Apart from the three main venues (Dublin Castle, The Olympia and The Music Centre), there's loads more live music happening in pubs and clubs all around the city on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. All the Band Challenge gigs will be taking place in Bewley's Bridge Bar, Bruxelles, Eamonn Dorans, Fitzsimons and The Norseman from 8 p.m. each night (admission free).

Other free gigs, featuring the very best of new Irish talent but outside of the Band Challenge competition, are taking place in Danger Doyles, Bankers, Foggy Dew, Front Lounge, Handels, Isolde's Tower, O'Brien's, Trinity Arch and Turks Head from 8.30 p.m. each night. See map opposite for further details on all venues.