Shortlists Announced for the 2025 Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards

The shortlists for the Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards were announced,  20th August 2025, by An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge. The awards consist of three categories - Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Book of the Year for Adults), Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children) and Gradam de Bhaldraithe (Book of the Year for publications translated into Irish).  

Nineteen books in total have been shortlisted this year – six in the category, ‘Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults’; seven in the Children’s Book category and six in the category for translated works.   

The 10 Publishing Houses shortlisted include An tSnáthaid Mhór; Barzaz; Cló Iar-Chonnacht; Cork University Press; Dalen Éireann; Éabhlóid; Futa Fata; Leabhar Breac; LeabhairCOMHAR and Picnic Press. 

“I warmly congratulate the publishing houses, writers, illustrators and translators on this year’s shortlist”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. “This recognition is a testament to the vital role publishers play in nurturing new Irish writing and encouraging young authors in all genres. Their commitment ensures that readers of all ages and backgrounds have access to high-quality books that enrich the Irish language reading community. Through powerful storytelling, beautiful illustration and excellent translation, they are safeguarding the vibrancy of our language for future generations, and we are immensely proud to celebrate their achievements today.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, in the National Irish Language Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, in Galway.  A collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded.

GRADAM UÍ SHÚILLEABHÁIN SHORTLIST

  • Fiche by Colm Ó Ceallacháin, published by Leabhar Breac 
  • Teacht Aniar by Dairena Ní Chinnéide, published by Éabhlóid 
  • Glór Ón Sceilg edited by Máirín Nic Eoin & Mary Shine Thompson, published by Cork University Press 
  • An Ghluaiseacht: Scéal Cearta Sibhialta Na Gaeltachta by Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, published by Cló-Iar Chonnacht 
  • Rince Aeir by Caitríona Ní Chléirchín, published by Éabhlóid 
  • Bódléar by Darach Ó Scolaí, published by Leabhar Breac  

    GRADAM RÉICS CARLÓ SHORTLIST
  • Nell Agus Joe I Dteach Mhamó by Sadhbh Rosenstock and illustrated by Ciara Ní Dhuinn, published by Picnic Press
  • Óró by hAlan Titley and illustrated by Dómhnal Ó Bric, published by Leabhar Breac 
  • Ceol Na Mara by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin and illustrated by Tarsila Krüse and Úna Woods, published by Futa Fata 
  • Dialann Emily Porter: Caillte Agus Aimsithe by Richie Conroy and illustrated by Don Conroy, published by LeabhairCOMHAR
  • Nano Agus Na Mothúcháin by Caitríona Nic Sheáin and illustrated by Andrew Whitson, published by An tSnáthaid Mhór 
  • Éanna Corr by Antain Mac Lochlainn and illustrated by Caomhán Ó Scolaí, published by Leabhar Breac 
  • Bearradh Gruaige D’Eoinín by Muireann Ní Chíobháin and illustrated by Róisín Hahessy, published by Futa Fata  

    GRADAM DE BHALDRAITHE SHORTLIST
  • Na Draoithe 1: Na Híobairtí Oghaim by Jean-Luc Istin, Thierry Jigourel & Jacques Lamontagne and translsted by Eoin P Ó Murchú, published by Dalen Éireann
  • Tír Bheag by Gael Faye and translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Barzaz
  • Saraifín 1: Saraifín Is A Mhórshaothar Iontach by Philippe Fix and translated by Seaghan Ó Modhráin, published by Dalen Éireann 
  • Páirc An Chrócaigh: Domhnach Na Fola I Mbaile Átha Cliath by Sylvain Gâche & Richard Guérineau and translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Dalen Éireann
  • Glórtha An Tráthnóna by Natalia Ginzburg and translated by Máire Ní Mhaoláin, published by Éabhlóid 
  • Lúcas Lúfar: An Glasach by Rene Goscinny & Morris (Maurice de Bevere) and translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Dalen Éireann