Dublin has lost out on its chance at becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Instead, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have been shortlisted by a panel of independent experts.
They now have until mid-2016 to complete their applications.
The panel will then meet again in Dublin during the second half of 2016 to recommend which Irish city will be the European Capital of Culture 2020.
In 2020, Ireland will host the European Capital of Culture for the third time, after Dublin in 1991 and Cork in 2005.
Tha Arts Council says "being shortlisted for the title can result in significant cultural, economic and social benefits for the cities concerned, provided that their bid is part of a longer-term culture-led development strategy."
This 'Dublin You Are' video went viral after it was produced in the hope of strengthening the capital's bid.
