Irish Writers Centre Opens Applications for National Mentoring Programme 2026.
Fingal County Council Arts Office in partnership with the Irish Writers Centre announces the return of the National Mentoring Programme 2026. This Island-wide initiative pairs emerging writers with leading Irish authors.
Now entering its ninth year, the programme has played a transformative role in the development of many emerging voices. Past participants include acclaimed authors such as Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Fíona Scarlett, Will Keohane and Victoria Kennefick, among many others whose work reflects the rich diversity of contemporary Irish writing
Fingal County Council Arts office will have four places available for writers of fiction, creative non-fiction, Children’s/young adult fiction and poetry. To be eligible to apply you must be from, resided or have studied in Fingal.
Applications for the Irish Writers Centre’s acclaimed National Mentoring Programme (NMP) open on Monday, 1 December at 7am and close on 31 December at 7pm. This highly regarded scheme offers writers across the island of Ireland the opportunity to receive sustained creative and professional support from an established Irish writer of their choosing.
Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O’Neill commented: “The National Mentoring programme provides a unique opportunity for emerging and established writers to develop their work, with a well-established mentor providing significant guidance.”
Mags McLaughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, added: “We are tremendously proud of the difference the National Mentoring Programme has made to the writing careers of participants. Those who have taken part have grown in confidence, found sounding boards for their ideas, and honed their craft under expert guidance. We are excited to see this year’s applications and to help foster meaningful creative partnerships between mentees and mentors.”
Selected mentees for the 2026 cycle will be announced in March 2026. This initiative is supported by Fingal County Council. The application deadline is 31st December at 7:00pm, to apply please see here
For further information please see: