41 writers selected for the Irish Writers Centre National Mentoring Programme 2026

41 Writers Selected for National Mentoring Programme 2026

Dublin UNESCO City of Literature is delighted to support the Irish Writers Centre’s National Mentoring Programme (NMP) 2026, which will see 41 writers from across the island awarded places following a highly competitive national callout.

Launched last December, the call attracted an exceptional 542 applications, marking a significant increase of more than 150 on previous years and underscoring the programme’s growing reputation as one of Ireland’s most impactful professional development opportunities for writers. Successful applicants will receive one-to-one mentoring from established writers over the course of 2026, supporting their creative practice and professional development at a pivotal stage in their careers.

Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers, with a mission to support the life of the writer at every stage. As one of the largest mentoring initiatives of its kind in the country, the National Mentoring Programme provides vital guidance, critical feedback and encouragement to both emerging and established writers working across genres.

Since 2017, the programme’s alumni have gone on to notable publishing success, including authors such as Amy Barry, Anne Walsh Donnelly, Geraldine Walsh, Molly Twomey, Sam Furlong, Simon Costello and Tom Roseingrave.

Reflecting on the value of the programme, mentor and 2025 NMP judge Alan McMonagle said:

“As a practitioner always on the lookout for writerly wisdom myself, it has been very fulfilling for me to meet new writers, to spend time with their eagerness and enthusiasm, and to be in a position, via the NMP, to offer something that may contribute to their burgeoning talent.”

Teri Donaghy, who was mentored by Jan Carson during the 2025 programme, also highlighted the transformative nature of the experience:

“The National Mentoring Programme was a wonderful, enriching experience. I gained so much insight into the process of how I write. The opportunity to incorporate constructive feedback, suggestions and comments was invaluable...”

The National Mentoring Programme is made possible through funding and support from a wide network of county councils, arts offices, libraries and cultural organisations, each ensuring that writers from their areas can participate. Dublin City Libraries & Dublin UNESCO City of Literature are proud to be among this year’s supporting bodies, alongside partners from Carlow, Cavan, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, and both the Arts Council of Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

We congratulate all 41 selected writers and look forward to seeing the work that emerges from the National Mentoring Programme 2026, strengthening Ireland’s vibrant literary landscape at local, national and international levels.

More information on the Irish Writers Centre National Mentoring Programme 2026.