Ireland’s National School Photography Awards Announces 2026 Winners
Zoya Menovska, from St. Joseph's GNS, Clonakilty, was selected as Ireland's Overall Winner for their photograph Mystical Landscapes Full of Mystery.
Ireland’s National School Photography Awards (INSPA)
Ireland’s National School Photography Awards (INSPA) has announced the winners of its 2026 national competition, celebrating the creativity, imagination and photographic talent of primary school pupils from across the country.
This year’s theme, “Landscapes & Legends”, invited children to explore Ireland’s rich heritage, stories, people and places through photography. Schools nationwide responded with inspiring and thought-provoking images that captured everything from breathtaking local scenery and historic landmarks to community heroes, folklore and family traditions.
Following an extensive judging process, the national winners were selected by a distinguished panel of leaders from Ireland’s education, arts and communications sectors.
The 2026 judging panel included: Richard Carr, INSPA Curator and Head Judge; Anne Horan, Past President of INTO; David Booth, Winner of the National Gallery of Ireland’s Zurich Portrait Prize (2022); Deirdre Kelly, President of IPPN; Ultan Mac Mathúna, Chairperson of Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI); and Melanie Lynch, communicator, educator and social innovator.
Zoya Menovska, from St. Joseph’s GNS, Clonakilty, was selected as Ireland’s Overall Winner for their photograph Mystical Landscapes Full of Mystery.
The Senior Category was won by Eera Gaurav Arora, from Holy Cross School Dundrum, for their photograph Druid.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Richard Carr, INSPA Curator and Head Judge, said:
“Each year we are amazed by the standard of entries submitted by young photographers across Ireland, but this year’s theme produced some truly exceptional work. The photographs demonstrated creativity, storytelling, technical skill and a deep appreciation for Ireland’s people, heritage and landscapes. Selecting the winners was both inspiring and incredibly challenging.”
The judges praised the overall quality of entries and the ability of participating pupils to interpret the theme in unique and meaningful ways.
This year’s awards were supported by INTO, IPPN, Arts in Education, Butlers, The Factory Tour, instax™ by FUJIFILM and Image Masters – Ireland’s School Photographers.
As part of the winning prize package, the Overall Winning Class will receive free entry into Butlers. The Factory Tour, courtesy of Butlers and The Factory Tour, providing a memorable day of celebration for pupils and teachers alike. instax™ cameras and accessories are also awarded by FUJIFILM and framed photographs and certificates by Image Masters – Ireland’s School Photographers.
INSPA would like to congratulate all participating schools right across the country, teachers and pupils whose enthusiasm and creativity continue to make the awards one of Ireland’s leading school-based photography initiatives.
The 2025/26 INSPA Summer EXPO can be viewed at www.inspa.ie/expo