The Cúirt New Writing Prize 2026 is open for entries.

Submission Guidelines

• There are four categories: poetry, short fiction, essay and Irish Language poetry and short fiction.
• Poetry entries must consist of up to three poems under 50 lines each.
• Short stories should be no longer than 2,000 words.
• Essays should be no longer than 5,000 words.
• Open theme and style.
• No simultaneous submissions.

Judges: Eimear McBride as the short fiction judge, Susannah Dickey as the poetry judge, Molly Hennigan as the essay judge, and Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh as the Irish language poetry and short fiction judge.

Entry fee: €12 for one piece of fiction, or one essay, or up to three poems.

Prizes: The winner in each category will be awarded a€500 cash prize and the opportunity to read at the 41st annual Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway, 21st – 26th of April 2026.

Deadline: Saturday, 31st January 2026 at 5 pm.

Please note: This is an external competition; all details, all submissions are via their website.