---
title: The Moth Short Story Prize 2026
description: "International short story prize (16+), €3,000 first prize + Irish Times publication. Judge: Wendy Erskine. Deadline June 15, 2026."
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/d7d3bc91-5921-4833-87f1-633ed4a4a9a9
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-04-27"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Prize/award
organization: The Moth Magazine
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/the-moth-magazine
deadline: "2026-06-15"
entryFee: 17 EUR
location: Dublin, Ireland
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 1st prize €3,000, 2nd prize €1,000, 3rd prize a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland
disciplines:
  - writing
---

# The Moth Short Story Prize 2026

**Hosted by:** The Moth Magazine

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Dublin, Ireland | **Deadline:** June 15, 2026 | **Entry fee:** €17

## About This Program

Short story competition open to anyone over 16 with a previously unpublished story. Word limit is 3,000 words with an entry fee of €17 per story. 1st prize €3,000, 2nd prize €1,000, 3rd prize a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland. This year's judge is Wendy Erskine. Winning story published as part of the summer fiction series in the Irish Times; 2nd and 3rd-prize-winning stories published in the Irish Times online.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** writing
- **Age Requirements:** 16+ years old
- **Note:** Open to anyone over 16. Stories must be previously unpublished.

## Compensation & Benefits

1st prize €3,000, 2nd prize €1,000, 3rd prize a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland

**Includes:** Prize

1st prize €3,000 + publication in Irish Times summer fiction series. 2nd prize €1,000 + publication in Irish Times online. 3rd prize: one week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland + publication in Irish Times online.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** April 27, 2026
- **Deadline:** June 15, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Rebecca O Connor

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://themothmagazine.com/