THE KENMARE SHORT STORY PRIZE

SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2026

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Submissions Terms & Conditions

Submissions open 9 February 2026

Our 2026 short story competition invites submissions of original short fiction from writers interested in exploring lived experience, memory, identity, resilience, community, loss, joy, displacement, and belonging. We welcome stories grounded in authentic voice and perspective.

Important Dates

• Submissions open: 9 February 2026

• Deadline: 30 May 2026

• Shortlist announcement: June 2026

• Anthology launch and readings: August 2026 at the Kenmare Arts Festival

Eligibility

• Open to all writers aged 18 and older

• Based in Ireland or abroad

Story Requirements

• Length: 500–2,000 words

• Genre: Short fiction (including memoir-inflected or autobiographical fiction)

• Must be original, unpublished, and written solely by the entrant

• No AI-generated writing allowed

• Optional: you may include one related photograph, drawing, or memento image for context (not judged)

Language & Format

• English-language only (translations permitted if supplied with the original)

• Submit as a Microsoft Word file (.doc or .docx)

• 12-point serif font, double-spaced, numbered pages

• Do not include your name on the manuscript

How to Submit

1. Email

Send your entry to: millcovegallery@gmail.com

2. Post or hand delivery

• Print your manuscript without your name

• Include your personal details separately on the official entry form (anonymous submissions accepted)

• Send to:

Out of the Quiet – Short Story Submission
Mill Cove Gallery
21 Main Street
Kenmare, Co. Kerry
V93 X4DX

Judging

• All submissions judged anonymously

• Writers will be notified by email or text

• Shortlisted and winning authors will be announced on the Kenmare Arts Festival website

Publication & Readings

• A shortlist of stories will be published in the Out of the Quiet anthology

• Winning and commended writers will be invited to read at a public Festival event

• Submission grants permission for public readings, launch events, and limited online sharing to promote the anthology

Copyright

• Copyright remains with the author

• By submitting, entrants grant a non-exclusive licence to Mill Cove Gallery to publish and publicly present the work in connection with the competition and anthology

Data Protection

• Personal information (name, address, email, phone) will be used only for competition administration and publication communication

• Data will be retained only for the duration of the competition and production period

General Notes

• Entries will not be returned — please keep a copy

• Editors may make minor copy-editing changes

• Organisers reserve the right not to award publication if entries do not meet the required standard

We look forward to reading your work.

Enquiries: millcovegallery@gmail.com