This residency will take place near Glengariff, West Cork, from Monday 25th January 2027 until Saturday 30th January 2027. The opportunity is for emerging writers of fiction and non-fiction aged 21 and over living in Ireland and the UK.
There are three places in West Cork (two available in the cottage and one in the detached out building).
*Before applying please read the detailed description of the property in West Cork below*
ALL APPLICANTS
There is a £20 fee which entitles all applicants to three professional development sessions.
- A 40 min zoom on resilience with Kit de Waal and Paul McVeigh.
- Writers’ and Artists’ session on ROUTES TO PUBLICATION. In this session James Rennoldson and Finn Brown, members of the team behind http://www.writersandartists.co.uk, will discuss the different routes to publication, spanning self-publishing, indie publishing and traditional publishing.
- A 30 min zoom on reading your work live with actor Tony Flynn.
All applicants will also get 30% discount on a copy of Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook.
THE RESIDENCY WINNERS
Pre Care:
The three writers will have an online session author, Sarah Butler, to discuss how to make the most of the residency.
Travel to and from Residency:
Standard class travel provided.
WELCOME:
Anna Burtt and Paul McVeigh will greet the three winners to settle them into their accommodation and answer any questions. There will be a welcome dinner and drinks.
ON RESIDENCY:
During the residency the winners will get one-hour group zoom sessions with Claire Adam, Wendy Erskine, Lisa Harding and Danielle McLaughlin.
The winners will be taken on a trip to the beautiful harbour town of Bantry to visit Bantry Bookshop where they will get one-on-one reading recommendations, receive €50 book tokens to spend in-shop and a special gift from the shop.
FOOD: Breakfast and lunch is provided family style. On the first night dinner will be provided for you, the other nights the winners will cook for each other.
Meal ingredients, basic coffee/tea/milk provided.
*Alcohol, food outside of meals, special food items must be covered by the individual*
AFTERCARE:
1. Author Ferdia Lennon will talk to the winners about his experience with finding an agent, a publisher and sending how his debut novel became a phenomenon.
2. Anna Burtt will give each writer a half-hour publishing consultancy by zoom.
3. All three residency winners will also receive a copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook.
4. The winners will get membership for Writing.ie – a platform for the writing community filled with advice and resources.
Entry Eligibility & How to apply
1. Apply attaching a 1000 word extract of your prose – fiction and non-fiction accepted – a short bio outlining your publication history, and proof of payment.
*We are not looking for poetry at this time, thank you.
2. You must be available on the full dates of the residency – no changes possible.
3. Applicants must be 21 or over at time of residency.
4. Please put in your subject heading UK, or Ireland (if on the island of Ireland).
5. You can have had some short works published but not a solo book. (Poetry pamphlet/collections and self-published excepted)
6. Deadline: 30th September 2026. Shortlist announced October 30th. Winners announced November 30th.
7. Judges are Paul McVeigh and three previous residency winners Patrick Holloway, Teneya Steed and Hilary A. White.
8. Anyone currently resident in Ireland/UK can apply regardless of nationality. Anyone from Ireland/UK living abroad can apply but they are responsible for their own travel to/from Ireland/UK from where we will cover travel to the residency.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The two bedrooms in the cottage are in its converted attic. Three important things to consider; firstly, the short staircase to the attic is very sturdy but steep. Bring socks and/or slippers with good grip.
Secondly, the bedrooms are adjoining so be aware if you have privacy concerns.
Thirdly, there is only one toilet/shower for you both to share and it is downstairs.
If the stairs are off-putting, the ground floor has a daybed that extends into a double. The out building is single floored but there is a grass incline to access it.
You are in the countryside in the middle of national park with beautiful scenery, outdoor swimming and walks. The nearest village is Glengariff, a 10-15 min drive, and not walkable. I will be staying nearby and will have a car for excursions etc.
Refunds cannot be given. Please be sure before applying.
Paul McVeigh 