Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The Irish Language Literature Bursary Award supports professional writers and picture-book artists working primarily through the Irish language by providing time and financial support to develop their creative practice.
The award supports fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, children’s literature, picture books, graphic novels, comics, and spoken word projects. It also includes the Emerging Writer Bursary Award for early-career writers.
Programme Focus Areas
The bursary supports:
- Fiction writing
- Poetry
- Memoir and essays
- Children’s fiction and poetry
- Picture books
- Graphic novels and comics
- Creative research and artistic development
The programme aims to give writers dedicated time for:
- Writing and creating
- Research and reflection
- Artistic exploration
- Professional literary development
Funding Support
The bursary is a one-year award with fixed funding bands of:
- €20,000
- €15,000
- €10,000
- €7,500 under the Emerging Writer category
Applicants must choose one funding amount based on:
- The scale of the project
- Time commitment required
- Career stage and experience
Larger bursaries are generally awarded to more established writers.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional writers
- Picture-book artists
- Graphic novelists
- Comic creators
- Spoken word artists
Applicants must:
- Be resident in the Republic of Ireland
- Work primarily through the Irish language
- Be actively pursuing a professional literary career
- Be recognised by peers as professional artists
Published work with recognised publishers or literary journals is generally required.
Alternative professional evidence may be accepted for:
- Picture-book creators
- Comic artists
- Graphic novelists
- Spoken word poets
Important Conditions
Applications:
- Must be submitted in the Irish language
- Are assessed entirely through Irish
Full-time employees may apply only if seeking dedicated time away from work to focus on artistic practice.
Who is Not Eligible?
The award is not open to:
- Organisations
- Full-time undergraduate students
- Applicants seeking postgraduate course funding
- Internship-related projects
- Applicants outside the Republic of Ireland
- Aosdána members receiving a Cnuas
- Holders of the 2026 Arts Council/university writer-in-residence position
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed competitively based on:
- Artistic quality
- Strength of the proposed work
- Professional track record
- Feasibility of the proposal
- Alignment with award objectives
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Present a clear literary project
- Demonstrate artistic development goals
- Show commitment to Irish-language literature
- Include realistic timelines and creative plans
- Highlight previous professional work
FAQ
Who can apply?
Professional writers and picture-book artists working primarily through the Irish language and based in the Republic of Ireland.
What funding amounts are available?
Applicants may apply for fixed bursary amounts of €20,000, €15,000, €10,000, or €7,500.
Are emerging writers eligible?
Yes. The programme includes an Emerging Writer Bursary Award category.
Must applications be submitted in Irish?
Yes. Applications and assessment processes are conducted entirely in Irish.
Are graphic novelists and spoken word artists eligible?
Yes. Alternative professional evidence may be accepted for these artistic practices.
Conclusion
The Irish Language Literature Bursary Award 2026 provides valuable support for writers and artists creating work through the Irish language. By offering dedicated funding and creative time, the programme helps strengthen Irish-language literature and supports the professional development of both established and emerging literary artists.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.