John Lee’s Bar, Tullamore and Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue Portlaoise, are amongst 33 venues across the country offered funding of up to €15,000 each. The funding is part of the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme to support the continued programming of early-career musicians. Overall, €500,000 has been provided in funding to assist small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians across Ireland.

How to apply

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 our major cities.

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.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D. 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. 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.“

Midlands Music Venues

John Lees Bar

John Lee’s public house is a popular bar and venue for music, especially well known for traditional Irish music over many decades. The live music venue have hosted an extensive line up of rock, traditional, alternative, electronic and indie acts between the bar, lounge and covered/heated beer garden.

Musical acts who perform there include Tolu Makay, RíRá, Jerry Fish, Damien Dempsey, Alabama 3, Gemma Dunleavy, Duke Special, Hothouse Flowers, CMAT, and Junior Brother.

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue

Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue, Portlaoise, is home to the best live entertainment and sport. The pub and venue hosts local and international acts from around the world. From celebrated comedians like Tommy Tiernan to famous musicians such as Picture This and more recently Paul Heaton.

Over the years, the bar has won many awards for its exceptional services from Best Live Sports Bar to The IMRO Hotpress Special Commendation award.

Night Time Economy Inititiative

The Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme is a Night-Time Economy initiative in support of the work of the Night-Time Economy. 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.