June Fest National Short Story Competition

The competition has now closed for entries and we received an amazing level of interest with nearly 180 short stories being submitted. A shortlist of ten entrants will be notified by May 8th, 2026.

Award Ceremony

The ten shortlisted writers will be asked to attend the June Fest Literary event in the Riverbank, Newbridge on Sunday June 7th, 2026. The winner and runner-up will be announced at this evening event (see June Fest programme for details) and they will be invited to read an extract from the winning story.

 2026 Judge

John MacKenna - John is the author of twenty-six books—novels, short-stories, memoir, biography and poetry. He has also written a number of stage and radio plays and is a frequent contributor to RTE Radio 1. He is a winner of the Hennessy New Writing Award, the Irish Times Fiction Award and the Cecil Day Lewis Literary Award; his novel The Space Between Us was shortlisted for the Kerry Book of the Year Award. He was recently nominated for the position of Irish Fiction Laureate. His latest book, The Lock-Keeper’s Wife, published by Lilliput Press, was launched in February 2026.

Prizes

1st Prize

One week’s fully-catered week in residence at  Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig for the winning writer only (worth €490) - this does not include any travel costs.

2nd Prize

A workshop of your choice at the Kildare Writing Centre.