New Irish-Language Reading Guide Launched Ahead of Seachtain na Gaeilge

A new initiative aimed at encouraging young people to embrace the Irish language through reading has been launched ahead of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge. Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025, an Irish-language reading guide, was unveiled by Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, who highlighted the importance of passing on the Irish language to the next generation.

The reading guide is a collaborative effort between Foras na Gaeilge and Children’s Books Ireland, with the support of Love Leabhar Gaeilge. It features a diverse selection of 100 books, catering to young readers from birth to 18 years old, including board books, picture books, non-fiction, poetry collections, comics, middle-grade fiction, and young adult fiction.

Speaking about the guide, Patricia Forde said:

"Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025 is filled with 100 brilliant recommendations, encouraging young readers aged 0–18 to pick up a book as Gaeilge. Working with Children’s Books Ireland, in my role as Laureate na nÓg, I believe that one of the best places to start when learning a language is to pick up a book. Within its pages, we can explore new words with the help of illustrations or rhyming text while enjoying the excitement of a brand-new story."

Copies of the guide are available free of charge in 91 participating bookshops and 36 libraries nationwide, including several locations in Cork:

• Bookstór – 1 Newman’s Mall, Kinsale
• Dubray Cork – 83-85 Patrick’s Street, Cork
• Cork County Library & Arts Service – County Library Building, Carrigrohane Road, Cork
• Cork City Libraries – 57-61 Grand Parade, Cork

Additional participating locations in Cork include Vibes & Scribes, Waterstones, Easons (Mahon Point, Ballincollig, Wilton, Douglas, Mallow), and The Carrigaline Bookshop.

The guide is also available for free download at:
📖 www.childrensbooksireland.ie
📖 www.loveleabhargaeilge.ie

Supporting Irish-Language Literature

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, emphasised the significance of showcasing Irish-language books for young readers:

"In Ireland, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a rich seam of talent in the artists who write and illustrate books for young readers in both our national languages. As Seachtain na Gaeilge approaches, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase leabhair Ghaeilge for children and young people, from vibrant picture books through to graphic novels for teenagers."

Seán Ó Coinn, CEO of Foras na Gaeilge, added:

"Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for the promotion of Irish-language publishing and reading in Ireland. Collaborating with Children’s Books Ireland has been such an effective way of amplifying the importance of this new reading guide, which features 100 great reads as Gaeilge."

This initiative aligns with Foras na Gaeilge’s ongoing mission to promote Irish-language literature and encourage reading among children and young people.

Promoting a Love of Reading

Children’s Books Ireland is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Ireland has access to high-quality books. The organisation works to inspire a love of reading, support Irish authors and illustrators, and guide parents and teachers in fostering literacy.

Seachtain na Gaeilge, which runs from 1st to 17th March, provides the perfect opportunity for families to explore the rich and diverse world of Irish-language literature. Whether fluent or just starting their journey, young readers across Ireland now have 100 exciting new ways to engage with the language.