The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has launched the 20th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, which is taking place from Wednesday 2 April to Wednesday 9 April 2025.
Over 420 individual Lifelong Learning events will take place throughout Cork City. Giving members of the public, regardless of age, interest or abilities, the opportunity to ‘give it a go’ and learn something new through workshops, demonstrations, classes, lectures, walks and talks.
Commenting on the festival, the Lord Mayor said: ‘’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 in this, the festival's 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 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 thrilled that over 420 events are scheduled to take place 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.”
Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival events are free to attend and open to all. This year’s programme includes 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 www.corklearningcity.ie
The success of this annual Festival is because of the support of partners including Cork Education and Training Board, Cork City Council, MTU, UCC, HSE Cork Kerry South, NAPD, Cork Chamber, First South Credit Union, The River Lee Hotel, Blacknight and the Echo.