Der „Moth Nature Writing Prize“ 2026

The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2026 is an international literary competition organized by The Moth Magazine Ltd., based in Ireland. It invites writers over the age of 16 to submit a single piece of original, unpublished prose (up to 4,000 words) or a single poem in English that explores the writer’s relationship with the natural world. Entries are judged anonymously by a single expert judge; this year the judge is Sean Borodale. The competition offers three cash prizes – €1,000 for first place (plus a week‑long stay at The Moth Retreat in Belturbet, Co. Cavan), €500 for second place, and €250 for third place – and the winning pieces are published online in the Irish Times. An entry fee of €16 per piece applies. Submissions can be made online or by post using the provided entry form. The deadline for entries is 30 September 2026, with winners announced in December. The prize aims to encourage and celebrate the art of nature writing, providing both financial support and a unique retreat experience for the winner.

Prize money, week‑long retreat at The Moth Retreat, publication in The Irish Times online

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 16.