November 13th
The Woodlands Hotel & Spa
Adare, Co. Limerick
The All-Ireland Podcast Awards celebrates the vibrant Irish podcasting scene, across the island of Ireland, and spotlights the nation’s most talented creators across genres.
The awards will honour storytelling, innovation, and cultural impact, bringing industry and audiences together.
This prestigious event showcases the very best of Ireland’s new voices and elevating these creators to national recognition.
-
-
Current Affairs & Politics
This category honours podcasts that provide insightful analysis, commentary, and in-depth reporting on national and international politics, current events, and social issues.
-
Audio Drama & Documentary
For podcasts that excel in scripted storytelling and non-fiction narratives. This includes fictional audio dramas as well as compelling limited-series and episodic documentaries that captivate listeners.
-
True Crime
This award is for podcasts that investigate and recount real-life criminal cases, mysteries, or true-crime phenomena with meticulous research and a compelling narrative style.
-
Entertainment
A broad category that celebrates podcasts designed to entertain. It includes shows focused on comedy, music, arts, literature, and general pop culture that consistently engage and amuse their audience.
-
Sport
This award recognises podcasts that deliver outstanding coverage of sports. This can include news, in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, or conversations about sports from local, national, or global perspectives.
-
Business & Innovation
For podcasts that provide valuable insights into the world of business, finance, entrepreneurship, and economics. This category honours shows that inform, inspire, and educate their listeners.
-
Conversation
This category celebrates podcasts that use conversation or the interview format to reveal and craft powerful stories. It recognises exceptional hosts who draw out compelling narratives from their guests through skilled and engaging conversation
-
Spotlight Award
The Spotlight Award is a judges choice honour reserved for a person, network, or project that has distinguished itself through exceptional quality, a unique voice, or innovation in the world of Irish podcasting. This award is not open for entry.
The All-Ireland Podcast Awards 2025: Official Entry Rules
By entering the All-Ireland Podcast Awards 2025, you agree to these rules.
1.1. Eligibility: Podcasts must have been in existence and published within the 24 months before August 1st 2025.
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 free.
1.8 Irish language: Irish language entries can be submitted, an Irish-speaking judge will be assigned to listen.
1.9 Multiple Entries: Up to two entries of the same podcast can be made into the Awards.
1. Entry Requirements
2.1. Submit entries via JotForm, following all instructions on our Awards Page.
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 our written confirmation. 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. Dylan Haskins from the BBC has been appointed as Head Judge.
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
The lead judge for the All Ireland Podcast Awards is Dylan Haskins, a podcast commissioner at BBC Sounds. The full judging panel will be announced at a later date.
Judges
About Dylan
His commissions have covered all genres with highlights including investigative series such as Stalked, Cover: Where Is George Gibney? and Stakeknife, I’m Not A Monster - the BBC’s most-awarded podcast ever, Have You Heard George’s Podcast? – the first ever podcast outside of the US to win a prestigious Peabody Award, People Who Knew Me audio drama starring Rosamund Pike and Hugh Laurie, Miss Me? with Lily Allen & Miquita Oliver, Dua Lipa: At Your Service, Bad People, Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, Burn Wild and World of Secrets: The Abercrombie Guys.
Recent awards include two Rose d’Ors, two Podcast Academy Ambies, multiple Webbies, New York Festivals Grand Jury Prize three years in a row, Banff World Media Festival Rockies Podcast of the Year two years in a row, Radio Academy ARIA Golds and British Podcast Award Golds.
Prior to commissioning, he worked as a producer with a variety of organisations including BBC, Guardian, RTÉ, Other Voices and others, and co-hosted the Soundings podcast with Lisa Hannigan from 2013.
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
Specific Category Focus
Each entry will also be assessed on how well it fits its specific category.
The Current Affairs & Politics Award: Emphasis on insightful analysis, accuracy of information, and the ability to simplify complex topics.
The Audio Drama & Documentary Award: Emphasis on narrative structure, emotional resonance, and high-quality production to create an immersive listening experience.
The True Crime Podcast Award: Emphasis on meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and a responsible approach to the subject matter.
The Entertainment Podcast Award: Emphasis on humour, creativity, and the ability to consistently engage and amuse the audience.
The Sport Award: Emphasis on expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and passionate delivery.
The Business & Innovation Podcast Award: Emphasis on providing clear, valuable insights and inspiring content for entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Conversation Award: Emphasis on exceptional rapport between hosts, insightful questioning, and the ability to craft powerful narratives through dialogue.