PEN Heaney Prize
Launched in April 2024, the PEN Heaney Prize recognises outstanding poetry with a focus on social engagement.
The prize, delivered as a partnership between English PEN, Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann and the Estate of Seamus Heaney, recognises a single volume of poetry by one author, published in the UK or Ireland, of outstanding literary merit that engages with the impact of cultural or political events on human conditions or relationships. It is open to both original English language collections and those translated into English.
The PEN Heaney Prize 2026 will be judged by poets Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Vona Groarke and Stephen Sexton.
Submissions for collections published between 1 January and 30 June 2026 are now open until 31 May 2026. The second submissions window, for collections published between 1 July and 31 December 2026, will be open from 1–31 July 2026.
The PEN Heaney Prize is supported by Hawthornden Foundation and the Estate of Seamus Heaney.
How to submit to the PEN Heaney Prize 2026
Please read through the submissions criteria linked below.
To make a submission, please download and complete the Word form linked below and then upload it to the submission portal also linked below.
Please complete and submit a separate form for each title you are submitting.
If you have any questions regarding the Prize or the submissions process, please get in touch with [email protected].
