special event at IMRO Headquarters.
So, what would you vote for? Do you have a favourite venue? My money would be on Vicar Street again, but the new O2 must surely be a contender.
Bruce Springsteen in the RDS
I like the new O2, I’ll be be again in a fortnight for Muse in concert. I’m also a big fan of Vicar St and I miss the days of attending Dolan’s when I was a poor student in Limerick. The RDS is a great venue, particularly when Leinster are playing! Allez les bleus!! I honestly don’t have a favourite though.
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Vicar Street and the Ambassador - I’ve been to some of my favourite gigs at those two venues and the both have excellent sound.
@Travors I don’t think I’ve ever been to a gig in The Ambassador. I’ve been in most of Dublin’s major venues, but not there.
Love the Olympia - always a brilliant vibe and great sound. Vicar St. is good for comedy gigs too.
For me it has to be the Academy. Always works for me, as does Vicar Street. Also had some great gig nights in the Village.
One to watch is the Church on Mary Street. Saw Kasabian there on Arthur’s Day and it was fantastic. Be cool if it became more of a live venue.
Gotta be the academy. Really good size and the sound is usually fantastic!
Never been to Vicar St before..
The Academy is a nice place for gigs. Small venues are better for gigs I think