The Waterford Poetry Prize 2025 is accepting submissions.

The Waterford Poetry Prize has emerged from the influence of the late Waterford writer Seán Dunne, whose poetry continues to inspire.

Submission Guidelines

• Open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland.
• There is no age limit on entrants, but if you are under 18, you must confirm you have parental/guardian’s consent to participate.
• Original entries which have been previously unpublished or printed.
• Only one entry per entrant.
• Only accepting poems of up to 40 lines.

Judge: Jessica Traynor – poet, essayist and librettist.

Entry fee: Free to enter

Prizes:

• First prize is €500 plus attendance at a designated writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore in 2026 (This prize valued €350 is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be awarded in lieu).
• Second prize €400.
• Third prize €300.

Deadline: Friday, August 15th 2025 at 12:00 PM.

All details, all submissions via their website.