It is awarded annually to unpublished pieces of prose or poetry (max 4,000 words) which best combine exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writers’ relationship with the natural world. This year's judge is Mark Cocker.

The prize is open to anyone over the age of sixteen, as long as the work is original and previously unpublished.

The Prizes

1st prize €1,000 and a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland
2nd prize €500
3rd prize €250
The winning entries will appear in the Irish Times online.

The entry fee is €15 per entry (a single poem or piece of prose).

Find out more here

Deadline: 30 September 2025