Welcome to the Irish Print Awards Categories. This year, our award categories are structured across four distinct groups to celebrate every facet of the print ecosystem: Commercial, Packaging & Specialty Print Products spotlights high-calibre finished execution across packaging, publications, signage, labels, and wide-format displays; Print Technologies, Production & Craftsmanship honors technical press mastery, precision, and finishing skill across offset, digital, flexo, screen, textile, and 3D methods; Industry Excellence, Leadership & Talent recognizes the vital people driving the sector forward, from apprentices and rising stars to commercial print teams and lifetime leaders; and Strategic Impact, Design & Future Vision rewards forward-thinking innovation, sustainable practices, creative design-and-print collaborations, and supreme benchmarks like Print of the Year.we are celebrating excellence across every aspect of the industry.
As you browse below, you will find categories tailored to cutting-edge technologies (from Digital to 3D and Litho), specific product executions (like Packaging, Books, and Signage), business achievements (including Sustainability and Regional Small Printers), and the outstanding people driving our industry forward (such as Rising Stars and Women Leading in Print). Find the perfect fit for your work below.
Please note: The deadline for entries is Friday, April 23rd, 2027. Once your entry is complete, 2 samples of your entry should be carefully packed and sent to: Aditi Varkey, Events Department, Irish Print Awards, Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West Industrial Estate, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9. If you have any problems, contact Aditi at 01 6401777 or aditi@ashvillemediagroup.com
Commercial, Packaging & Specialty Print Products
Book Printer of the Year
This category recognises outstanding production quality and traditional craftsmanship across hardback, paperback, or bespoke book publishing.
Digital Label Printer of the Year
This award recognises labels produced via narrow-web digital press technology that deliver additional commercial value and aesthetic appeal to clients.
Digital Packaging Printer of the Year
This award recognises packaging applications that utilise digital printing technology to deliver enhanced customer value, short-run versatility, and rapid market deployment.
Flexographic Label Print of the Year
This category recognises best-in-class self-adhesive and flexible labels manufactured using the flexographic printing process.
Food and Drink Packaging of the Year
This category awards excellence in food and beverage packaging production, spanning folding cartons, flexible plastic pouches, rigid boxes, beverage wraps, and corrugated sleeves.
Litho Packaging Printer of the Year
This award rewards lithographic packaging that demonstrates superior print reproduction, structural converting, and finishing standards.
Newspaper, Magazine, Brochure and Supplement Printer of the Year
This category recognises outstanding technical craftsmanship, design alignment, and content presentation in the production of consumer magazines, corporate brochures, promotional catalogues, news supplements, as well as national, regional, and freesheet newspapers maintaining high production standards across demanding publication schedules.
Report and Accounts Printer of the Year
This award acknowledges consistent technical excellence and high precision in the reproduction, printing, and finishing of corporate annual reports, financial disclosures, and governance documents.
Signage Printer of the Year
This category recognises print service providers demonstrating excellence in producing physical out-of-home (OOH) signage advertising, directional displays, architectural installations, and illuminated graphics.
Textile Printer of the Year
This award seeks to reward outstanding technical mastery, vibrant colour application, and creative design in textile printing craft.
Book Printer of the Year
This category recognises outstanding production quality and traditional craftsmanship across hardback, paperback, or bespoke book publishing. Judges will assess the overall level of execution, examining reprographic clarity, body text typography, image sharpness, and consistent colour density throughout the publication. Particular attention will be paid to book block binding strength, spine alignment, jacket and cover embellishments (such as foil stamping, embossing, debossing, or spot UV varnish), paper stock selection, and tactile finishing. Entries must demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in both mass production runs and limited artisan print runs.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Reprographic & Typographic Precision
- Binding & Structural Integrity
- Cover Embellishments & Finishing
- Stock Selection & Craftsmanship
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Digital Label Printer of the Year
This award recognises labels produced via narrow-web digital press technology that deliver additional commercial value and aesthetic appeal to clients. The judges will take into consideration run length flexibility, repeatability, registration precision, micro-text sharpness, and complex embellishments such as hot foiling, embossing, or tactile varnish. Consistency in colour reproduction, substrate adherence, and clean die-cutting execution across self-adhesive stocks will be thoroughly assessed. This category is also open to print management companies or agencies as long as all print creators are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Registration and Micro-Text Clarity
- Embellishment Execution
- Colour Consistency & Repeatability
- Die-Cutting & Finishing Precision
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Digital Packaging Printer of the Year
This award recognises packaging applications that utilise digital printing technology to deliver enhanced customer value, short-run versatility, and rapid market deployment. Covering flexible packaging, folding cartons, corrugated board, and paper sleeves, the judges will assess the degree of technical difficulty, execution precision, register accuracy, and finishing quality of entries. Consistency in reproduction across versioned runs, variable data personalisation, and creative graphic adaptation will be key evaluation criteria. This category is also open to print management companies or design agencies provided all print manufacturing partners are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Technical Execution & Registration
- Versioning & Personalisation
- Structural Converting & Finishing
- Market Impact & Short-Run Versatility
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Flexographic Label Print of the Year
This category recognises best-in-class self-adhesive and flexible labels manufactured using the flexographic printing process. Spanning food and beverage cartons, household and cleaning containers, personal care and health products, as well as industrial, retail, and logistics materials, judges will evaluate run length stability, high-speed registration precision, halftone dot fidelity, multi-station ink trapping, and seamless embellishment integration such as cold foiling, embossing, or tactile varnish. Consistency in colour reproduction and clean die-cutting execution will be thoroughly assessed. Open to print managers provided creators are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Dot Fidelity and Ink Trapping
- High-Speed Registration & Stability
- Inline Embellishment Integration
- Converting & Die-Cutting Quality
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Food and Drink Packaging of the Year
This category awards excellence in food and beverage packaging production, spanning folding cartons, flexible plastic pouches, rigid boxes, beverage wraps, and corrugated sleeves. In judging this category, emphasis is placed on visual shelf impact, creative structural design, functional suitability, and food safety compliance. Judges will evaluate print accuracy, colour vibrance, barrier properties, durability, and specialised finishing techniques designed to enhance product presentation in retail environments. This category is also open to print management companies, packaging designers, or agencies provided all print creators and manufacturing partners are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Shelf Impact & Visual Appeal
- Structural Design & Functionality
- Print Accuracy & Finishing
- Production Efficiency & Run Quality
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Litho Packaging Printer of the Year
This award rewards lithographic packaging that demonstrates superior print reproduction, structural converting, and finishing standards. Judges will evaluate entries based on job complexity, colour density control, registration sharpness, creasing quality, die-cutting precision, and gluing durability. Submissions must prove functional suitability for high-speed automated packaging lines while maintaining vibrant, eye-catching shelf presence in competitive retail environments. This category is also open to print management companies or agencies provided all print creators are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Print Reproduction & Density Control
- Die-Cutting & Creasing Precision
- Gluing & Structural Durability
- Job Complexity & Retail Appeal
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Newspaper, Magazine, Brochure and Supplement Printer of the Year
This category recognises outstanding technical craftsmanship, design alignment, and content presentation in the production of consumer magazines, corporate brochures, promotional catalogues, news supplements, as well as national, regional, and freesheet newspapers maintaining high production standards across demanding publication schedules. Judges will review design layout and clarity, color density balance, colour reproduction accuracy, registration control, dot gain management, paper stock handling, and text readability. Technical production aspects such as folding accuracy, web folding, saddle stitching or perfect binding durability, trimming precision, and special cover finishes will be closely scrutinised. Entries must demonstrate exceptional press reproduction quality and print consistency. For newspaper and freesheet entries, printers must demonstrate these standards across three consecutive publication issues produced under strict production deadlines, which must be submitted physically for panel evaluation. This category is also open to print management companies or creative agencies as long as all print production partners are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Print Quality & Colour Management
- Folding, Binding & Finishing
- Run Consistency & Production Standards
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9); For newspapers, please submit two copies of three consecutive publication issues.
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Report and Accounts Printer of the Year
This award acknowledges consistent technical excellence and high precision in the reproduction, printing, and finishing of corporate annual reports, financial disclosures, and governance documents. Entries will be judged on corporate identity colour accuracy, crisp typographic reproduction, clean layout presentation of complex financial tables, premium paper stock selection, and flawless binding and embellishment finishing that reflect executive-level corporate presentation. Judges will assess overall presentation clarity, page-to-page consistency, and structural execution across both digital and offset production runs.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Typography & Data Layout Clarity
- Brand & Colour Fidelity
- Stock Selection & Tactile Quality
- Binding & Finishing Execution
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Signage Printer of the Year
Sponsored by
This category recognises print service providers demonstrating excellence in producing physical out-of-home (OOH) signage advertising, directional displays, architectural installations, and illuminated graphics. Applicable entries include billboard displays, bus shelter wraps, totem structures, retail storefront displays, and building graphics. Judges will evaluate fabrication quality, structural durability, colour vibrancy, light diffusion in backlit applications, weather resistance, material selection, and precision finishing across grand-format substrates.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Fabrication & Structural Engineering
- Print Fidelity & Light Diffusion
- Weather Resistance & Material Suitability
- Installation & Precision Finishing
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Textile Printer of the Year
This award seeks to reward outstanding technical mastery, vibrant colour application, and creative design in textile printing craft. Spanning screen printing (flatbed and rotary), digital textile printing (inkjet/DTG/DTF), heat transfer printing (including dye-sublimation) and roller (cylinder) printing, judges will evaluate colour fastness, detail resolution, soft fabric handle, ink penetration, substrate preparation, and overall finish across fashion apparel, soft signage, sportswear, or interior furnishings. Entries should display exceptional craftsmanship and technical control across specialised natural or synthetic textile materials.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Colour Vibrancy & Fastness
- Detail Resolution & Handle
- Ink Penetration & Craftsmanship
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Print Technologies, Production & Craftsmanship
3D Printer of the Year
This category invites Irish companies to showcase cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, advanced polymers, and additive manufacturing applications, recognising the pioneering leaders shaping the future of this transformative industry.
Digital Printer of the Year
This category recognises a print service provider that best demonstrates superior colour reproduction, crisp resolution, and post-press finishing using sheetfed or web digital presses.
Innovation and Print Technology of the Year
This category recognises pioneering print enterprises that foster a strong culture of innovation to solve persistent manufacturing challenges, carve out new market sectors, or adopt technology to transform business models.
Large Format Digital Printer of the Year
This award seeks to reward a company displaying outstanding creativity combined with high-quality craftsmanship in wide and grand-format digital printing.
Print Finishing Award
This award honours outstanding post-press craftsmanship in folding, die-cutting, embossing, debossing, hot foil stamping, spot UV coating, laser cutting, or complex case binding.
Printed Wrap of the Year
This category celebrates exceptional skill and visual impact in printed graphic wraps applied to single vehicles, commercial fleets, architectural surfaces, or building structures.
Screen Printing of the Year
This award acknowledges outstanding technical mastery and production quality in screen print execution across diverse commercial applications.
Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year
This award seeks to recognise the highest quality craftsmanship and technical perfection in traditional sheetfed colour offset lithography.
3D Printer of the Year
This category invites Irish companies to showcase cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, advanced polymers, and additive manufacturing applications, recognising the pioneering leaders shaping the future of this transformative industry. Judges will evaluate entries based on technical innovation, structural integrity, material selection, dimensional precision, geometric complexity, and surface finish refinement. Submissions should highlight how additive manufacturing solved complex production challenges, reduced manufacturing lead times, or delivered highly customised, functional end-use solutions efficiently. This category is also open to print management companies or design agencies provided all print creators are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Technical Innovation & Complexity
- Dimensional Precision & Integrity
- Material Selection & Surface Finish
- Problem Solving & Efficiency
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Digital Printer of the Year
Judges will seek a print service provider that best demonstrates superior colour reproduction, crisp resolution, and post-press finishing using sheetfed or web digital presses. Entries across promotional brochures, presentation folders, marketing collateral, short-run books, and commercial publications will be judged on technical execution and handling of challenging digital print runs. Judges will look for innovative applications, such as variable data integration, spot varnish, metallic digital toners, or unique substrate printing. This category is also open to print management companies or agencies as long as all print creators are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Colour Accuracy & Print Sharpness
- Specialty Digital Effects
- Substrate Handling & Technical Execution
- Variable Data & Short-Run Finishing
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Innovation and Print Technology of the Year
This category recognises pioneering print enterprises that foster a strong culture of innovation to solve persistent manufacturing challenges, carve out new market sectors, or adopt technology to transform business models. Judges will assess projects demonstrating exceptional technical innovation, proprietary automation, unique substrate usage, variable data integration, or novel finishing methods that offer capabilities beyond standard practice. Whether through prepress workflows, press mechanics, substrate development, or smart data application, entries must showcase true industry advancement.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Degree of Technical Innovation
- Operational & Industry Advancement
- Market Impact & Commercial Value
- Scalability & Implementation
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Large Format Digital Printer of the Year
This award seeks to reward a company displaying outstanding creativity combined with high-quality craftsmanship in wide and grand-format digital printing. Judges will examine entries such as exhibition display stands, point-of-sale graphics, building wraps, backlit displays, and outdoor banners. Key evaluation criteria include image sharpness at scale, colour vibrance, seamless panel joining, substrate suitability, mounting quality, structural durability, and weather resistance. This category is also open to print management companies or design agencies as long as all primary print creators and installation teams are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Image Sharpness & Scale Rendering
- Panel Joining & Alignment
- Substrate Selection & Durability
- Finishing & Installation Quality
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Print Finishing Award
This award honors outstanding post-press craftsmanship in folding, die-cutting, embossing, debossing, hot foil stamping, spot UV coating, laser cutting, or complex case binding. Judges will evaluate technical difficulty, registration accuracy between print and finish, structural integrity, blade sharpness, fold alignment, and tactile quality across commercial collateral. This category is open to trade finishing houses, trade binderies, printers, and print management firms provided all primary production partners are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Technical Difficulty & Complexity
- Registration Precision
- Structural Integrity & Cleanliness
- Tactile & Visual Impact
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Printed Wrap of the Year
This category celebrates exceptional skill and visual impact in printed graphic wraps applied to single vehicles, commercial fleets, architectural surfaces, or building structures. Judges will assess overall visual appeal, degree of application difficulty, stretch management, panel alignment, seam invisibility, and finish durability. Accurate colour proofs or pre-production mockups must accompany applications. Multi-vehicle fleet projects will also be evaluated on pattern consistency across all wrapped assets. This category is open to print management companies or agencies provided all print producers and installers are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Application Mastery & Stretch Control
- Seam Invisibility & Panel Alignment
- Colour Vibrance & Proof Match
- Finish Quality & Surface Durability
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Screen Printing of the Year
This award acknowledges outstanding technical mastery and production quality in screen print execution across diverse commercial applications. Eligible entries include outdoor billboard advertising, backlit bus shelter posters, architectural graphics, fine art prints, custom apparel, and industrial transfers. Judges will evaluate the degree of technical difficulty, stencil resolution, ink deposit film thickness, opacity on dark or difficult substrates, colour saturation, edge sharpness, and multi-pass registration accuracy across flat or shaped materials. Entries demonstrating creative ink formulations or specialised tactile finishes will be highly regarded by the panel.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Ink Deposit & Opacity
- Multi-Pass Registration & Stencil Precision
- Edge Sharpness & Detail Resolution
- Speciality Ink Formulations
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year
This award seeks to recognise the highest quality craftsmanship and technical perfection in traditional sheetfed colour offset lithography. Judges will inspect submitted jobs for precise ink-water balance control, dot gain reduction, sharp registration, sheet-to-sheet colour consistency, and flawless ink density across extended press runs. The technical complexity of the job layout, paper stock handling, and post-press folding, trimming, and binding accuracy will be central to the judging panel’s final evaluation and award scoring.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Ink-Water Balance & Density Control
- Registration Precision & Dot Gain Control
- Sheet-to-Sheet Colour Uniformity
- Post-Press Converting Quality
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Industry Excellence, Leadership & Talent
Lifetime Achievement Award
Chosen directly by the Irish Print Awards judging panel, this prestigious honor recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary, long-standing contributions to the Irish printing industry.
Print Graduate of the Year
Open to final-year third-level students in the Republic of Ireland studying print media, graphic reproduction, media technology, or print engineering.
Print Media Apprentice – NI Level 2 & 3
Open to Northern Ireland apprentices enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3 vocational print qualifications.
Rising Star Award
Recognises exceptional young managers, technicians, press operators, or print specialists under 30 who display leadership, innovation, and technical talent in the Irish print sector.
Small Printer of the Year
Open to print service providers with 10 or fewer employees located across the Island of Ireland. Submissions will be grouped regionally based on location for judging and shortlisting.
Women Leading in Print
This award celebrates and honours women who have made significant contributions to the print industry in Ireland.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Chosen directly by the Irish Print Awards judging panel, this prestigious honor recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary, long-standing contributions to the Irish printing industry. The recipient embodies visionary leadership, mentorship, and lasting dedication to advancing print craftsmanship, technological adoption, and industry representation over a distinguished career. The recipient will be officially announced during the gala awards ceremony to celebrate their lifelong impact and dedication to the sector.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Career Longevity & Industry Contribution
- Craftsmanship & Innovation Leadership
- Mentorship & Sector Stewardship
- Peer Reputation & Legacy
Entry Requirements:
- This is a closed category. The recipient will be selected by the judging panel, and announced on the night of the awards on 25th June 2027, at Clontarf Castle, Dublin.
Print Graduate of the Year
Open to final-year third-level students in the Republic of Ireland studying print media, graphic reproduction, media technology, or print engineering. Judges evaluate personal growth, practical portfolio craftsmanship, technical understanding, problem-solving ability, and genuine passion for contributing to the future of the Irish print sector. Submissions should demonstrate innovative design execution and practical technical competence. The winner will be celebrated and announced during the gala awards evening before industry peers.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Portfolio Craftsmanship & Execution
- Technical Comprehension & Problem Solving
- Innovation & Creative Application
- Industry Ambition & Professional Growth
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Applicants must be a final year student enrolled in a print media, reproduction, or engineering course at an an accredited third-level institution in the Republic of Ireland.
Print Media Apprentice - NI Level 2 & 3
Open to Northern Ireland apprentices enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3 vocational print qualifications. Judges assess technical skill development, workplace dedication, practical job application, employer recommendation letters, and commitment to mastering the print trade. Submissions must demonstrate practical competence, pressroom problem solving, and professional promise. The winner will be officially announced during the annual awards ceremony to highlight exceptional emerging talent within the sector.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Practical Skill Progression & Work Quality
- Pressroom Problem-Solving & Efficiency
- Workplace Dedication & Safety
- Employer Endorsement & Promise
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Apprentices must be enrolled in accredited Level 1, 2, or 3 vocational print qualifications in Northern Ireland.
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by
This award recognises exceptional young managers, technicians, press operators, or print specialists under 30 who display leadership, innovation, and technical talent in the Irish print sector. Nominations are open to peers, employers, and industry colleagues to honour emerging sector leaders who drive positive change, team collaboration, technical advancement, and operational excellence across the Irish printing landscape. The recipient will be announced during the gala ceremony.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Leadership & Operational Impact
- Technical Excellence & Innovation
- Drive & Career Trajectory
- Peer & Employer Endorsements
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 25th June 2027 at Clontarf Castle, Dublin.
Small Printer of the Year
Open to print service providers with 10 or fewer employees located across the Island of Ireland. All eligible small print businesses submit their entry under this single overarching category, with submissions subsequently grouped regionally based on location for judging and shortlisting. This category recognises small print businesses achieving outstanding success based on business performance, client satisfaction, investment in equipment or staff training, and craft versatility across multiple print formats. Judges will review business performance, equipment utilisation, staff development, and craftsmanship. This category is also open to print management companies or regional agencies provided all print creators are fully credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Print Quality & Technical Execution
- Client Retention & Customer Service
- Commercial Resilience & Growth
- Equipment & Workflow Optimization
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Women Leading in Print
This award celebrates and honours women who have made significant contributions to the print industry in Ireland. It recognises outstanding female leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, professional impact, and strategic vision, inspiring others and driving the industry forward. Judges will assess the candidate’s career achievements, demonstrated leadership qualities, contributions to driving business or technical innovation, advocacy for mentorship and diversity within the print sector, and overall influence on the growth and resilience of their organization or the broader print community. Entries must provide evidence of measurable success, key project or operational achievements, and testimonials demonstrating leadership impact. This category is also open to candidates from print management companies or creative agencies as long as all relevant print partners and creators are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Strategic Leadership & Achievements
- Innovation & Technical Advancement
- Mentorship & Diversity Advocacy
- Industry Impact & Testimonials
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
Strategic Impact, Design & Future Vision
Best Use of Print
This category seeks to reward outstanding quality, creativity, and structural impact across integrated campaigns combining digital and physical print collateral.
Future of Print
In partnership with Canon Ireland, DPP Skillnet, and TU Dublin, this award supports industry future-proofing through education.
Graphic Design and Print Collaboration Award
This award celebrates the powerful synergy between creative graphic designers and print production specialists in bringing ambitious visual concepts to reality.
Print of the Year
The supreme honour of the competition, selected by the judging panel from all winning entries across format and technical production categories.
Sustainability Printer of the Year
This award seeks to recognise print service providers who prioritise environmental stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices across their daily operations.
Best Use of Print
This category seeks to reward outstanding quality, creativity, and structural impact across integrated campaigns combining digital and physical print collateral. Judges will examine the degree of technical difficulty, level of execution, visual appeal, colour accuracy, and overall quality of finish across the entry. Submissions should demonstrate how print was strategically leveraged to deliver maximum engagement and commercial value for the client brief. Innovation in substrate selection, structural engineering, and speciality print finishing will be highly regarded. This category is also open to print management companies or design agencies as long as all print creators are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Strategic Print Integration
- Technical Difficulty & Finishing Execution
- Visual Appeal & Colour Accuracy
- Client ROI & Campaign Effectiveness
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Future of Print
Sponsored by
In partnership with Canon Ireland, DPP Skillnet, and TU Dublin, this award supports industry future-proofing through education. The recipient receives a bursary toward enrolment in the Masters in Professional Practice program. This closed award category recognizes exceptional prospective talent and ambition within the sector, with the winner being announced during the awards evening to inspire next-generation print leadership and educational development.
Criteria that the judges are looking for:
- Academic & Professional Aptitude
- Vision for Industry Advancement
- Leadership Potential & Ambition
- Bursary Application Impact
Entry Requirements:
- This is a closed category, and the winner will be announced on the night of the awards, on June 25th 2027, at Clontarf Castle.
- The winner will receive a bursary from Canon Ireland that will be put towards enrolment in the Masters in Professional Practice program, in partnership with DPP Skillnet and TU Dublin.
Graphic Design and Print Collaboration Award
This award celebrates the powerful synergy between creative graphic designers and print production specialists in bringing ambitious visual concepts to reality. Judges will examine how design choices—including typography, imagery, layout structure, paper stock texture, and specialty inks—were successfully realized through expert prepress, colour management, and finishing techniques to achieve an extraordinary final piece. This category is open to design agencies, print management firms, and print producers, provided all collaborative partners are credited.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Design-to-Print Translation
- Technical Prepress & Colour Management
- Material & Speciality Ink Selection
- Collaborative Execution & Final Impact
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
Print of the Year
The supreme honour of the competition, selected by the judging panel from all winning entries across format and technical production categories. Evaluated on overall difficulty, technical perfection, material choice, colour registration, finishing finesse, and flawless execution.
Direct individual entries are not accepted, as the winner represents the pinnacle of Irish print craftsmanship and technical achievement across the entire competition.
Criteria the judges are looking for:
- Technical Perfection & Registration
- Production Complexity & Difficulty
- Finishing Finesse & Material Synergy
- Overall Excellence & Benchmark Status
Entry Requirements:
- This is a closed category and the winner will be announced on the night of the awards, on 25th June 2027 at Clontarf Castle, Dublin.
- The winning print item will be selected from all print items entered into the competition.
Sustainability Printer of the Year
This award seeks to recognise print service providers who prioritise environmental stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices across their daily operations. In considering sustainable practices, judges will evaluate eco-friendly substrate selection, energy efficiency measures, reduction of volatile organic compounds, waste diversion strategies, and certified sustainable supply chains. Submissions should provide tangible evidence of environmental benefits and carbon footprint reduction, whilst demonstrating that eco-friendly methods maintained exceptional print quality, vibrant colour reproduction, and structural finish standards. Submissions detailing circular economic principles, recycled material usage, and sustainable ink formulations will be particularly favoured.
Criteria that the judges are looking for:
- Sustainable Processes & Supply Chain
- Energy & Waste Reduction Metrics
- Maintained Print Quality & Finish
- Circular Economy Initiatives
Entry Requirements:
- All entries must be submitted online.
- Printers may enter as many categories as they wish and submit multiple distinct items within any category.
- Two physical samples of each entry must be sent to the Irish Print Awards (Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F9).
- Please email events@ashvillemediagroup.com to arrange physical sample delivery.
- Physical samples submitted must not contain any perishable items.
