About the Awards
The Mairtín Crawford Awards are aimed at writers working towards their first full collection of poetry, short stories, or a novel. Both published and unpublished writers are invited to submit between 3-5 poems for the poetry award, and a short story of up to 2,500 words for the short story award, with the only stipulation being that they have not yet published a full collection of poetry, short stories, or a novel.
The Winner of each Award will receive a £500 cash Prize. In addition, each Winner can take up time a ‘Time to Write’ package which includes a 3-night stay at a Hotel in Belfast, and 4 days of dedicated writing space in The Crescent. Two Runners Up for each Category will receive a £250 cash prize.
There are also 4 workshops running as part of the Awards.
Thanks to the supporters of the 2026 Awards: Hastings Hotels and No Alibis Bookshop.
The closing date for submitting your work is: 12pm (midday UK time) on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
To apply
For more information about the awards, the workshops and how to apply, see the link below.
Submissions closing date: 12pm (midday UK time) on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
