Gaelchultúr Celebrates Double Win at 2026 Education Awards
Gaelchultúr has secured two major national honours at the 2026 Education Awards, winning Ireland’s Best Language School, and Best Collaboration Award, in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).
The dual recognition highlights Gaelchultúr’s continued leadership in Irish-language education, as well as its commitment to innovation, accessibility and real-world impact through strategic partnerships.
This is the fourth time Gaelchultúr has been recognised as Ireland’s Best Language School, following previous wins in 2025, 2023 and 2022. This accolade recognises excellence in teaching, learner experience and the organisation’s ability to deliver high-quality, flexible Irish-language education to thousands of learners in Ireland and internationally.
The Best Collaboration Award – Domestic (Economic, Digital & Workforce Development) acknowledges the ground-breaking partnership between Gaelchultúr and MSLETB, which centres on providing fully funded, QQI-accredited Irish-language training tailored to the needs of today’s workforce. The initiative has removed barriers to access and enabled professionals to develop practical Irish-language skills that can be applied immediately in workplace settings.
Speaking following the announcement, Darren Ó Rodaigh, CEO of Gaelchultúr, said: ‘Winning both of these awards is a powerful endorsement of the work we are doing to transform how Irish is learned and used today. It reflects our focus on excellence in education, innovation in delivery, and ensuring that high-quality Irish-language training is accessible to as many people as possible. Our collaboration with MSLETB is a clear example of how Irish can support real career progression and deliver tangible value for individuals, organisations and the wider economy.’
The award-winning collaboration with MSLETB saw exceptional demand and outcomes, with strong learner engagement, high completion rates and overwhelmingly positive feedback. By combining academic expertise with workforce development priorities, the partnership has positioned Irish as a practical, professional skill aligned with national policy and economic needs.
Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MSLETB, added: ‘This project offers employers and employees an opportunity to integrate professional proficiency in Irish into their skill set. Practical courses such as these, provide professionals with recognised qualifications and career pathways for personal and professional growth within the workplace.’
The collaboration has already had a significant impact on workforce development in the west and north-west, equipping professionals with practical Irish-language skills they can apply immediately in their roles. It also supports national policy objectives under the Official Languages Acts and aligns with growing demand for Irish across the public and private sectors. Building on its success, the partnership has expanded in 2026 with the inclusion of Údarás na Gaeltachta, further increasing access, strengthening progression pathways, and extending its reach nationwide.
The Education Awards ceremony took place on 16 April at The Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath, celebrating excellence and innovation across Ireland’s education sector.
