Curtain Comes Down on 21st Lifelong Learning Festival
05/05/2026
The curtain has come down on the 21st Lifelong Learning Festival, marking the end of another vibrant and inspiring celebration of education and curiosity in Cork city.
Cork is the only city in the world to have won the UNESCO Learning City Award twice, underlining its commitment to policies and programmes that empower citizens of all ages through learning programmes.
The motto of this year’s festival was ‘Investigate, Participate, Celebrate’, and communities, institutions, and people came together during the festival to embrace the spirit of learning at every stage of life, reaffirming the power of knowledge as a lifelong journey rather than a destination.
Almost 370 separate events were staged across the city - from hands-on workshops to thought-provoking talks.
Participants explored everything from flower arranging to digital literacy, from sustainable innovation to creative arts and community history.
There was something for everyone, regardless of age, background, or level of experience.
It was a powerful reminder that learning is not confined to formal classrooms but thrives in everyday life.
The success of this year’s festival will continue to motivate the organisers as they begin planning for next year’s festival.