Irish Album of the Year 2024: Nominees Revealed | [Publication Name]

Dublin, Ireland – The RTÉ Choice Music Prize, one of the most prestigious accolades in Irish music, will be awarded tonight, March 5th, 2026, at a live event in Vicar Street. Ten albums are in contention for the coveted Irish Album of the Year title, representing a diverse range of genres and artistic voices. The event, now in its 21st year, will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2FM, celebrating the best in homegrown musical talent.

The Choice Music Prize, established in 2005, plays a crucial role in championing Irish recorded music. A panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts will determine the winners across several categories, including Irish Album of the Year, Irish Artist of the Year, and Irish Song of the Year, as reported by The Journal. Tonight’s ceremony promises a showcase of the vibrant and evolving Irish music scene.

The Nominees: A Look at the Contenders

This year’s shortlist features a compelling mix of established and emerging artists. Among the frontrunners are Cmat and Amble, as highlighted by the Irish Examiner. Here’s a closer look at the nominated albums:

• Amble – Reverie: Formed in 2022, Amble – comprised of Robbie Cunningham, Oisín McCaffrey, and Ross McNerney – quickly transitioned from playing covers in pubs to achieving significant success. They signed with Warners in 2024 and have since amassed over 100 million streams, including hits like “Schoolyard Days” and “Lonely Island.”
• Bricknasty – Black’s Law: Emerging from the Dublin suburb of Ballymun, Bricknasty delivers “uber-cool jazz-inflected hip-hop/soul.” The album, described as a “politically charged manifesto,” explores Ireland’s history and hopes for the future.
• Joshua Burnside – Teeth of Time: This marks Burnside’s fifth studio album in eight years, with his sixth, It’s Not Going to Be OK, slated for release on March 20th.

The remaining nominees, while not detailed in the provided sources, contribute to the breadth of talent recognized by the Choice Music Prize. The full list of nominees can be found on the Choice Music Prize website.

Beyond Album of the Year

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize isn’t solely focused on album recognition. Three additional prizes will be awarded tonight: Irish Artist of the Year, Irish Breakthrough Artist, and Classic Irish Album. The Classic Irish Album winner will be announced prior to the live event. RTÉ 2FM will broadcast a week of Choice Music Prize announcements, beginning January 19th, with the Irish Song of the Year shortlist revealed on January 23rd, with public voting opening on that date.

The live event at Vicar Street is a significant night for the Irish music industry, and the exclusive broadcast on RTÉ 2FM will extend the celebration to a wider audience. The Choice Music Prize continues to be a vital platform for showcasing and supporting Irish artists.

As the night unfolds, the anticipation builds to discover which album will be crowned Irish Album of the Year. The diverse range of nominees reflects the strength and creativity within the Irish music landscape, making the decision a challenging one for the judging panel.

The winners will be announced tonight, and the impact of the Choice Music Prize extends beyond the immediate recognition. It provides a boost to the winning artist’s career and shines a spotlight on the quality of Irish music both domestically, and internationally. Stay tuned for updates following the ceremony.

What are your thoughts? Which album do you think deserves to win the Irish Album of the Year? Share your predictions and favorite Irish artists in the comments below.