Fingal County Council announces Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme 2026

Fingal County Council has announced it is to offer Scholarships to Fingal Second Level students who are attending residential Gaeltacht Irish Language Courses.

Following the huge interest in the scheme, first introduced in 2024, the local council has decided to continue it for 2026, this year offering 15 partial scholarships.

The successful applicants will be announced in the lead up to the Seachtain na Gaeilge festival when we will be promoting the Irish Language for 2 weeks during March 2026.

There will be 15 partial scholarships of €500 each and they are open to students who are resident in Fingal or attending second level school in Fingal.

The successful applicants will be decided by means of a draw and applications are welcome from students of any level of Irish provided they are attending a Gaeltacht Course in 2026.

The Scholarship will be paid to the parent or guardian of the student and successful applicants will need to provide evidence of confirmed booking/payment to the Gaeltacht College.

The closing date for applications is Sunday February 15, 2026 with successful candidates informed the following week.

The successful students will be invited to attend a Seachtain na Gaeilge concert taking place in County Hall Swords on March 11 2026 where they will have the opportunity to have a picture taken with Mayor of Fingal Councillor Tom O’Leary.

The concert is just one of the many events taking place in Fingal for Seachtain na Gaeilge – full details will be made available at https://www.fingal.ie/seachtain-na-gaeilge-2026

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary said: “I am delighted to see the Fingal County Council Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme being continued and increased for 2026.

“This is great news for Fingal parents and for students who want to experience the Irish language in the Gaeltacht, benefitting their education and also making lasting memories and fostering a lifelong relationship with the language as they improve their Irish language skills in a fun environment.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said ‘We in Fingal County Council are delighted to continue this Scholarship scheme for 2026, with increased funding of 15 scholarships on offer to assist Fingal families with the cost of sending a student to the Gaeltacht.

“The huge interest in the scheme reflects the strength of the Irish Language community in Fingal and we are proud to support and foster this enthusiasm for our native language in the County.”

“As someone who was lucky enough to attend Gaeltacht courses as a teenager, I know these trips provide a wonderful experience and contribute to a lifelong love of the Language’ commented Bernie Kelly Irish Language Officer.

“The Irish language is becoming very much in demand for employment, particularly in the Public Sector, and I would encourage students to continue to improve their Irish language skills and qualifications.”

How to apply:
Parents or guardians can fill out the online application form available at the following link:https://www.fingal.ie/gaeltacht