The presentation ceremony rotates between Belfast, Dublin and London.
The presenter is usually a person whose own public or artistic achievement has contributed to the ideals and objectives of the Prize.
In the past such presenters have included:
- Seamus Heaney and Michael Longley, poets
- Colm Toibin and Glenn Patterson, novelists
- Lord Patten and Glenys Kinnock, politicians
- Fiona Shaw, actor
- Grey Gowrie, politician and poet
- Edna Longley, literary critic.
Some of their speeches given when presenting the Prize:
2022 – 2023, 2011 – 2012, 2005 – 2006, 2001 – 2002, 1991 – 1992 and 1983.
The presentation ceremony is followed by a dinner for the prizewinner, judges and presenter.