Ardán 26 – A Major Celebration of Irish Language Community Work
The finest work being carried out by Irish-language and Gaeltacht communities across Ireland will be celebrated by Glór na nGael at Ardán 26 in Óstán Chonnacht, Gaillimh, on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
Over 100 entries were received from 59 community groups in this year’s competition, a strong reflection of the energy, creativity, and ambition evident in Irish-language communities across the country.
32 groups have been shortlisted, four in each of the eight categories: An Óige [Youth], An Teaghlach [The Family], An Ghaeltacht [The Gaeltacht], Oideachas [Education], Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Folláine [Community Supports and Wellbeing], Gnó agus Fiontraíocht [Business and Enterprise], Labhairt na Gaeilge [Speaking Irish], and Caomhnú Comhshaoil agus Caomhnú Oidhreachta [Preservation of the Environment and Heritage].
The projects reflect a wide range of work, from youth services and family supports to social enterprise, education, wellbeing, community festivals, heritage preservation, and environmental projects. They all have one thing in common: they are creating new, meaningful opportunities to use the Irish language and strengthening their own communities.
The shortlisted groups will present their projects to the judges as part of an exciting judging conference during the day. The main Ardán 26 awards ceremony will take place later that evening.
There is a prize fund of €83,000, with €20,000 going to the overall winner, €10,000 for second place, €3,000 for the winner of each category, and three runner-up prizes of €1,000 in each category. Ten special prizes of €500 will be awarded to groups that, according to the judges, demonstrated exceptional progress or achieved a particular milestone during the year but did not secure a place on the shortlist.
Frainc Mac Cionnaith, Community and Enterprise Section Manager at Glór na nGael, said:
“The large number of entries and the high standard of the projects are a wonderful reflection of the diverse and worthwhile work being carried out by Irish-language and Gaeltacht communities. On September 19th, we will have the opportunity to celebrate those achievements, share ideas, and give proper recognition to the people who are working passionately for the Irish language in their own communities. We are really looking forward to an exciting, vibrant, and celebratory day in Galway.”
In the An Óige category, there are four projects that create opportunities for young people to use Irish, develop skills, and participate in their community. Glór Cheatharlach is shortlisted for its Clár Samhraidh, which includes an Irish-language college and camps for young people. Meitheal Pleanála Teanga an Iarthuaiscirt is nominated for its Irish-medium cooking camps for primary school children. Glór na Móna is shortlisted for its Irish-medium youth services in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste, Cumann Óige Uachtar Chluanaí and Sólás na nÓg, and Glór Uachtar Tíre is nominated for its youth club, which features games, workshops, cultural events, and day trips through Irish.
In the An Teaghlach category, there are four projects that help families incorporate Irish into everyday family life, from the cradle onwards. Fís an Phobail provides support and events for families raising children through Irish. Tae agus Play runs a monthly group for parents and children under five years old. Céim ar Chéim offers walks, conversation, and coffee for mothers on maternity leave, and Gaeil Ruairí Óg and Gaeil na nGlinntí run a weekly parent and toddler group in Bun Abhann Dalla.
In the An Ghaeltacht category, there are four projects that help strengthen community, culture, heritage, and the use of Irish in Gaeltacht areas. Fóram Chois Fharraige um Pleanáil Teanga publishes the weekly newsletter Scéal, Scéal, Scéal. Coiste Forbartha Chnoc Fola is shortlisted for its lake walk and accessible amenities for the community and visitors. Coiste Féilte Chill Chiaráin organizes festivals celebrating boats, sean-nós traditions, and local customs, and Ionad na nImirceach CTR is nominated for Buanú na Bunchloiche, a project preserving the stories of the west Conamara community.
In the Oideachas category, there are four projects expanding learning opportunities and bringing people from diverse backgrounds and age groups closer to the Irish language. Gaeilge Locha Riach offers classes at three levels, as well as conversation opportunities outside the classroom. Teanga do Chách, language workshops for a multicultural community, is a project by Cill Dara le Gaeilge. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin provides Coláiste an Phobail and Céimeanna Comhrá for all levels, and Coiste Forbartha Charn Tóchair provides early years support, training, and courses for adults.
In the Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Folláine category, there are four projects that bring people together, reduce loneliness, and promote health, inclusion, and support through Irish. Comhar Chuigéal Teo. provides a wide range of wellbeing and community services in Leitir Mealláin. Lár-Chomhairle Paróiste Ghleann Cholm Cille runs weekly health and social activities for people over fifty years of age. Pobal Eascarrach’s project, Dúchas na nDaoine, provides support for people dealing with addiction issues through nature, gardening, and companionship. An Droichead is shortlisted for its comprehensive early years supports for children with additional needs and their families.
In the Gnó agus Fiontraíocht category, there are four projects placing Irish at the heart of trade, tourism, employment, and social enterprise. An Nead, a project by Muineachán le Gaeilge, is an Irish-language café and social hub in Baile Mhuineacháin. BSG An Clochán Liath developed a website promoting businesses and tourism in Na Rosanna. Inis Dom! is a campaign by An Clár as Gaeilge supporting businesses in using Irish. Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin CTR is nominated for its Teachín Teolaí project, a community sauna that creates employment and supports wellbeing and tourism.
In the Labhairt na Gaeilge category, there are four projects creating regular, natural, and enjoyable opportunities to speak Irish in the community. Gaillimh le Gaeilge is nominated for Féile Tonnta, a major programme of creative, community, and family events. Pobal ar a’n Iúl runs conversation groups and Irish social events in An Ómaigh. Féile Rua, by Pobal Rua, is an all-Irish community festival in An Cheathrú Rua. Carraig ag Caint provides a programme of conversation groups and Preab-Ghaeltachtaí that support local businesses and groups.
In the Caomhnú Comhshaoil agus Caomhnú Oidhreachta category, there are four projects protecting nature, archives, arts, and Gaelic traditions for the next generation. Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail is shortlisted for its unique archive of Irish language, Celtic, and Ulster heritage material. Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair is nominated for its work protecting the lapwing and restoring the machair in Machaire Gáthlán. Sean Nós na Fearsaide, by Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain, is a festival promoting native arts. Ionad Uíbh Eachach is nominated for Tearmann Dúlra Uíbh Eachach, a green learning and community space in Belfast.
Ardán is a national competition run by Glór na nGael that recognizes the creative and valuable work being done by community groups for the Irish language across Ireland.