About the Initiative

UCC has provided education outreach programmes to Cork and the greater Munster area since 1946, marking a 72 year tradition of community engagement. 

Today Adult Continuing Education (ACE) is a key driver of Cork’s designation as a UNESCO Learning City, one of only 3 cities in Europe and one of 12 cities worldwide. Cork is recognised as a centre of excellence and commitment to lifelong learning. Its Learning Neighbourhoods Programme aims to develop a culture of lifelong learning across the Ballyphehane, Knocknaheeny, Mayfield and Togher communities of Cork City. ACE delivers these initiatives in partnership with regional local authorities and agencies Cork City Council and Cork Education and Training Board (ETB).

 The Skellig Centre for Research & Innovation is an outreach university campus for higher education, research and entrepreneurship in Cahersiveen, County Kerry. It is a unique higher education and community development partnership between Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) and ACE.