The Inaugural

WISE Writers' Intercollegiate Showcase Event

11th April 2026 · University of Galway

Flash fiction & poetry from writers' societies across Ireland. One stage. One day. Many voices.

What is WISE?

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 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.

The Schedule

2:00 PM

Doors Open

Registration, socialising, and settling in.

2:30 PM

Opening Remarks

Welcome address and judge introductions.

2:45 PM

Selected Readings Begin

Flash fiction & poetry readings in blocks, with breaks.

5:30 PM

Judge Deliberation

Judges review the finalists.

5:30 PM

Quiz & Games

Fun activities for everyone while judges deliberate.

6:00 PM

Awards Ceremony

Winners announced and prizes awarded.

6:15 PM

Reception & Social

Celebrate, connect, and wind down together.

The Judges

Dave Lordan

Poet, Fiction Writer & Creative Writing Teacher

Confirmed

Dave Lordan is an acclaimed Irish poet, fiction writer, and creative writing facilitator. His work spans poetry, short fiction, spoken word, and arts education. He is the author of several collections and a passionate advocate for creative writing in communities and universities across Ireland.

More Judges TBA

Stay tuned for additional judge announcements

We're in talks with several more exciting judges from the Irish literary scene. Watch this space!

Participating Universities

We're inviting writers' societies from across Ireland to take part.

Trinity College Dublin Literary Society

University College Dublin English & Literary Society

Dublin City University Creative Writing Society

Maynooth University Publication & Literary Society

University of Limerick UL Literary Society

University College Cork UCC Literature Society

TU Shannon Poetry Society

MTU Writers Society

SETU Literature Society

TU Dublin Creative Writing Society

Submit Your Work

Open to all university writing society members in Ireland.

Attend WISE

Free Writers' Soc Members

€5 Non-members

Ticket sales opening soon. Join Writers' Soc for free entry!