Gaillimh le Gaeilge has announced the 16 businesses and organisations shortlisted as finalists for Galway’s acclaimed bilingual business award, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2026.
Delivered in partnership with the Galway Advertiser, TG4, and Galway Chamber, the Gradam recognises excellence in the use of the Irish language across business and community life throughout Galway City.
This year’s finalists highlight just how widely the Irish language is now being used across very different sectors—from local food and beverage tours to a company producing defibrillators with bilingual signage and instructional guides—reflecting its increasing visibility and everyday use in businesses and communities throughout Galway.
The Moltóirí met on Monday for the first stage of the adjudication process, with 16 of the 22 nominees selected for the Gearrliosta following a particularly strong set of entries.
Gearóidín Hynes, Bainisteoir Tograí, said
“We were delighted with the response to Gradam 2026. There is real pride in the commitment to seirbhís trí Ghaeilge shown by all the shortlisted businesses, a key part of building a truly bilingual Galway and supporting the city’s ambition to achieve Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta status.”
Speaking on behalf of the Moltóirí, Éanna Ó hÓgartaigh added:
“Bhí na hiarratais ar fad an-láidir arís i mbliana agus bhí sé iontach an obair atá ar siúl acu ar fud na cathrach a fheiceáil chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Comhghairdeas leo go léir!
It’s great to see bilingual work happening across the city to promote and normalise Irish in everyday business life, reflecting the dedication of Galway businesses and growing national interest in the language.
The Digital category continues to go from strength to strength, with five finalists shortlisted this year. It’s clear the Irish language is now very much part of how these businesses present themselves and connect with audiences online.”
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2026 – An Gearrliosta
Retail Experience Category (sponsored by Galway Bay FM)
Kinvara Skincare, Just Art It
Tourism Category (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland)
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway Food Tours, Micil Distillery
Customer Service Category (sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters Galway)
McSwiggan’s Steak + Seafood Restaurant, Plámás, Soundtrack & Podcast
Digital Category (sponsored by Platform 94)
DUINE, Irish Citylink, Smart Medical, The little Siopa, Thrive with Marian,
Community & Culture Category (sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Galway)
Club Seoltóireachta Húicéirí na Gaillimhe, CREW Digital, Tribes Press
The winners of the Gradam will be chosen by an independent panel of judges comprising Éanna Ó hÓgartaigh—son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, after whom the award is named—Margaret Jenkins, Wild Atlantic Way Team Manager, and Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, presenter with Galway Bay FM.
Over the coming weeks, the Moltóirí will visit each of the shortlisted businesses and organisations before selecting the category winners and, ultimately, the overall winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2026.
The winners will be announced by the Minister for the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, at a special awards ceremony on Monday, 25th May at 6.00pm – 8.30pm, the Lettermore Suite in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge extends sincere thanks to all sponsors for their continued and invaluable support of the Gradam: Galway Advertiser, TG4, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, Computer Troubleshooters Galway, Platform 94, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge (University of Galway), Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Galway Chamber. Together, their support plays a vital role in sustaining and growing the initiative, with the total sponsorship value exceeding €43,000.
