The two families chosen to spend a year rent-free on Inis Meáin have spoken of their delight in winning the competition after being selected from 1,600 applicants.
The initiative was organised by the community development organisation, Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin, to raise the numbers of school-going children on the island.
Rónán Mac An tSaoir from Co Meath said it was the chance of a lifetime.
"For years our family have dreamed of finding a place in the Gaeltacht, then the advertisement appeared at exactly the right time," he said.
"Our kids are of school-going age and they love the outdoors. Inis Meáin - 'the middle island' - is such a beautiful place and they are going to make some very special memories."
Valerie Sheehy from Co Limerick said there was so much excitement doing the interview on the island and trying not to get the kids' hopes up too much.
"Now we will be exploring Inis Meáin and getting lost amongst stone walls. We can't wait to start this year in our life and are so looking forward to island life," she said.
Both families will immerse themselves in the local community for the academic school year and brush up on their Irish language skills.
They will live rent-free in houses on the island with just utility bills and groceries to pay for.
They were picked from a shortlist of 20 families and will be able to work from a digital hub on the island.
