TG4’s hit country music competition, Glór Tíre, is back and for the first time in more than two years, it’s being filmed with a live audience where dancing is being encouraged.

Its creators, Gael Media, produced two series of the show during Covid, which resulted in more than ten hours of live country music being broadcast on TG4 – but the live audience element of the recordings were restricted due to the pandemic.

For this year, which is series 19, Glór Tíre is moving out of the Quays Bar in the city to a Gaeltacht studio as it welcomes back its dancing audience.

The first four episodes are being recorded in Studio Telegael An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, this week and will lead to four shows being screened on TG4 in January, followed by three live elimination shows in February.

Eight emerging talents of Irish country music are being mentored by established performers as they battle to win the title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music champion.

The first concert show, shot this Wednesday, featured music legend, Louise Morrissey, and her two contestants; as well as rising star, Donegal’s David James, and his two contestants.

This Thursday’s mentors are Galway’s Mike Denver and Derry’s John McNicholl, each mentoring two contestants.

Glór Tíre, TG4’s longest running and most successful country music series, is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg and Séamus Ó Scanláin. Jó Ní Chéide and Caitríona Ní Shuilleabháin return as the resident judges, joined each week by a special guest judge.

For those wishing to attend this Thursday night’s performance, doors open at 7.30pm with the first recording at 8pm sharp. There is a cover charge of €10.