Cairde Sligo Arts Festival (CSAF) is a multidisciplinary arts festival taking place in Sligo each July. Now in its 14th year, CSAF brings together artists, audiences and communities for a unique celebration of the arts in Ireland’s Northwest against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way.

CSAF is delighted to announce Cairde Word - its inaugural short story competition - and welcomes submissions from March 1st to April 30th. The introduction of the short story competition is a very welcome addition to the growing literary strand of the arts festival programme. 

The short stories will be judged by Sinéad Gleeson and Louise Kennedy.

1st prize: €2,000 sponsored by Callan Tansey Solicitors

2nd prize: 1 x Three night stay at The River Mill Writer’s Retreat in Co. Down.

3rd prize: €200 voucher from Liber Books.

The long list will be announced on June 9th, followed by the shortlist on June 23rd. The winners will be informed privately by email, and formally announced during the festival on Saturday July 10th.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

● You must be over the age of 18 to enter.

● You can enter multiple times - each entry costs €10*

● Entries will be accepted from March 1st to April 30th.

● Entries must be no longer than 3000 words.

● International entries are welcome.

● Please make sure your entry is in .docx or .pdf format.

● Work cannot be previously published anywhere - online or in print.

● Simultaneous entries are accepted; however, you must notify us if your story wins another competition. Your entry will be withdrawn and your entry fee will not be refunded.

● All entries must be in English.

● Entries must be written in double spaced 12pt Times New Roman or Arial.

● Once an entry has been submitted, it can not be corrected.

● All entries must be submitted through the submittable link on the festival website.

*A limited number of free entries are permitted if the €10 entry fee presents a barrier. Please contact the festival if this is the case.