IRELAND 2025 | Wild Atlantic Words Festival Short Story Competition: (Deadline 31 July, 2025)

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival 2025 Short Story Competition is now open! Writers aged 18 and over who are Irish or living in Ireland are invited to submit an original short story of under 3,000 words. The first prize is €500 and the second prize is €250. The competition is judged by award-winning author Eimear McBride.

The competition is designed to individuals aged 18 or over who are Irish or currently residing in Ireland. Each participant may submit only one original short story that has not been previously published or broadcast. The story must be under 3,000 words, and the author’s name should not appear on the manuscript.

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival is an annual literary celebration held in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. It brings together writers, poets, and readers to explore and enjoy the richness of storytelling and the written word. Founded in 2016, the Wild Atlantic Words literary festival aims to celebrate the literary heritage of our rugged coastline over several days of readings, recitals, debates and reflection, while also acknowledging our new and emerging writers.

Application Deadline: Thursday, 31st July 2025 at 5:00 PM

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Wild Atlantic Words Festival
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Short Story Writing Competition (Non-academic)
• Award: First Prize: €500, Second Prize: €250
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: Two (1st and 2nd place)
• Nationality: Irish or residents of Ireland
• The award can be taken in: Ireland (specifically, Castlebar, Co. Mayo)

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Ireland
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The competition is open to original short stories in any genre.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be aged 18 or over

• Be Irish or a resident in Ireland

• Submit only one original, unpublished, and unbroadcast short story of under 3,000 words

• Ensure their name does not appear on the manuscript

• Submit their entry in PDF (or Word) format with a 9-digit payment reference number included

• Pay an entry fee of €10

How to Apply

1. Write Your Short Story

   • Maximum of 3,000 words

   • Do not include your name on the manuscript

   • Include your 9-digit entry fee reference number at the top of your story (before the title)

2. Pay €10 Entry Fee

   • Visit www.wildatlanticwords.ie to make payment

   • Save your 9-digit order reference number

3. Submit Your Entry Online

   • Upload your story in PDF (or Word) format

   • Fill out the entry form with your reference number and contact details

   • Confirm acceptance of the rules before submitting

Benefits

• 1st Prize: €500 and a public reading of the winning story

• 2nd Prize: €250

• Opportunity to be published or featured in a podcast in collaboration with Bridge St and Mayo Books Press

• Recognition by renowned judge and award-winning author Eimear McBride

• Invitation to the prize-giving ceremony during the Wild Atlantic Words Festival 2025 in Castlebar