The All-Ireland Podcast Awards has today unveiled its 2026 shortlist, celebrating the best in Irish audio across 12 categories. The winners will be revealed on Wednesday 11th November at Fitzgeralds Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick, as part of the Sound.Waves. conference. In only its second year, the Awards has grown significantly. Six new categories have been introduced for 2026. They are Culture, Specialist, Branded, The Interview Series Award and Audio Publisher of the Year, with Audio Drama and Documentary now recognised as separate awards.

Together they reflect the breadth of Irish podcasting, from niche and specialist shows to the publishers and networks behind them. More than 200 entries were received, and they were assessed by an independent panel of judges from across podcasting, broadcasting, production and the wider media industry, led by Head of Judging Ruth Fitzsimons. This year, the All-Ireland Podcast Awards is powered by Acast, in a partnership that also includes sponsorship of Podcast of the Year and the Current Affairs & Politics Podcast Award.

Jennifer Dollard, UK & Ireland Content Director at Acast, said: “Irish podcasting is producing some of the most compelling stories and voices in the world. We are delighted to sponsor The All-Ireland Podcast Awards and continue championing Irish content. It has rapidly become the standout night on the Irish podcast calendar, and it’s an honour to be part of it.”

Two categories have new sponsors this year. The ESB Business & Innovation Podcast Award is supported by ESB, whose own podcast, Re:Energise, explores how we can shape a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, one conversation at a time. The ePower Sport Podcast Award is supported by ePower, which provides EV Charging and Solar PV solutions to homes, businesses and public spaces.

My Therapist Ghosted Me, Young Hot Guys and Stretch Marks are among the nominees who will go head-to-head for the Conversation Podcast Award at this year’s awards, while Ryan Tubridy, Síle Seoige and Mark

Moriarty are in the running for the Interview Series Award. From comedy and candid conversations to gripping investigations and the best sport punditry, the shortlist brings together some of Irish podcasting’s most recognisable names including The Troubles Podcast, The Indo Daily: The DJ Carey Story and Lines of Enquiry, also competing for honours.