Young Writers Competitions
Calling all young storytellers!
Do you love making up stories? Imagining amazing characters and adventures?
The Mullingar Literary Festival is inviting children to take part in our Young Writers Competition 2026. This is your chance to let your imagination shine and share your writing with others.
Write a short story based on the theme for your age group.
Maximum length: 500 words
Minimum length: As short as you like!
Your story can be funny, exciting, magical, mysterious; anything you imagine.
Competition Categories
Ages 4–8
(Age on June 5th 2026)
Theme: My Favourite Person
Who is the most special person in your life? It might be your mum, dad, granny, grandad, brother, sister, best friend… or someone who inspires you.
Tell us why they are your favourite in a story of 500 words or less.
Prize: €50 Voucher
Ages 9–12
(Age on June 5th 2026)
Theme: The New Kid
A new kid arrives at your school or in your neighbourhood. Who are they? Where do they come from? What happens next? Maybe they have a secret… maybe they change everything!
Tell us about them in 500 words or less.
Prize: €50 Voucher
How to Enter
Submitting your entry is easy!
Simply complete the online entry form and upload your story.
We can’t wait to read the amazing stories.
Good luck! Let your imagination run wild!
Meet the Judge
Dolores Keaveney
This year’s competition will be judged by Dolores Keaveney, an Irish children’s author and illustrator.
Dolores creates colourful and imaginative books that inspire young readers and writers. Her stories are filled with creativity, humour, and wonderful characters, and her illustrations bring those stories to life. She regularly works with children through school visits and creative events, encouraging young people to explore storytelling and the joy of reading.
You can learn more about Dolores and her books here:
👉 https://www.doloreskeaveney.com/dolores-keaveney-childrens-author-illustrator/
Important Dates
Closing Date:
June 5th 2026
Midnight (Irish Summer Time)
Winners Announced:
Saturday July 4th 2026
At the Mullingar Library during the Mullingar Literary Festival.
Competition Rules
- Entries must be in English.
- Entries must be the work of the entrant.
- Please include the child’s age (age on June 5th 2026) at the top of the entry.
- Copyright remains with the author.
- Entries cannot be returned.
- The decision of the judge is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- The closing date for entries is midnight (Irish Summer Time) on 5th June 2026. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
- Winners will be announced during the Mullingar Literary Festival on Saturday 4th July in the Library and subsequently by email.
- The results of the competition will be published on the Mullingar Literary Festival Website.
- Entries should be submitted via the entry form: For handwritten entries, please submit a clear photo or scan of the child’s work. If we can’t read it, we can’t judge it!
- NO AI entries will be accepted.
- No corrections will be accepted.
- Entries not complying with competition rules will be disqualified.
