Cork's Lifelong Learning Festival to stage more than 400 events across the city

More than 420 events and activities will take place across Cork city next month as part of this year’s Lifelong Learning Festival.

The week-long festival, now in its 20th year, was launched on Friday by Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, and will take place across the city from April 2-9.

The programme of events for this year’s celebration includes workshops, demonstrations, live performances, classes and lectures, poetry readings, and more.

Free of charge

All events due to be hosted across Cork city as part of the festival will be free of charge and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

“I am honoured to be patron of the Lifelong Learning Festival, [which] is known worldwide,” said Mr Boyle.

“I want to congratulate everyone who will participate in learning activities in 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.”

Foundation

Lifelong Learning Festival chairman 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 more than 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.”

This year’s festival partners include The Echo, 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, and Blacknight.

For more information on the Lifelong Learning Festival, the 2025 programme of events is now available across Cork city libraries, from host venues, and at https://www.corklearningcity.ie.