Strong Mayo interest in 2026 Irish-Language Book of the Year awards

The shortlists for the Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards have been announced 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 (19) books in total have been shortlisted this year – seven in the Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults category, five in the Children’s Book of the Year category, and seven in the category for translated works.

Among the shortlisted books in the Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults category is Scéal Muirí Mhuigh Eo by Breandán Mac Conamhna, published by Mayo Book Press. This book tells the story of the maritime heritage in Mayo, from the first person who set foot on the coast 7,000 years ago right up to the present day. It contains stories about the people who lived on the coast in prehistoric times – the monks, Grace O’Malley and her people, the Armada, Admiral Brown and General Humber.

Mayo Book Press is one of 10 publishing houses shortlisted. The others include Barzaz, Cló Iar-Chonnacht, Dalen Éireann, Éabhlóid, Futa Fata, JM Agency Publishing & Design, LeabhairCOMHAR, Leabhar Breac and Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne. One self-published book has also been shortlisted.

“The works shortlisted for this year’s publishing awards exemplify the very highest standards,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, chief executive of An tOireachtas.

“I congratulate the publishers who have brought these works to market. It is clear that the utmost care has been devoted to every publication at every stage – from meticulous editing and artistic design to the polished final presentation – resulting in beautiful Irish-language books to will attract new readers.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, in the National Irish Language Theatre, An Taibhdhearc (Galway). A collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded. Details of all publications are available at www.antoireachtas.ie.