News and Events
Cork’S 20th Lifelong Learning Festival is Launched
Corks popular Lifelong Learning Festival was launched in Council Chambers on Friday 21st of March, with the release of a week long programme of Learning events. This year sees the 20th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival taking place from Wednesday 2nd April to Wednesday 9th of April 2025 with over 420 individual Lifelong Learning free events taking place throughout Cork city.
One of the key aspects of the festival over the years is the opportunity for members of the public regardless of age, interest, or abilities to ‘give it a go’ and learn something new through workshops, demonstrations, classes, lectures, walks and talks. Minister Buttimer, who said he was a long time supporter of the Festival since it was first held in 2004 and 2005, congratulated the organising committee and all those involved for such a sustained success, and for ‘creating a culture of learning in Cork’.
Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Dan Boyle ‘’ I am honoured to be Patron of The Lifelong Learning Festival that is known worldwide, and I want to congratulate everyone who will participate in learning activities over the week, in the Festivals 20th year. The fact that Cork received a second UNESCO Learning City Award in 2024 is testament to the reputation of the Festival. Everyone involved deserves thanks for making Cork the first city in the world to be Awarded on two occasions.’
Festival Chair Willie McAuliffe says: “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 thrilled that over 420 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. As the Festival motto says - Investigate, Participate, Celebrate’.
Corks Lifelong Learning Festival events are free to attend and open to all. This year’s programme promises to include performances, poetry, workshops, walks and demonstrations. With something for everyone, the only limit is your appetite to try something new!
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: https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/311358425/
The success of this annual Festival is because of the support of partners including UCC, Cork Education and Training Board, Cork City Council, MTU, HSE South, NAPD, Cork Chamber, First South Credit Union, The River Lee Hotel, Blacknight and the Echo.
Here are some UCC events taking place during the festival that you might enjoy:
Spring Forward: Adult Learning & Career Growth Workshop
If you ready to take the next step in your education or career, join us at University College Cork (UCC) on Thursday, 3 April, for an engaging and interactive Spring Forward: Adult Learning & Career Growth Workshop. Whether you’re looking to upskill, explore new learning opportunities, or advance your career, this workshop is designed to help you plan your next steps with confidence.
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Date: Thursday, 3 April 2025
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Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Location: Western Gateway Building, UCC
Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Secure your place by signing up here: Register Now.
Learning City Conversations 2025
Seminar: International INNOVATIONS in Action - Inspirational and Transferable Examples from Learning Cities around the world
Come along and meet city representatives from across Europe, North America, and Asia. Share and discuss innovation, initiatives and ideas that are helping to transform cities through learning. This is an opportunity to hear from and to join in a dialogue with guest international speakers.
Teas/Coffees on arrival. Light lunch after event.
- Triskel Christchurch, T12 WYY0
- NUMBERS ARE LIMITED. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY TUESDAY 1ST APRIL EMAIL: info@corklearningcity.ie
Cork City Fossil Walk
Public walk visiting some of the most spectacular fossils in the building stones of the city’s walls and footpaths. We will share the secrets of the fossils, explaining how they formed, where they lived, and how they died. The walk is on flat ground, and suitable for all from 7 years:
- Location: Outside St. Mary’s Church, Popes Quay
- Date: Wednesday 2nd April, 10am
- Email to book: email jfranklin@ucc.ie
https://www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-heritage/
My Learning Journey id+ Path 4
Current students on the id+ Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice in UCC present their key learnings from the course. The id+ Project promotes the fundamental rights of people with intellectual disabilities to attend third-level education and to progress to paid employment.
- Location: College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences Seminar Room, Room G27 (a), Ground Floor, O’Rahilly Building, University College Cork.
- Date: Wednesday 2nd April, 12.30 - 14.00
- Email to book: l.brady@ucc.ie