Learning for all as Cork Unveiled Packed Programme for 21st Lifelong Learning Festival
30/03/2026
The programme for Cork’s 21st Lifelong Learning Festival has been launched, with over 370 individual events set to take place across the week-long event.
From painting to pottery, and yoga to creative writing, the events will run from Wednesday April 22 to Wednesday April 29.
They are free to attend and open to all and provide an opportunity to members of the public, regardless of age, interest, or abilities, to learn something new through workshops, demonstrations, classes, lectures, walks and talks.
The Festival is the flagship of the Cork UNESCO Learning City initiative - the only city in the world to win the UNESCO Learning City of the year award twice.
Festival Chair Willie McAuliffe said: “Cork is recognised globally as an exceptional example of a UNESCO Learning City and the Cork Lifelong Learning festival is the foundation for this.
“We are simply thrilled that over 370 events are scheduled to take place again this year.
“There is a real appetite in Cork for learning and we owe a debt of gratitude to our event hosts who annually join us in celebrating Lifelong Learning the way Cork does best.”
All events are hosted by volunteers, be they individuals, community organisations, private businesses, universities, schools or colleges.
The free printed festival programme is now available in Cork City libraries, from host venues, and an online version is available at www.corklearningfestival.ie
The success of this annual Festival is thanks to the support of partners including Cork Education and Training Board, Cork City Council, MTU, UCC, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, NAPD, Cork Chamber, First South Credit Union, The River Lee Hotel, Blacknight and The Echo.