Irish Writers Centre John Hewitt International Summer School Bursary 2026

The 39th John Hewitt International Summer School returns to Armagh from July 27th and 31st. We are pleased to announce the first Irish Writers Centre Bursary, which will enable one Irish Writers Centre member to attend the summer school. The bursary includes full accommodation as well as access to all events during the week.

In keeping with the Irish Writers Centre’s 2022-2026 Strategy, this scheme seeks to create new opportunities, grant access and develop networks that connect writers to each other. This programme directly correlates with the objectives of Strategy Goal 2, which is to enhance opportunities for people across all communities to explore and participate in creative writing, as well as Strategy Goal 3, which is to cultivate an engaged community of writers and strategic alliances that support our ambitions. support writers to advance their craft and career with confidence and resilience.

About the John Hewitt International Summer School Bursary

The festival includes various  panel discussions, interviews with established authors, creative writing courses, the opportunity to read your work at our Creative Writing Showcase at Market Place Theatre or Abbey Lane Theatre, and networking with other attendees.

A full Irish Writers Centre sponsored bursary award includes:

– Bed & Breakfast for five nights in a single room, either in a hotel or the student accommodation, both walking distance to the venue.
– Free tickets to all programmed events each day, unless otherwise specified.
– A free creative writing workshop of your choice, which includes 6 hours of tuition over 3 days.
– An invitation to all festival receptions.
– Morning break refreshments Tuesday – Friday.

Who is it for?

• Writers aged 18+
• Writers resident on the island of Ireland
• Writers who are a current member of the Irish Writers Centre

We encourage writers from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented in Irish literature to apply. We particularly invite applications from people who are D/deaf, disabled, LGBTQIA+, Minority Ethnic, Black & Persons of Colour, Roma, a member of the Travelling Community, and from working class backgrounds.

Applicants must be available to stay in Armagh for the full five nights, and attend a minimum of 70% of the events in the five-day programme.

How to Apply

Please apply via this Google form.

Applications will close at 5pm on Wednesday 10^th June.

We will not accept late applications.

Applications will be reviewed by the Irish Writers Centre team for eligibility and expression of intent. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give feedback on individual applications.

For any enquires about the JHISS bursary, please contact projects@irishwriterscentre.ie