Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition 2026 with Prizes of up to €2,000

The Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition invites writers and creative storytellers from around the world to submit original short stories in English and compete for prestigious cash prizes. Recognized as one of the leading international short story competitions, it offers a valuable platform for emerging and established authors to showcase their literary talent and gain international recognition.

The competition provides participants with the opportunity to reach a global audience and connect with the international literary community through one of Ireland’s most respected literary events.

Participation Requirements

• Maximum story length: 3,000 words.
• Stories may be written on any subject and in any literary style.
• Multiple entries are permitted.
• Stories may be submitted to other competitions simultaneously, provided the organizers are informed if the work is accepted for publication or wins another award.
• Entry fee: €19 per story submitted.

First Prize

• €2,000 cash prize.
• Invitation to read the winning story at the Cork International Short Story Festival.
• Four nights of hotel accommodation with full board for participants travelling from outside Cork.
• Publication of the winning story in Southword literary journal.

Second Prize

• €800 cash prize.
• Publication of the story in Southword literary journal.

Four Runners-Up

• €400 cash prize for each winner.
• Publication of the winning stories in Southword literary journal.

• Open to participants of all nationalities.
• Applicants may participate from anywhere in the world.
• Submitted stories must be original and must not have been previously published or broadcast.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Translated works are not eligible for submission.