10 December 2025

A host of leading country artists have been confirmed for the 2026 Northern Ireland Country Music Awards, taking place at Corick Country House Hotel & Spa in Clogher, County Tyrone, on 2 February. Derek Ryan and Cliona Hagan will make special appearances at the event, joining a strong line-up that includes guest performances from Sandy Kelly, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley and Stacey Breen. They will be joined on stage by Eamon McCann, Justin McGurk, Richie Remo and Barry Kirwan, with all artists performing alongside NICMA’s Country Band, directed by Mark Vaughan. Organisers say audiences can expect a series of standout duets and collaborations throughout the show. The awards will be hosted by NICMA’s Malcolm McDowell, Downtown Country presenter Kirstie McMurray and NVTV’s Robin Elliott. The evening will also see the crowning of the event’s newly appointed King and Queen of Country Music, closing the ceremony with one of its most anticipated moments. The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards have grown into one of the most anticipated dates in the regional music calendar, bringing together fans, established stars and emerging performers for a night of celebration. In addition to the live entertainment, the event will recognise artists across a range of categories, reflecting both longstanding talent and the new wave of performers shaping the future of Irish country music. With the genre continuing to attract record audiences across the island, the awards have become a key platform for highlighting its creativity and enduring popularity.