All Ireland Podcast Awards

Entries now open

All Ireland Podcast Awards

The inaugural All Ireland Podcast Awards saw over 250 entries received, resulting in 84 nominees recognised across 8 award categories on the night.

Hosted by Limerick broadcaster Louise Cantillon and comedian and podcaster Kevin McGahern, the gala drew 100+ guests including Nicky Byrne, Mary Kennedy, The Dating Orange, Young Hot Guys and Joe McGuckan. Winners included Indo Daily (Current Affairs & Politics), The Laughs of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy (Conversation), Young Hot Guys (Entertainment), Cover: The Real Stakeknife (Documentary & Drama) and The Real Carrie Jade (True Crime), with RTÉ, Mediahuis, Headstuff and the BBC all represented in the winners' circle.y has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.

A graphic promoting The All Ireland Podcast Awards featuring a stylized green microphone against a dark background with green and blue wave-like lines.

The All-Ireland Podcast Awards 2026: Official Entry Rules

By entering the All-Ireland Podcast Awards 2026, you agree to these rules.

1.1. Eligibility: Podcasts must have been in existence and published from December 1st 2025 - August 31st 2026.

1.2. Origin: A podcast is eligible if it demonstrates a clear link to Ireland. This can be established in one of three ways:

● The podcasts host or producer holds an Irish passport.

● The podcasts host or producer is a resident of Ireland.

● The podcasts primary production takes place on the island of Ireland.

1.3. Submission Length: Audio submissions are limited to 15 minutes. You may combine/edit episodes.

1.4. Supporting Material: Written backup of roughly 500 words.

1.5 Audio Links: You will be asked to submit a link to a full-length episode that showcases the podcast at its best. This must be from a podcast service like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You will also be asked for a link to a page featuring all your podcasts for the judges reference.

1.6. Artwork: Upload accompanying artwork in a square size with your entry.

1.7. Cost: Entries are €25+Vat per entry.

1.8 Irish language: Irish language entries can be submitted, an Irish-speaking judge will be assigned to listen.

1.9 Multiple Entries: A maximum of up to two entries of the same podcast can be made into the Awards.

1. Entry Requirements

2.1. Submit entries via Award platform here.

2.2. We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or delayed entries. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.

2.3. Your entry is accepted upon confirmation received by the platform. This forms a binding contract under these terms.

2. Submission Process

3. Content Standards & Disqualification

3.1. Do not submit Non-compliant Entries - those that are:

(i) False, misleading, or incomplete.

(ii) Against our values or harmful to our reputation.

(iii) Infringe third-party intellectual property, breach confidentiality, or are defamatory.

3.2. We may disqualify any Non-compliant Entry, and our decisions are final. We are not liable for any losses from disqualification.

4.1. An independent panel judges entries. The role of Head Judge for 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.

4.2. Judges decisions are final; no appeals will be accepted. We may choose not to award a prize in a category.

4.3. You permit us to use your Entry Materials (audio, backup, artwork) for Awards-related advertising, publicity, or informational purposes.

4. Judging & Use of Materials

Entries close: 24 September 2026 at 6pm

Awards: 11 November 2026 as part of SOUND.WAVES.

5. Key Dates

Core Judging Criteria

Each entry will be evaluated on its merits within its specific category. Judges will consider:

What we’re looking for: Is the content compelling, well-researched, and original? Does it have a significant social, cultural, or personal resonance?

Consider: Clarity, originality, and overall audience engagement.

1. Content & Impact

What we’re looking for: Does the podcast sound professional and polished? Is the audio clear, balanced, and free from distractions?

Consider: Recording quality, editing, and the effective use of sound design and music.

2. Audio Production

What we’re looking for: How effectively is the content delivered? Are the hosts engaging and the conversations natural?

Consider: Host charisma, rapport, and overall listenability.

3. Presentation & Delivery

ALL IRELAND PODCAST AWARDS

WINNERS 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS & POLITICS

  • WINNER: The Indo Daily (Irish Independent)

  • RUNNER UP: Mercosur special (Irish Farmer's Journal)

  • COMMENDED: The Explainer (The Journal)

  • A Few Scoops (Go Loud)

  • In the News (The Irish Times)

  • Know Your Constituency (RTÉ)

  • Path to Power (NK Management)

  • The Candidate (The Journal)

  • The Irish Times Election Daily Podcast (Irish Times)

  • The Second Captains Podcast - The Bernie Sanders interview (Second Captains)

AUDIO DRAMA & DOCUMENTARY

  • WINNER: Cover: Stakeknife (BBC)

  • RUNNER UP: KidCast School Tour (RTÉ Jr)

  • COMMENDED: Ireland Said Yes (Onic)

  • Assume Nothing: Murder at the Stables (BBC)

  • Assume Nothing: The Hack (BBC)

  • Runaway Joe (RTÉ)

  • Stolen Sister (RTÉ)

  • The Real Carrie Jade (RTÉ)

  • The Troubles Podcast

  • The History Podcast: The Brighton Bomb (BBC)

TRUE CRIME

  • WINNER: The Real Carrie Jade (RTÉ)

  • RUNNER UP: Where is Jón? (RTÉ)

  • COMMENDED: Stolen Sister (RTÉ)

  • Assume Nothing: Murder at the Stables (BBC)

  • Cover: Stakeknife (BBC)

  • Crime Next Door - Servants and Saints (BBC)

  • Inside the Crime: The Una Lynskey Murder (Newstalk)

  • Runaway Joe (RTÉ)

  • The Dating Orange Podcast

  • This is Robert (Irish Sun)

ENTERTAINMENT

  • WINNER: Young Hot Guys

  • RUNNER UP: Lunchtime with Michael Fry

  • COMMENDED: Marty Miller's Music History

  • Chill Da Beats with Philly Taggart

  • Fields of Dreams

  • Lets Do This with Arthur and Donal

  • Listen, I'm Delicious

  • Mark Mehigan's Weekly Roast

  • Nicky Byrne HQ

  • Red Raw with Rob Heffernan and Laura O'Mahoney

  • Roasted with Mark Moriarty

  • Stall It with Darren and Joe

  • Talking Derry Girls

  • The Girls Groupchat

  • This Paranormal Life

SPORT

  • WINNER: Indo Sport - A Closer Look (Irish Independent)

  • RUNNER UP: The Second Captains Podcast (Second Captains)

  • COMMENDED: Corny: The Last Irishman in the NFL

  • Beyond the 45' (talkSPORT Ireland)

  • Beyond the 65' (talkSPORT Ireland)

  • MNÁsplaining (talkSPORT Ireland)

  • Off The Ball Breakfast (Off The Ball)

  • The Football Pod (Off The Ball)

  • The GAA Social

  • The Offload with Tommy & Donncha

  • This is Your LOIfe (Irish Sun)

BUSINESS & INNOVATION

  • WINNER: Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED

  • RUNNER UP: The Entrepreneur Experiment

  • COMMENDED: Exploring Ireland

  • AI SIX with Joanne Sweeney

  • Better With Money (Irish Times)

  • Dishing It Out (Go Loud)

  • Life and Leadership with Bobby Kerr (Newstalk)

  • PodBLASt - the podcast by Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards

  • Real Business Conversations with Kinore

  • Service Pleaseee

  • That Great Business Show

  • The Big Tech ShowThe Dublin Business Collective

  • The Retail Tea Break podcast

  • Understanding Money with Eoin McGee

CONVERSATION

  • WINNER: The Laughs of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy

  • RUNNER UP: The G Spot with Grace Alice

  • COMMENDED: Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

  • Alright, pet?

  • Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

  • Conversations with Parents from The Irish Times

  • Daters Gonna Date

  • everymum - The Podcast

  • Gardeners' Corner

  • Health Me with Lisa Brady

  • If Taps Could Talk'

  • Talking Bollox

  • Talking Garden

  • The Irish Times Women's Podcast

SPOTLIGHT

The Spotlight award recognises someone who embodies the spirit of the inaugural Sound.Waves Summit, uniting podcasting and entertainment under one roof.

  • WINNER: Nicky Byrne