Theme: Connection: Where Cobh Meets the World in Verse
This year’s competition is open to poets everywhere. Whether you are rooted in Cobh, scattered across the Irish diaspora, or writing from the other side of the world entirely, this theme invites you to explore the ties that bind us: to place, to people, to the sea that has carried so many stories in and out of this harbour.
Entry is free. All levels welcome.
How to Enter:
Submit up to two poems per poet
Maximum 40 lines per poem
Send your poems by email with a short third-person bio
All submissions will be anonymised before judging
Previously published poems are accepted, provided they are free to republish
Submission deadline: Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 5pm
Send entries to: cobhpoetrycomp@gmail.com
Full entry guidelines:
https://greatislandcreativearts.com/entry-guidelines-cobh-international-poetry-competition-2026/
Prizes
Adult category (18+)
Winner: €100
Youth category (12–18)
Winner: €50
Special gifts for runners-up in both categories.
Winning and highly commended poems will be published in The Great Islander journal.
Awards Ceremony
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Sirius Arts Centre, The Old Yacht Club
Cobh P24 EF67
Winners and highly commended poets will be celebrated at a public ceremony. All are welcome to attend.
About the Competition
Held annually by Great Island Creative Arts, the Cobh International Poetry Competition is built on three principles: creativity, fairness, and community. Judging is blind. Entry is free. Every voice is welcome.
Proudly supported by Great Island Creative Arts CLG.
Great Island Creative Arts 