Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition 2026

The Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition, hosted by the Munster Literature Centre in Cork, Ireland, invites writers from around the world to submit a single original, unpublished, and unbroadcast poem in English. Each poem must be 40 lines or fewer and can cover any subject or style. The competition runs annually from 1 September to 30 November, with entries accepted via email or postal mail. The entry fee is €7 per poem, or €30 for a batch of five poems. Winners are judged anonymously by a panel of international poets, with the 1st prize winner receiving a featured reading at the Cork International Poetry Festival, a four‑night hotel stay (if living outside Cork) and full board, and a feature on the Southword Poetry Podcast. 2nd and 3rd prizes, as well as ten runners‑up, are also awarded. The competition is open to all writers regardless of nationality or residency, and offers a unique opportunity to have one’s work showcased in a prominent Irish literary festival and podcast.

hotel stay, full board, reading, podcast feature

Open to all writers worldwide; poems must be original, unpublished, unbroadcast, in English, ≤40 lines, any subject or style.