Pat Jennings, managing director of the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, pictured with Minister of State Alan Dillon, and Anne Conlon, president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, after winning the award.

Proud distinction for top Mayo live music venue

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The TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar, has been named Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2025 at the IMRO Live Music Awards.

The prestigious event, held at The Sugar Club in Dublin, honours excellence in live music venues across Ireland.

Michael Yates (general manager of the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre) accepts the IMRO Award at The Sugar Club, Dublin. Photo: Glen Bollard Photo by Glen Bollard

The IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards celebrate the venues, festivals, and crews that sustain Ireland’s thriving live music scene.

These awards not only honour excellence but also highlight the ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for live music.

Noreen McNamee (Finance Director), Michael Yates (General Manager), Anne Conlon (Castlebar Chamber President), Pat Jennings (Managing Director), Alan Dillon TD (Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy), Carmel Kelly (Director of Operations) and Gillian Conway McGreal (Director of Marketing & Entertainment)

Standing proudly alongside esteemed winners such as 3Arena, Electric Picnic, and Vicar Street, the TF Royal has once again triumphed at the IMRO Awards.

This marks the venue’s second IMRO win, having previously earned a Hot Press Commendation Award in 2009.

This latest accolade further reinforces the TF Royal’s status as a nationally recognised award-winning venue and the leading hub for quality live entertainment & performances in the west of Ireland.

General Manager of TF Royal, Michael Yates, expressed his immense pride and gratitude.

He said: “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our entire team - from sound and lighting to security and ushers, box office, marketing, operations, and our fantastic food and beverage teams.

"Their passion and commitment make our venue what it is, and this award is a testament to their efforts.”

Welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually across 140 events, the TF Royal is a powerhouse of entertainment and economic impact in Castlebar and beyond.

Emanuele (TF Team Member), Barbara Da Silva (TF Team Member), Noreen McNamee (Finance Director), Michael Yates (General Manager), Anne Conlon (Castlebar Chamber President), Pat Jennings (Managing Director), Alan Dillon TD (Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy), Carmel Kelly (Director of Operations), Gillian Conway McGreal (Director of Marketing & Entertainment), Sheena Oosten (Graphic Designer) and Leah Grimley (TF Team Member)

With a theatre capacity of 2,000 seated, plus intimate settings like the Ruby Room (250 capacity) and Velvet Room (150 capacity), the venue caters to a diverse range of events - from Irish and international music acts to comedy, musicals, ballet, podcasts, community events, and even election counts.

Beyond entertainment, the TF Royal is a major contributor to Castlebar’s local economy, benefiting businesses such as hotels, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, and retailers.

Castlebar native, Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy, praised the TF Royal’s contribution,

He said: "Congratulations to the TF Royal on this well-deserved recognition. The immense work and dedication invested in the venue over the past few years is truly commendable.

"Having a facility of this calibre in the heart of Mayo is a significant asset, providing a vital space for large-scale events and cultural experiences. This achievement reflects the TF Royal’s commitment to excellence and its invaluable contribution to the local community."

This recognition of this award is especially meaningful as it comes from both the artists who perform on our stage and the patrons who support us.

The TF Royal team extends its heartfelt thanks to all its guests, especially those who voted.

The next few months promise a stellar line-up of talent, some of which include comedy with John Colleary (April 4) and Mario Rosenstock (April 12), music with Bitter Sweet (Music of Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo) (April 21) and Nathan Carter (April 19), and unique events such as Sarah Butler’s Food Fest (May 10), and Rhythm of the Dance (June 14).

The TF Royal continues to be a driving force in Ireland’s live entertainment landscape and have already set the stage for another record-breaking year in 2025.

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