Grants available for Irish language initiatives across Cork

Cork County Council has launched its Irish Language Events and Initiatives Grant Scheme for 2026, inviting applications from a wide range of organisations across Cork.

The local authority is seeking applications from organisations who are planning an initiative or event which is substantially or entirely in Irish.

This can include bilingual events aimed at introducing the public to the Irish language in a comfortable way.

Events can be recurring or one-off occurrences, with the aim of the scheme, now in its fourth year, centering on providing financial aid for Irish language events, projects, and initiatives within the functional area of Cork county which benefit the community and promote the language.

Previous successful projects include film festivals, community and family fun days and festivals, concerts, dramas, cultural nights, Irish classes, poetry events, singing events, historical talks, research projects, and walking tours.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor 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 or through community led projects,” said Ms Linehan Foley.

“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.”

The maximum amount granted for any event under the scheme is €1,500.

Organisations may apply for more than one event within the application period, and these will be considered subject to availability of funding and the initiative meeting the grant criteria.

Applications to the scheme will be accepted until June 26 through the Irish Language Office section of the Cork County Council website.