The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2026 (NICMA) will take place on Monday, 2nd February 2026 at the Corick Country House Hotel & Spa in Clogher, Co Tyrone. Hosted by Malcolm McDowell, Kirstie McMurray (Downtown Country), and Robin Elliott (NVTV), the 6th annual celebration promises a star-studded night of performances and public-voted honours for the finest in Irish country music.
A Night of Celebration
The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards (NICMA) have quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Irish country calendar. Now in its sixth year, the awards are unique in being entirely voted for by the public, giving fans the power to spotlight the artists who have defined their year. This democratic spirit has helped NICMA grow into a true people’s festival of song, honouring both established legends and rising stars.
Venue & Hosts
For 2026, the awards move to the Corick Country House Hotel & Spa in Clogher, Co Tyrone, a fitting location given Tyrone’s rich heritage in producing country icons such as Philomena Begley, Dominic Kirwan, and Brian Coll. The evening will be steered by a trio of familiar voices and faces: Malcolm McDowell, Kirstie McMurray of Downtown Country, and Robin Elliott of NVTV, ensuring a lively mix of charm, humour, and professionalism.
Guest Performances
The line-up of performers is nothing short of dazzling:
- Sandy Kelly, fresh from her induction into the RTE Late Late Hall of Fame 2025
- Louise Morrissey, one of Ireland’s most enduring country legends
- Rising stars Claudia Buckley and Stacey Breen, representing the new wave of female talent
- Plus, two extra-special surprise guests to be revealed in December, adding festive excitement to the build-up
Alongside these headline names, the awards will showcase a broad spectrum of talent from across the island, including Eamon McCann, Justin McGurk, Richie Remo, Barry Kirwan, Sean Corrigan, Lauren McCrory, Kenny Neely, Barry Devlin, Cara McGillion, Conor Owens, Chris Stapleton Road Show, David Cassidy, Shunie Crampsey, Gavin Gribben, Gareth Jones, and Patricia Maguire.
Why NICMA Matters
NICMA is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of community and continuity. By placing the vote in the hands of fans, the awards reflect the living heartbeat of country music in Northern Ireland. They honour the veterans who built the scene while championing the new generation carrying the tradition forward. For artists, a NICMA win is a powerful endorsement from the people who matter most: the listeners.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, 2nd February 2026
- Time: 8:00 pm – 11:55 pm GMT
- Venue: Corick Country House Hotel & Spa, Clogher, Co Tyrone
- Tickets: On sale from Wednesday, 29th October 2025 at 6 pm
Book Your Tickets
The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2026 promise to be a night of toe-tapping tunes, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable performances. With the public at the helm of the voting, the event captures the true spirit of country music: authenticity, connection, and celebration. For fans and artists alike, NICMA 2026 is set to be a landmark evening in the story of Irish country music.
