WISE
Writers' Intercollegiate Showcase EventFlash fiction, poetry & workshops from writers' societies across Ireland. One stage. One day. Many voices.
23rd January 2027 · University of Galway
What is 
?
WISE is Ireland's first intercollegiate creative writing showcase — a day-long festival bringing together writers' societies from universities across the country.
Student writers submit flash fiction and poetry around a chosen theme. Selected pieces are read live on stage, with finalists performing for a panel of judges. There'll also be workshops, an audience award, a quiz, a raffle, and plenty of time to connect with fellow writers.
Whether you're submitting, volunteering, or just coming along for the craic — WISE is for you.
Who Can Attend
WISE is open to students from any college or university across the country. Whether you're part of a writers' society or simply passionate about creative writing, you're welcome to join us.
2027
A line is drawn so someone will cross it. Write the crossing — the door you weren't meant to open, the land that wasn't yours, the rule that didn't survive you. Trespass is this year's theme, in flash fiction and in poetry.
Key Dates
The Day
Arrivals & Link-Up
Meet up, register, and get settled in.
Workshops & Fun Events
Creative workshops and activities to kick things off.
Lunch & Conversations
Grab some food and chat with fellow writers.
Shortlisted Readings
Shortlisted authors read their pieces aloud.
Judges Deliberate
The judges make their decisions while everyone enjoys some activities.
Awards Ceremony
Winners announced and prizes awarded.
Dinner & Social Night
Celebrate together over dinner and drinks.
The Judges
Dave Lordan
Poet, Fiction Writer & Creative Writing Teacher
ConfirmedDave Lordan is an acclaimed Irish poet, fiction writer, and creative writing facilitator. His debut collection The Boy in the Ring won the Patrick Kavanagh Award and the Shine/Strong Award, making him the first writer to win Ireland's three major prizes for young poets. His most recent collection, Back to Normal (2022), was co-written with fellow judge Karl Parkinson.
Karl Parkinson
Poet & Fiction Writer
ConfirmedKarl Parkinson is a Dublin-born writer whose work draws on working-class life, mythology, and the urban experience. His debut novel The Blocks (New Binary Press, 2016) won widespread acclaim, and his most recent collection, Back to Normal (2022), was co-written with fellow judge Dave Lordan.
Dave Rudden
Author & Creative Writing Teacher
ConfirmedDave Rudden is an award-winning Irish author and creative writing teacher. His debut novel Knights of the Borrowed Dark won the 2016 Irish Book Award for Best Senior Children's Novel. He is also the author of the Doctor Who collections Twelve Angels Weeping and The Wintertime Paradox.
The Prizes
Prizes TBA. Details will be announced ahead of the submission deadline.
Submit Your Work
Open to students at any college or university in Ireland. Flash fiction up to 1,000 words or poetry up to 40 lines, on the theme. Read the full guidelines before submitting.
Submissions Opening Soon
Submissions open on 5 October 2026 and close on 23 November 2026. Come back then to submit your work!
Submission Received!
Thank you for submitting to WISE! We've sent a confirmation to your email — check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it.
Still nothing? Drop us a line at writers@socs.universityofgalway.ie and we'll sort it out.
Attend
Entry is free for all students, with workshops, an open-mic, the finalist showcases, and the awards — followed by a night in Galway you'll be glad you travelled for. Places are limited and registration opens alongside the finalist announcement in December.
Questions? Reach us at writers@socs.universityofgalway.ie
Sponsors
Interested in supporting Ireland's first national student writing festival? Get in touch at writers@socs.universityofgalway.ie