Welsh Publisher Reaches Irish Book of the Year Shortlist

Recently the Irish cultural organisation An tOireachtas announced their shortlist for the Irish language Book of the Year awards.

The awards are split into three categories, including the Gradam de Bhaldraithe for books translated into Irish. Of the six titles shortlisted in this category, four are published by Dalen Éireann, the Irish imprint of Cardiff-based Welsh publisher Dalen (Llyfrau) Cyf.

Dalen publisher, Alun Ceri Jones, said, “We’ve been publishing in Irish for over 10 years, and have brought over 90 titles to readers in Ireland. Having 4 of our latest books on this year’s shortlist is a wonderful honour.”

Dalen specialises in publishing adaptations of some of the classics from the European bande dessinée genre. As well as in Irish, they have published in Welsh, Cornish, Scottish Gaelic and Scots, with Asterix and Tintin amongst their most popular series.

Dalen’s titles on this year’s Gradam de Bhaldraithe shortlist are Na Draoithe: 1. Na hÍobartí Oghaim, Páirc an Chrócaigh, Lúcás Lúfar: An Glasach, and Saraifín is a Mórshaothar Iontach.

Alun Ceri Jones continued, “Our Na Draoithe series has also been published by us in Welsh as Y Derwyddon, and in English as Druids. Lúcás Lúfar: An Glasach has appeared in Welsh as Lewsyn Lwcus: Traed Wadin, and some might remember Saraifín is a Mórshaothar Iontach as Seraffin in Welsh. Unpublished in either Welsh or English is Páirc an Chrócaigh, a standalone graphic novel recounting the horrific 1920 Croke Park massacre in Dublin by the British Army’s Black & Tans.”

“We’ve been able to assemble a wonderful team of experienced, young and enthusiastic authors and editors to work on our Irish titles, and we’re most grateful to them for their excellent and hard work in developing our books.”

Máirín Nic Dhonnachadha, An tOireachtas Chief Executive, said, “I congratulate the publishing houses, writers, illustrators and translators who have been shortlisted this year. Their commitment ensures that readers of all ages and backgrounds have access to high-quality books that enrich the Irish language reading community. We are extremely proud to celebrate their achievements today.”

Dalen’s titles are no strangers to the Gradam de Bhaldraithe shortlist. Their Tintin title, Taisce Raga Rua, won the award in 2021.

We wish Cyhoeddi Cymru Publishing Wales members Dalen best of luck in the ceremony  at the National Theatre, Galway on 30 September 2025.