You now have until December 7th to create some original poetry to wow our judges! Our range of competitions offer some serious prizes – and recognition of outstanding poetry at an international literary event, now in its 21st year.

This year’s main competition, the Strokestown International Poetry Prize, has renowned poets Jo Shapcott

Photo Credit: Rachel Shapcott

and Gerard Smyth as the judges, with an impressive €2000 for the winner and publication in the 2019 festival anthology for 10 shortlisted poets. The winner also receives a week-long residency at Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat in Cork; the second prizewinner takes home €700 and the third, €500. The judges read every single entry (anonymously) –  its about the writing not the writer!

All shortlisted poets will be invited to read at the festival over May Bank Holiday weekend, and will receive a reading fee. The results will be revealed on May 5th.

The Percy French Prize for Witty Verse, will again be judged by writer Margaret Hickey, with prizes awarded at the festival on the evening of May 3rd for the most humerous offerings.

Irish language poet Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin will judge the Duais de hÍde Competition, which carries a prize of €600 for the winner.

Click on the drop down menus on our competitions page for all the details. You can enter by post or on-line.

Competitions for Roscommon writers and local schoolchildren will be launched on January 8th 2019.