Winners of the 2025 Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards Announced

On Tuesday, 30th September 2025 at a celebration of publishers and writers of Irish-medium books in the National Irish Language Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, Galway, An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, announced the winners of the 2025 Irish Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards.

Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults), was bestowed upon Bódléar, a powerful and imaginative work by Darach Ó Scolaí, published by Leabhar Breac. Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children), shone a spotlight on Éanna Corr by Antain Mac Lochlainn, also published by Leabhar Breac, a book that captures both youthful wonder and literary artistry. Gradam de Bhaldraithe (publications translated to Irish) was awarded to Tír Bheag, a finely wrought translation of French novel Petit Pays by Gaël Faye translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Barzaz.

This year’s awards drew together a remarkable nineteen (19) shortlisted works, reflecting the breadth of talent and creativity in new Irish writing today. The 2025 winners received their awards from the Oireachtas President, Éamon Ó Cuív who paid tribute to the depth, artistry, and vibrancy of contemporary Irish-language publishing.

“These awards showcase the creativity, diversity, and richness of Irish-language publishing today”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. “I congratulate Leabhar Breac and Barzaz on their remarkable achievements this year. Tonight we celebrate not only the winners, but all the authors, translators, illustrators and publishers who continue to bring passion and excitement to the creation of new Irish writing.”

The Irish-language publishing sector will also be recognised at the Kildare Readers’ Festival in the Naas Library and Cultural Centre, Co. Kildare at 19:00 on Wednesday, 7th October 2025 when the winners of the 2025 Publishing Awards will join Tristan Rosenstock (RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta) for An Tolg Liteartha, an event to celebrate the abundance of excellent books for all age-groups as Gaeilge on the market today.

A host of new and established Irish-language writers will be recognized at the Oireachtas na Samhna festival in Belfast, from 29th October – 2nd November 2025, when the winners of 2025 Oireachtas Literary Competitions will be announced. The Presentation Ceremony is just one of a spectacular, multidisciplinary programme of events to be held during the course of the festival – others include: the Oireachtas Media Awards, performing arts competitions, seminars, book/CD launches, song and dance sessions, workshops, festival clubs, information sessions and so much more. All up to date information can be found on antoireachtas.ie.