Minister for Education Norma Foley has congratulated 101 primary and 19 post-primary schools that have achieved recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
Over the past seven years, schools in Gaeltacht areas were given an opportunity to seek recognition.
As part of the validation process, they had to fulfil specific language-based criteria.
Primary schools had to fulfil 13 different criteria, including being totally immersed in the language for the first two years of education during which time no English is taught.
The scheme seeks to extend Irish language learning at second level too by moving towards a full immersion approach for all subjects, apart from English and other languages.
The last of four regional events is being held in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal today to recognise the 120 schools who achieved recognition.
Minister for Education Norma Foley congratulated students, teachers and parents of primary and post-primary pupils on their achievement.
"Gaeltacht Schools have reached an important milestone in achieving this recognition.
"A great deal of work has been done by the staff and leaders of the schools, as well as their students, to achieve recognition," she said.
The minister also paid tribute to the "support of the local language planning officers for the part they played in the process."
The Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme is a cornerstone of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education which was launched by former minister for education Richard Bruton and ex-taoiseach Enda Kenny in An Cheathrú Rua, Conamara in 2016.
At present, 102 primary schools, including one special school catering for pupils with additional needs, and 29 post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht are participating in the programme.
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne said the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme aims to revitalise, promote and expand the use of Irish in Gaeltacht school communities.
"It is clear to me, in my dealings with Gaeltacht communities, that this aim is being met, and that the use of Irish is now being promoted widely in schools," Mr Byrne added.
Ten post-primary schools are still on their journeys towards implementation of the criteria and achievement of recognition. One new primary school entered the scheme this year.
The Department of Education said that it will continue to work in partnership with these schools as they seek to strengthen and expand existing Irish-medium provision.
Supports provided to schools participating in the scheme include language support hours, an annual grant to purchase Irish language teaching resources, advice from the department's inspectorate and support from An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta.
