Three Clare venues receive funding boost under Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme

Three live music venues in County Clare are to receive Government support of up to €15,000 under the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme.

A total of €500,000 has been provided in funding to assist small, established grassroots music venues across the country to showcase the talent of emerging musicians across Ireland. 

Three-three venues have been offered funding of up to €15,000 from the Night-Time Economy to support the continued programming of early-career musicians.  

The three Clare venues which were successful in their applications are: The Attic, Doolin; Pot Duggans, Ennistymon and Kennys Bar, Lahinch.

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.

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Commenting following the announcement of the successful applicants, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said: "Our grassroots music 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, particularly given the challenges these venues face."

Mr O'Donovan added: "I look forward to seeing the diversity of genre and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I’d also encourage music lovers from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their careers.”

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 it was closed. 

Those approved for funding met the scheme’s eligibility criteria, which included a requirement to demonstrate evidence of a strong track record of regularly holding ticketed grassroots music events, showcasing emerging artists performing original music, spanning the years 2023-2024. 

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 will provide funding for a series of events showcasing grassroots artists performing live/electronic music they have written/created themselves.

It is envisaged that these events will 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.