Cork County Council has launched its Irish Language Events and Initiatives Grant Scheme for 2026, inviting applications from organisations planning events or initiatives conducted substantially or entirely in Irish. Bilingual events designed to introduce the public to the language in an accessible way are also welcome.

Eligible activities can be either one-off or recurring. The scheme aims to financially support Irish language events, projects and initiatives within the functional area of County Cork that benefit local communities and promote the language. Examples include film festivals, community and family days, concerts, drama, cultural nights, Irish classes, poetry and singing events, historical talks, research projects and walking tours. Permanent features such as signage or interpretive boards may also be considered.

Now in its fourth year, the programme was first introduced in 2023. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, said: "It is great to see the return of this scheme. Cork County Council supports events through Irish in any way we can, whether it be through events we organise ourselves such as those organised for the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge celebration, or through supporting community led projects, any event which can successfully increase the use and visibility of Irish as a community language is something we can all be proud of supporting. I encourage organisations throughout the county, who may be in the process of organising events through Irish, to apply for this grant and to avail what supports are made available. Whether your organisation is based within the Gaeltacht, or whether it is in another area of the county, or in a school, or anywhere that Irish is being spoken and used as an integral part of your event, it would certainly be worthwhile considering this grant."

The maximum grant per event is €1,500. Organisations may apply for more than one event during the application window, subject to funding availability and the initiative meeting the scheme's criteria.

Applications are open until close of business on Friday, 26 June. Apply via the Irish Language Office section of the Council's website. For further information or queries, email [email protected].