Unwrap a new story through Irish this Christmas —a gift guide from Love Leabhar Gaeilge
With Christmas just around the corner, Love Leabhar Gaeilge has compiled a guide of 15 beautiful Irish Language books which would make the perfect gift.
FOR ADULTS
Nollaig Oileánach, by Micheál Ó Conghaile (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
Micheál Ó Conghaile grew up on Inis Treabhair and in this memoir he writes about his childhood memories of Christmas, but also about life in general in this small community.
Scéalta Nollaig, by Alan Titley (Comhar)
A collection of stories most of which appeared in the author’s column ‘Crobhingne’ in The Irish Times at Christmas time over the past twenty years. Some could be described as fables or imaginative retellings of Bible stories. Others are tales inspired by modern-day Christmas consumerism.
Cé a mharaigh Emma Mhic Mhathúna? agus dánta eile, Louis de Paor (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
A strong collection of poems including powerful public eulogies for Emma Mac Mathuna, Vicky Phelan and Sinéad O’Connor, as well as sharp criticism of contemporary Irish politics amongst more personal poems about love, death and family.
Tír Bheag, by Gaël Faye (Barzaz)
Critically acclaimed and award-winning Tír Bheag (Petit Pays) is set in Burundi in 1992 and for ten-year-old Gabriel, life is happy and carefree with bike rides through the streets, swimming in the river, sneaking cigarettes and stealing mangoes with his friends. But storm clouds gather when neighbouring Rwanda is hit by civil war and genocide, and the spillover into Burundi means life for young Gaby is about to change.
Nain, by Sláine Ní Chathalláin & Máirín Uí Chathalláin (Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne)
Nain, 86-year-old Máirín Uí Chathalláin, was born and raised in Arda Mór, on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, in 1937. Since the day she married, she has lived in Coimín, a small townland west of Dingle, where around 45 people live today. She never left Ireland. She says she would go amú, or astray, if she did! She now spends her days sitting in her house, looking out through the window at Baile Dháith Tower and eating anything she wants, sweet things mostly. She loves a mug of cocoa at night, and a Yorkie bar, and she loves people visiting her. She is a fountain of knowledge and could write a book on ancient traditions. She’s the heart of the family, our stalwart go-to, and she’s full to the brim of craic, devilment, and advice and sense about the big, bad world.
For Young Adults
An Nollaig Thuas, by Aoife Ní Dhufaigh
Luisne is a young fairy who lives in the fairy fort of Lios Lurgain in the World of the Sí. As she learns about the World of the Sí and the World of People, she has many adventures with her friends.
Dialann Emily Porter 3: Caillte agus Aimsithe (+15) by Richie Conroy (Comhar)
The year is 1997 – a defining year in the life of Emily Porter. Not only is the Leaving Cert looming but a big decision must be made about which third level course to choose, and Emily is stressed! To top it all off, she hasn’t spoken with her best friend Olivia in over a year – they’re real enemies now. Throughout this story, Emily experiences the rollercoaster that is life. She returns to Irish college but as an employee this time, and she gets new insight into life in the Gaeltacht. It’s not an easy year in the life of a teenager but, through the hardship, the challenges and the heartbreak, Emily grows into a young adult. This is the third book in the popular ‘Dialann Emily Porter’ series.
Lúba, by Alan Titley (An Gúm)
Lucy feels the whole world is against her: her parents, her school, her friends, even her own thoughts. She wonders if she could have a nice contented life like Clúimhín, the family cat. If she was granted that life, though, would it make her happy?
Saraifín is a Mhórshaothar Iontach, by Philippe Fix, translated by Seaghan O Modhrain (Dalen)
Saraifín is a ticket puncher on the underground network, so bored with his work he dreams of nature and freedom. A stroke of luck changes Saraifín’s life, when he inherits a house in the countryside. It’s a ramshackle home but as the handiest of handymen with the most brilliant imagination, he transforms this dilapidated building into a truly extraordinary house. But Saraifín’s dreams are on a collision course with the realities of urban sprawl, coming face to face with bureaucracy and developers.
Deaideo Craiceáilte agus na Síofraí, by Oisín McGann (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
Grandad can’t remember where he parked the car, and Learaí is helping him find it. But something seems strange about Grandad – not that he’s not always a bit odd, but this time, it’s over the top! What on earth is going on with him?
For Younger Readers
An Nollaig le Teidí, by Sadhbh Rosenstock, Ciara Ní Dhuinn (Picnic Press)
It’s Christmas Eve and Teidí is very excited! He invites us on an adventure to the land of make-believe. Join Teidí, Tríona, Tomás, Mammy and Daddy as they excite our imagination and head into their gingerbread house. A fun-filled adventure awaits with biscuits hanging on the walls, chocolate trees and even edible books! But the teddies must make sure that they’re back in their own house before bedtime, as Santa is arriving soon!
Ceol na Mara, by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, John Ryan, Tarsila Krüse, Úna Woods (Futa Fata)
Ceol na Mara is a collection of beautifully illustrated, maritime-themed songs. The accompanying recordings (available via QR codes) feature local schoolchildren from the Galway Gaeltacht area of Cois Fharraige along with well-known singer Caitlín Ní Chualáin. There are newly composed songs with some old classic remixes such as ‘Raghnall Rón’ and ‘Cé a Chlúdaigh mé le Gaineamh?’.
Mamaí Gé, by Gabriel Rosenstock agus Kim Sharkey (Éabhlóid)
A treasury of rhymes for young people in both Irish and English. Translations of Mother Goose Rhymes by Gabriel Rosenstock with gorgeous illustrations by Kim Sharkey.
Santaí sa Bhaile, by Áine Ní Ghlinn and Mr Ando (An tSnáthaid Mhór)
Around the world in one single night – Santa in his sleigh. What happens when Santa arrives home? How does Santa and his friends spend Christmas in the North Pole?
Cuairt San Nioclás (Leabhar Breac)
Cuairt San Nioclás is an Irish-language twist on the Christmas classic Twas the Night Before Christmas. This book is the perfect opportunity to escape into the magic of Santa’s preparations on Christmas Eve.
