The Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival is now accepting submissions for its annual non-fiction competition.
The festival anticipates a strong response, building upon the significant growth the competition has experienced each year. Writers from across Ireland are encouraged to participate.
According to Cathedral Quarter spokesperson, Donnan Harvey: “It might be a cliché, but from little acorns grow big oak trees, and Letterkenny’s Literary Festival is now really taking off from what were very modest beginnings. It’s something we are very proud of.“
“As regular festival goers will know, we in Donegal have many connections with great literary figures, from Jane Austen to Brendan Behan, and other famous writers. And of course we have massive connections with our own home grown talent: Brian Friel, Patrick MacGill, William Allingham.”
“But what we want to do is provide a forum for current Irish writers to have their work brought to a wider audience. We know there is a lot of talent out there and we want to foster it and develop it. Who knows…maybe there is another Jane Austen, Brian Friel or Brendan Behan out there!”
Donnan Harvey also announced that five shortlisted writers will be invited to read their pieces at the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival, taking place from October 16th – 19th. The winner will be revealed at the festival.
The judging panel will be headed by Denise Blake, a celebrated poet, writer, and creative writing facilitator, and a regular contributor to RTE Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany. Her work features in seven Sunday Miscellany anthologies.
The Cathedral Quarter extends its gratitude to Brennans Pharmacy Letterkenny and Donegal ETB, the sponsors of the main prizes, without whom the Festival would not be possible.
The first-place winner will receive €150, and the runner-up will be awarded €100.
The organisers also express their appreciation to the sponsors of the highly commended awards: Universal Books, Himalayan Café, and Peter Mark Hairdressing Letterkenny.
The deadline for submissions is 29th August 2025. Results will be announced by the end of September.
Please adhere to the following guidelines when preparing your submission:
- Submissions must be original, unpublished works by the author. This includes print, online, and broadcast mediums. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but please notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.
- Non-fiction entries can explore any topic, including memoirs, travelogues, nature writing, historical or literary analysis, reflections on past or present events, personal experiences, or other themes.
- Entry is free. Entrants must be over 18 and reside on the island of Ireland. Submissions can be in English or Irish, with a translation if written in Irish.
- Each entrant may submit one entry. The maximum word count is 400 words, excluding the title. Entries must be typed in a clear 12pt font and double-spaced.
- Do not include your name on the submitted work. Instead, provide your name, county, and telephone number in the body of the email.
- Five shortlisted entrants will be required to read their pieces at the Prize Winners’ Evening in October 2025. Please take this into consideration before entering.
- Copyright remains with the author.
- Submission implies acceptance of these rules. The judge’s decision is final.
- Submit your entry as a Word document to lkcqfest@gmail.com by the deadline of 29th August 2025.
Letterkenny Literary Festival non-fiction writing contest open for submissions was last modified: June 22nd, 2025 by
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