Our Vision
A world where the pursuit of learning for all adults is valued, equal, and strengthens communities
Transforming Adult and Community Education
STAR Awards 2026
6 March 2026
The AONTAS STAR Awards celebrate excellence in adult learning and community education across Ireland. This year’s awards take place in Croke Park on Friday 6th March, proudly supported by our partners across the adult education sector
Advocacy
Our Mission
To advocate for empowering adult learning that drives social equality, justice, and collective action across the island of Ireland
AGM 2025
22 May 2025
We recently held our 55th AGM. The theme for this year’s AGM was ‘Connecting Communities’ and featured some thought-provoking discussions with learners and those who work within the sector.
News
The very latest news from the adult and community education sector
News
AONTAS Statement on Voluntary and Community Sector Cuts in Northern Ireland
3 February 2026
AONTAS Statement on Voluntary and Community Sector Cuts in Northern Ireland Written by Conor Thompson Published on February 3, 2026...
News
Call for Abstracts | Fourth International Conference of the Scuola Democratica
23 January 2026
News
Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival
20 January 2026
Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival Written by Megan Fearon Published on January 20, 2026 Share...
News
AONTAS Announces 2026 STAR Awards Shortlist!
16 January 2026
News
AONTAS Featured in International Adult Education Journal
22 December 2025
AONTAS Featured in International Adult Education Journal Written by Megan Fearon Published on December 22, 2025 Share This AONTAS are...
News
Community Education ‘Transforms Lives’, Says Minister Marian Harkin TD During Mullingar Visit
17 December 2025
Community Education ‘Transforms Lives’, Says Minister Marian Harkin TD During Mullingar Visit Written by Megan Fearon Published on December 18,...
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Supporting Our Members
Membership
Join the largest network of adult education practitioners and learners on the island of Ireland. Enjoy access to our exclusive members hub, resources and funding opportunities to help your organisation thrive and all the latest news from the sector
Research
We conduct robust, evidence-based research into adult education, community education, and Further Education and Training (FET).
Partner UP
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement for Upskilling Pathways, or “Partner Up”, is a European project focusing…
Just4All
The JUST4ALL project focuses on ensuring underrepresented groups are considered and prioritised in societal and…
Enhance Learner Voice
The JUST4ALL project focuses on ensuring underrepresented groups are considered and prioritised in societal and…
Citizens' Xelerator
This project aims to strengthen the democratic and civic literacy of adult learners