Munster Literature Centre
International short story competition open to writers worldwide, with prizes up to €2,000 and publication in Southword literary journal.
The Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition is one of Ireland's most prestigious short story prizes, open to writers of any nationality anywhere in the world. Named after one of Ireland's most celebrated story writers and theorists, the competition welcomes original, unpublished, and unbroadcast short stories in English of up to 3,000 words — on any subject, in any style.
Entries are accepted from 1 May to 31 July each year. The entry fee is €19 per story, and writers may submit more than one entry. Translated work is not eligible, and previous first prize winners may not re-enter.
Prizes:
The competition is judged anonymously. Submissions are made by email, with the story and cover letter as separate attachments (Word, RTF, or ODT formats only — no PDFs or Google Drive links). Your name must not appear anywhere on the manuscript itself.
The cover letter should include your name, story title, email address, PayPal account email (if different), phone number, postal address, PayPal transaction ID or receipt, how you heard about the competition, and an optional brief bio.
Payment is made via PayPal only (a button is available on the competition page during the submission period). Postal entries are also accepted — see the website for postal submission details and accepted payment methods.
A shortlist is posted on the Munster Literature Centre website by late September or early October, with winners and runners-up notified before the public announcement. Individual feedback is not provided due to the high volume of entries.
All proceeds from the competition support writers and writing through the Munster Literature Centre, a not-for-profit organisation.
