25 February, 2026
Opportunities for Writers: March 2026
Our monthly list of submission windows, competitions, bursaries, residencies and general literary opportunities is now live. This list offers information on opportunities with February/March deadlines. For information on other upcoming opportunities, see our competitions and submissions and bursaries and funding pages.
Opportunities
Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize
Deadline: March 2nd
Brick Lane Bookshop are looking for original short fiction, between 1,000-3,500 words, from writers that have not been previously published. Entry to the competition is £10.00 per story. There are a limited amount of free spaces for writers on a low income, please email enquiries@bricklanebookshop.org to request one of these – they will be granted on a first come basis.
First Prize is £1,000, 2nd Prize is £500, and 3rd Prize is £250. The twelve shortlisted stories will feature in the Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2026 anthology. Prizes will also be awared to some of our shortlisted writers, selected by our prize partners.
More information here.
Desmond O’Grady International Poetry Competition
Deadline: March 7th
The Desmond O’Grady International Poetry Competition was inaugurated in 2012 by the late Barney Sheehan – poetry impresario of the White House Poetry Revival, in honour of the late Limerick poet Desmond O’Grady, who died in 2014.
The Limerick Writers’ Centre now runs the competition as part of April is Poetry Month in Limerick festival. The prize winner of this year’s competition will be announced during April 2026 and will be invited to give a reading of his/her work during the 2027 festival. First Prize 200.00 Euro, Runner-Up Prize 50.00 Euro.
More information here.
Mairtín Crawford Awards for Poetry and Short Story 2026
Deadline: March 11th
The Awards are aimed at writers working towards their first full collection of poetry, short stories, or a novel. Both published and unpublished writers are invited to submit between 3-5 poems for the poetry award, and a short story of up to 2,500 words for the short story award, with the only stipulation being that they have not yet published a full collection of poetry, short stories, or a novel.
The Winner of each Award will receive a £500 cash Prize. In addition, each Winner can take up time a ‘Time to Write’ package which includes a 3-night stay at a Hotel in Belfast, and 4 days of dedicated writing space in The Crescent. Two Runners Up for each Category will receive a £250 cash prize. Placed entrants will be announced at a special event during the Belfast Belfast Book Festival 2026.
More information here.
The London Magazine Poetry Prize 2026
Deadline: March 13th
Established to encourage emerging literary talent, the award provides an opportunity for publication and recognition. While there is no criteria as to theme, form or style, judges are looking for resonant and accomplished work. Poems must be previously unpublished and no longer than 40 lines. Submissions are open for international entries. All three prize winners will appear in a print issue of The London Magazine. Prize winners will also receive cash prizes, and will be celebrated at a prize-giving event in the summer.
More information here.
Profiles Journal Call for Submissions
Deadline: March 15th
Profiles Journal are now accepting submissions of fiction, non-fiction, and visual art for Issue 5.
More information here.
David Whyte Poet-in-Residence Award at Burren College of Art
Deadline: March 21st
Burren College of Art is pleased to announce that the Poet -in-Residence Award has been renewed in 2026, made possible through a generous donation by renowned poet, David Whyte. The award offers a four-week residency for a poet of official residency in Ireland, for the dates of August 31-September 25, 2026.
The aim of this award is to support a poet at any stage of their careers by giving them the time, space, and inspiration to develop their work in the unique environment of the Burren, and the creative community of the College. The recipient will have the opportunity to work alongside students and artists-in-residence, and will put on a reading to which the local community will be invited.
The award also provides accommodation in campus housing, which includes a private room in shared, self-catering housing. Additionally, the awardee will receive a 5000 Euro bursary.
More information here.
Fish Publishing Poetry Prize 2026
Deadline: March 31st
Fish Publishing has announced their Poetry Prize 2026! 60 line limit, judged by Billy Collins. Results will be announced May 15, 2026. Entry Fees: €16 / €11 subsequent entries. (Optional Critique €45)
Prizes: Top 10 poems will be published in the FISH ANTHOLOGY 2026, 1st prize: €1,000, 2nd: Fish Writing Course + €300, 3rd: €300.
More information here.
Wild Atlantic Writing Awards
Deadline: March 31st
‘Power,’ the theme of this year’s competition. Power itself comes in many shapes and forms. Some for good, some for evil, some in-between. Stories should be no more than 500 words and the word ‘power’ cannot be used in your story title or in the story itself. Winners in each category will receive 500 euro in cash, or 1,000 euro off any of our writing retreats in 2025 or 2026.
More information here.
Please get in touch with the team at info@irishwriterscentre.ie if your organisation/journal has a competition, submission, residency, bursary or funding opportunity for writers that you would like us to include in our monthly round-up blog post.
