“Passing on our Irish language to the next generation is a priority for many adults in Ireland today, whether they have a cúpla focal of their own, speak Irish at home, or are entirely new to the language.” That’s according to Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, as she launched ‘Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025’, a new Irish language reading guide, today (28.02.2025) ahead of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations.

The reading guide is a collaboration between Foras na Gaeilge and Children’s Books Ireland, with the support of Love Leabhar Gaeilge and featured titles range from boardbooks to picturebooks, non-fiction, poetry collections, comics, middle-grade fiction, all the way up to young adult fiction. Copies are available in 91 participating bookshops and 36 libraries nationwide and is free to download on www.childrensbooksireland.ie and www.loveleabhargaeilge.ie.

Speaking at the launch, 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.

‘These 100 books are the perfect way to make the Irish language accessible and start or continue a young person’s Irish language journey.’

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland said: ‘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 picturebooks through to graphic novels for teenagers. We hope this selection of 100 great reads acts as a helpful signpost for families and teachers, to guide them on their reading journey.’

Seán Ó Coinn, CEO, Foras na Gaeilge said: ‘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. Our shared vision of promoting the breadth of high-quality Irish-language books available for children and young people allows us to come together to showcase an excellent selection of Irish-language writers, translators, publishers and illustrators through these fantastic books.’ 

Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025 is available in participating bookshops and libraries nationwide, with a downloadable version at www.childrensbooksireland.ie and www.loveleabhargaeilge.ie  Is comhthogra é seo idir Foras na Gaeilge agus Leabhair Pháistí Éireann, le tacaíocht ó Love Leabhar Gaeilge.

ENDS

Contact: Julie Sherlock / Courtney Kearns, Alice Public Relations, Email: media@alicepr.com / Telephone 0044 7834 776519/ 00353-83-0713503

Notes to Editors:

• Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg is available for interview.

Photography

• Headshots of Patricia Forde and Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025 artwork are available to download

About Children’s Books Ireland | Children’s Books Ireland is the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Its mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share its expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events, and to support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.

Website: childrensbooksireland.ie 

About Foras na Gaeilge | Foras na Gaeilge is the primary Irish-language body on the island, established as part of the Good Friday Agreement to promote and support all aspects of the Irish language and to advise administrations, North and South, in all matters relating to the Irish language. It also creates supportive projects and provides grant aid to groups and organisations throughout the island of Ireland.

Website: www.forasnagaeilge.ie

About Love Leabhar Gaeilge|

Love Leabhar Gaeilge in association with Foras na Gaeilge supports the promotion of Irish Language Books all over Ireland.

Website: www.loveleabhargaeilge.ie