Enter the Competition

• Entries must be submitted online via this website
• Submissions should be no larger than A3 size, preferably A4 size
• Max size of email files is 5mb
• Postal entries will not be accepted
• Framed entries will not be accepted
• Illustrated books/picture books will not be accepted

• Entries must be submitted online via this website
• Max size of email files is 5mb
• Irish language submissions will be accepted
• Maximum number of words for short stories is 3,500 words
• Short stories can be fiction or non-fiction
• Poetry can be rhyming or non-rhyming
• Maximum number of words for poems is 1,000 words
• Postal entries will not be accepted

Prizes are awarded across 3 categories: primary schools, secondary schools and adult (18+). Prizes for art and writing are the same.

An expert panel of judges made up of Trinity academics and well know writers, illustrators and public figures will judge entries. They will be looking for modern works inspired by the colours in the Book of Kells.

All winners and runners up along with their school or club (if applicable) will be invited to an awards reception in Trinity College Dublin in November 2020 to accept their prizes. Those who are recognised with a merit certificate will also be invited.

If you have a question about the competition, please contact us at BOKcompetition@tcd.ie with competition query in the subject line. If you are a journalist or working in the media and have a question about the competition, please contact us via email at BOKcompetition@tcd.ie If you would like more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at BOKcompetition@tcd.ie

1. The closing date for entries is 30th October 2020 at 12 noon. This date is final. If your entry is received after this date it will not be submitted to the judges.
2. One entry per person is accepted in each category i.e 1 entry for art and 1 for writing
3. All entries must be an original, unpublished piece by the person who enters the competition. Copies of other people’s work will not be accepted.
4. Entries will be accepted in English or Irish languages.
5. Once an entry has been submitted, no edits, replacements or exchanges will be accepted. Entries that are incomplete/illegible will not be valid and deemed void.
6. Entries will be judged on meeting the competition brief of modern and creative interpretations of colours in the Book of Kells.
7. A panel of expert judges will select the winners, runners up and merits in each category.
8. Winners will be notified by phone on or before the 30th November 2021
9. In the event of any dispute regarding the rules, conduct or the results of the competition the decision of the judging panel will be final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding that decision.
10. Prizes will only be awarded to the winner or a person elected by the winner.
11. Prizes are non-transferable and there are no alternatives to prizes.
12. Proof of identity and age may be required.
13. Trinity will not accept liability for loss or damage to any work submitted.
14. All entries together with the entrant’s details (name, age, school or town) may be used in the competition advertising, promotion or publicity in any media without additional compensation to prize winners. Winners are asked to refrain from arranging their own publicity or publication of winning entries
15. If, due to circumstances beyond its control, a prize becomes unavailable Trinity College Dublin reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value.
16. Use of a false name or address by a competition entrant will disqualify them from receiving any prize.
17. Prizes will be presented at the awards ceremony in November 2020
18. Unless otherwise stated, all taxes, insurance, fees and surcharges on any prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.
19. Any expenses incurred in travel to and from Trinity College Dublin for the awards ceremony will not be covered unless expressly stated otherwise.
20. Neither Trinity nor its agents accept any responsibility whatsoever for any death, injury or other damage, loss, expense or liability arising as a result of attending the award ceremony or taking a prize. Nor will Trinity have any liability or responsibility for any claim arising in connection with participation in the competition or any of the prizes rewarded.
21. Trinity reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition and/or vary competition rules at any time without prior notice.
22. Any person found to be in disregard of these rules will be disqualified automatically.
23. Participation in Trinity competitions denotes acceptance of these terms and conditions and any additional competition specific terms and conditions which may be advertised