---
title: The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2026
description: International poetry prize for poems written for children aged 7-11. €1,000 first prize plus a week-long retreat in Ireland.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/16e6e269-7b05-4be9-916a-e3e68a0ea26d
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-03-30"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Prize/award
organization: The Caterpillar
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/the-caterpillar
deadline: "2026-04-01"
location: Dublin, Ireland
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland; 2nd prize €500; 3rd prize €250. Winning poems published in the Irish Times online.
disciplines:
  - writing
  - poetry
---

# The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2026

**Hosted by:** The Caterpillar

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Dublin, Ireland | **Deadline:** April 1, 2026

## About This Program

The prize is for unpublished poems written by adults for children aged 7–11. Entrants are welcome from anywhere in the world. 1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland; 2nd prize of €500; 3rd prize of €250. The winning poems are published in the Irish Times online.

'I have won a number of international poetry competitions with my poems for adults, but I can honestly say this tops them all.' Carole Bromley

'Winning the Caterpillar Poetry Prize is an absolute dream come true!!' Laura Theis

'Winning The Caterpillar Poetry Prize brought me a book publishing deal and many wonderful opportunities thereafter. Thank you with all my heart.' Louise Greig

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** writing, poetry
- **Note:** Open to adults worldwide. Poems must be written for children aged 7–11 and must be previously unpublished.

### Additional Requirements

Unpublished poems written by adults for children aged 7–11.

## Compensation & Benefits

1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland; 2nd prize €500; 3rd prize €250. Winning poems published in the Irish Times online.

**Includes:** Prize

1st prize: €1,000 cash plus a week's residency at The Moth Retreat in Ireland. 2nd prize: €500. 3rd prize: €250. Winning poems published in the Irish Times online.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** March 30, 2026
- **Deadline:** April 1, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Rebecca O Connor

## How to Apply