Lifelong Learning Festival returns with over 370 events and activities across Cork city

Over 370 events and activities will take place across Cork city next month as part of the 2026 Lifelong Learning Festival.

Now in its 21st year, the week-long festival was launched by Lord mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy and will take place on April 22-29.

The programme of events for the festival this year includes performances, poetry, workshops, walks, and demonstrations.

All events scheduled 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.

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 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.

Festival partners include The Echo , Cork Education and Training Board, Cork City Council, MTU, UCC, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, NAPD, Cork Chamber, First South Credit Union, River Lee Hotel, and  Blacknight.