Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme - Additional Recipients Announced
- Published on: 26 September 2025
- Last updated on: 26 September 2025
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has today announced additional recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme. Two additional venues in Cork and Donegal have been awarded €12,000 each in funding to showcase the talent of emerging musicians.
A total of 34 venues has now been offered funding under the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme to support the continued programming of early-career musicians. Applications were received from a wide range of late-night venues including pubs, nightclubs and theatres. Venues in many rural towns and villages are being supported, with funding awarded to 16 venues outside of the major cities.
Following the announcement of the scheme in March 2025, there was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with nearly 100 applications submitted before the scheme was closed.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“I’m happy to add Cyprus Avenue in Cork and The Social in Gaobh Dobhair to the list of recipients of funding under this innovative scheme. These venues play a vital role in nurturing emerging musicians and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the music industry."
The Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme is a Night-Time Economy initiative in support of the work of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and following a recommendation emerging from Action 5 in the revised Night-Time Economy Action Plan.
This scheme provides funding for a series of events showcasing grassroots artists performing live/electronic music they have written/created themselves. These events also provide employment for crew, light and sound engineering, marketing and PR, as well as increasing footfall to grassroots venues and contributing to a thriving night-time economy.
Newly Approved Applicants
| Venue Name | Location |
| The Social |
Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal |
| Cyprus Avenue |
Cork City |
Previously Approved Applicants
| Venue Name | Location |
| Arthurs Pub |
Dublin 8 |
| Bank Lane | Waterford City |
| Billy Byrne’s | Kilkenny City |
| Clearys Bar | Newcastle West, Limerick |
| Connollys of Leap | Leap, Cork |
| Coughlans Bar | Cork City |
| Dali | Cork City |
| DeBarra’s Folk Club | Clonakilty, Cork |
| Dolans | Limerick City |
| Hen’s Teeth | Dublin 8 |
| John Cleere's Bar & Theatre | Kilkenny City |
| John Lees Bar | Tullamore, Offaly |
| Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue | Portlaoise, Laois |
| Kennys Bar | Lahinch, Clare |
| Langtons Set Theatre | Kilkenny City |
| Levis’ Bar | Ballydehob, Cork |
| McHugh’s | Drogheda, Louth |
| Mike the Pies | Listowel, Kerry |
| Mo Chara | Dundalk, Louth |
| Pot Duggans | Ennistymon, Clare |
| Róisín Dubh | Galway City |
| Sin é | Dublin 7 |
| Spirit Store | Dundalk, Louth |
| Tengu | Dublin 1 |
| The Attic | Doolin, Clare |
| The Bernard Shaw | Dublin 9 |
| The Commercial Bar | Limerick City |
| The Cornerstone | Woodford, Galway |
| The Grand Social | Dublin 1 |
| The Soundhouse | Dublin 1 |
| The White Horse | Ballincollig, Cork |
| Wigwam | Dublin 1 |