Following the successful launch of Issue 2 in November 2024, Ragaire Literary Magazine is now open and accepting submissions of short stories, nonfiction, poetry and cover art for consideration for Issue 3. The submission window will remain open until February 3^rd, 2025, or until the maximum number of submissions for consideration has been met.

Ragaire is a Galway based literary magazine edited by Cormac Culkeen, Aileen McCarthy and Lucy Bleeker that champions emerging west of Ireland writers, as well as other Irish and international writers who offer fresh perspectives and different approaches to telling a story.

Issue 1 was recently reviewed by Kevin Power, for The Irish Times. He praised the magazine, describing Even Keel, a poem by Helen Campbell as “striking work” and Tepid, a short story by Phoebe Santow as “the good stuff.”

Submissions of up to 3 poems (max. 40 lines), short stories (1,000 to 3,000 words) and creative nonfiction (1,000 to 3,000 words) will be considered. All work must be unpublished and the author’s own work. The Ragaire editors read all submissions blind to the author. A piece submitted by a talented emerging writer who is looking for their first publishing opportunity will be given the same attention as a more established author. Ragaire are also looking for artists to submit visual art in any medium for the cover of Issue 3. Aileen McCarthy outlines Ragaire’s ethos: “Ragaire is about highlighting and embracing diverse voices and fresh perspectives. We’re excited to see how our contributors will shape this issue. Through poetry, fiction, or essays, we’re looking for thought provoking pieces that offer new ways of seeing the world.”

Cormac Culkeen believes that Ragaire is getting better and better: “I’m very excited about where we’re going. Issue 1 and 2 were of an exceptionally high quality, with moments of disquiet, revelation and capturing all those small, best moments that make life such a surprising thing. The response to Ragaire has been brilliant. We’re looking to pull out all the stops for Issue 3, and to make it the best yet.”

Ragaire would also like to welcome Lucy Bleeker to the Ragaire editorial team. Lucy is a brilliant emerging writer and playwright with a searching eye for a well told story.  Like Cormac Culkeen and Aileen McCarthy, she’s looking forward to making Issue 3 the best edition of Ragaire to date: “Ragaire is a forward thinking space for compelling new writing. We are looking for the pieces that stir us viscerally. As a new editor to Ragaire, I’m excited to read fresh works from contributors.”

All guidelines and submission links can be accessed via the website. To see exactly what Ragaire like to publish, Issue 1 and 2 are available to purchase on the website www.ragairemagazine.com or in independent bookshops such as Charlie Byrne’s and Bell Book and Candle in Galway, or Raven Books and The Winding Stairs in Dublin.

Ragaire Literary Magazine is proudly supported by The Galway City Arts Office, The Galway County Arts Office and Poetry Ireland.

Keep an eye out for updates on www.ragairemagazine.com.