The Irish Writers Centre New Writing Prize 2026, in association with The Stinging Fly, is open to beginner and emerging writers aged 18 and over who are resident on the island of Ireland (or view Ireland as their home). Applicants must not have previously published fiction in print or online with The Stinging Fly.
Writers may submit one previously unpublished short story of up to 3,000 words, plus a biographical statement of up to 150 words. Applications must include the applicant’s name, email address, postal address and phone number. There is no entry fee.
The winner will be announced in September 2026. The winning story will be published in the Winter 2026–27 issue of The Stinging Fly, and the writer will receive mentoring support worth €500 through the Irish Writers Centre.
Applications are via Submittable from 16 June to 30 June 2026 at 5pm. See full details at the link below.