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.

The PEN Heaney Prize is open to original English language collections and those translated into English.

The inaugural prize was judged by poets Nick Laird, Paula Meehan and Shazea Quraishi. The three judges will be joined by Catherine Heaney, representing the Estate of Seamus Heaney, who will act as non-voting Chair of the judging panel.

The PEN Heaney Prize 2025 is judged by poets Sasha Dugdale, Seán Hewitt and Zaffar Kunial.

Submissions are now closed.

The PEN Heaney Prize is supported by Hawthornden Foundation.