The Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival is the flagship event in our Cultural Programme and is held on the third weekend in October. Established in 2016, this innovative dynamic festival celebrates our area's unique links with Jane Austen and Brendan Behan whilst promoting the best in local talent.
Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival
Poetry Competition
Poetry Competition
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Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival is delighted to announce its 2026 Poetry Competition is open for submissions.
This year, the theme of the competition is New World. Poets, interpret as you wish! Five shortlisted poets will be invited to read their entries at the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival on Saturday 17th October when the overall winner will be announced. The judge this year is Deirdre Hines. Deirdre is an award-winning poet and author of The Language of Coats (New Island) which includes her Listowel Prize-winning collection, and The Mermelf: A Fable for Our Times (Austin Macauley Publishers), runner-up in the the London Book Festival 2024. Her Japanese Poetry Workbook: Master Haiku, Tanka, Renku, Haibun & more with prompts, is an Amazon Top 50 bestseller. The Festival Committee wish to thank Brennan’s Pharmacy and Donegal ETB for sponsoring our main prizes. The winner will receive €150 and the runner-up €100. Three highly commended entries will receive cash prizes. The closing date for entries is Friday 21st August. Results will be announced by the end of September. Submission Guidelines 1. The submission must be the author’s own unpublished work – this includes, print or online publication, or broadcast. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us if your work has been accepted elsewhere. 2. The theme for this competition is New World. Entrants must be over 18 and from the island of Ireland, or resident in Ireland. Entries to be in English, or Irish with a translation. Entry is free. 3. You may submit two poems; only one submission per person. Maximum length of each poem to be 30 lines, excluding title. Entries should be typed in a clear 12pt font. 4. Ensure that your name does not appear on the work. In the body of the email it is essential to include name, county and telephone number. 5. The five shortlisted poets will be expected to read at the Prize Winners’ Evening of the Festival in October 2026, please consider this when you are entering. 6. Copyright remains with the author. 7. Entry to the competition implies acceptance of the rules. The Judge’s decision is final. 8. Please submit your work as a Word document by email to [email protected] by the closing date 21st August 2026. |
