Winners of the 2026 Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards Announced

On Wednesday, 30th September 2026 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 2026 Irish Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards.  

Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults), was bestowed upon Maith thú a Mhicí, a rich collection of stories of Micí Sheáin Néill Ó Baoill, published by Éabhlóid. Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children), shone a spotlight on Puisín na mBróg by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, published by Futa Fata, an imaginative funny story for young readers. Gradam de Bhaldraithe (publications translated to Irish) was awarded to An Saol Sona, a finely wrought translation of French novel La vie heureuse by David Foenkinos translated by Máirín Ní Mhárta, 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 2026 winners received their awards from the Oireachtas President, Áine Ní Ghlinn who paid tribute to the depth, artistry, and vibrancy of contemporary Irish-language publishing.

“I congratulate Éabhlóid, Futa Fata 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”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. “These awards showcase the creativity, diversity, and richness of Irish-language publishing today.”

The Irish-language publishing sector will also be recognized at the Kildare Readers’ Festival in the Naas Library and Cultural Centre, Co. Kildare at 19:00 on Tuesday, 6th October 2026 when the winners of the 2026 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 Killarney, Co. Kerry, from 28th October – 1st November 2026, when the winners of 2026 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 www.antoireachtas.ie.