Lus Na Gréine: Where Community, Learning, and Hope Flourish
Written by
Published on
December 18, 2025
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Nestled in the heart of Granard, North Longford, Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre is a vibrant hub of learning, support, and personal growth for individuals and families across the region. It offers a cradle-to-grave range of services, driven by the vision of centre manager Eileen Finan, the board, and an exceptional team committed to inclusion, development, and empowerment.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Skills
Lus na Gréine provides an impressive array of programmes and services, including family support, counselling and psychotherapy, social support groups, bereavement services, and drop-in and administration supports. Learning and support are designed to empower individuals, build confidence, develop skills, and foster strong community cohesion.
As Eileen explains, “You may start with a short course, but you never know where it will take you. Often our courses are signposting for more formal courses.”
There is always support for progression into further education, training, and employment. Programmes on offer include personal development, Ageing with Confidence, STEPS to Excellence in Personal Success, parenting courses, family wellness, Learning to Learn (an introduction to third-level education), health and safety and first aid, furniture restoration and interior design, horticulture and landscaping, evening classes such as yoga and Pilates, and digital skills including basic computer and IT training.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment you step inside, the centre radiates warmth and inclusivity. Its tasteful décor and friendly atmosphere immediately convey a sense of belonging. Every smile and greeting reinforces the strong community spirit that defines Lus na Gréine.
The Social Café – A Space for Connection
My visit began in the bustling social café, a thriving social enterprise that serves delicious coffee and freshly made food. This plant-to-plate business grows and produces most of its products on-site—an exemplary example of sustainability and community investment. All profits are reinvested to create essential centre services.
Over coffee, I spoke with Bernadette (Ber) Fagan, Family Support and Community Development Worker, and Eileen, who shared inspiring stories about the centre’s impact and its unwavering mission:
“We believe in creating opportunities for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive; everyone is welcome.”
Later that day, I also had the pleasure of seeing Siopa LUS na Gréine, where you can buy pre-loved clothing and more, just another much-needed source of Revenue to create more vital services, and well worth a visit if you’re in Granard.
The Learners
Meeting the learners was a highlight of the visit. The horticulture class was in full swing, with a real buzz in the room as the women’s group and the gentlemen from the men’s shed worked side by side creating Christmas wreaths, guided and supported by their ETB tutor. It was clear how much participants enjoyed the class. Eileen explained that each session begins with a short mindfulness exercise, gently easing learners into their day. Speaking with participants about what the course meant to them was particularly moving.
Marion, who lost her husband while living in a rural area, shared, “It gave me something to get up for. I never miss a class, and I’ve made so many friends.”
Bríd spoke about life after retirement, saying, “There’s no pressure to come, but we come anyway because I love it. I could be at home isolated, but since finding this course, everything else comes second.”
Peter summed it up simply: “Lus na Gréine is the heart and soul of the community.”
Pat highlighted the variety of opportunities available, adding, “I love it here. On Wednesday, I do computers, Thursday, I learn about the European Union and Parliament. Next, I want to learn a language. This place is great—it keeps you connected.”
Finding Connection Through Community Education
Later that day, I met Louise, who spoke openly about a difficult period in her life:
“I came in here not making eye contact, looking at the floor. I was extremely unhappy.” Her journey began with something very simple. “Just having a cup of tea and being listened to was the start of a new chapter for me.”
Thanks to flexible part-time programmes, Louise was able to begin courses while her young children were in school. “Being a mum, having flexibility was so important. I couldn’t turn on a computer before, and now I book tickets, holidays. I’ve completed horticulture courses and I’m actually really good at it—I’ve even been commissioned by organisations to do their gardens!”
Her story continued to grow from there. “I’m now back at work full-time with the support of the team here. I still come in and do classes. I want everyone to know about this place. Monday to Friday, you’re always met with a friendly welcome—it never changes. We are so lucky. So many people have nowhere to turn. I want them all to come here. It’s not just community education—it’s about community.”
Stories of Transformation
Bernadette’s journey is a testament to the centre’s transformative power. Starting as a volunteer after Lus Na Gréine supported a family member, she rebuilt her confidence after a life challenge. Eileen saw Ber’s skills and encouraged her to progress in her studies so she could join the staff. With Eileen’s support, Bernadette pursued a degree at Maynooth and is now an indispensable member of the team:
“Lus na Gréine gave me my life back,” she says.
Other inspiring stories include the Digital Champions Programme, where participants who complete a 10-week IT course and who feel competent, use their new skills to support others—a true example of community learning at its best.
Lus na Gréine Changes Lives
From personal development to practical skills, Lus na Gréine is more than a resource centre, it is a lifeline, a place where people discover their potential and build brighter futures.
Eileen acknowledged the support of her many funders, her ETB tutors, and Volunteers. Eileen also spoke positively of the REACH fund and how essential this was in providing additional programmes.
AONTAS is honoured to call you a member, and we look forward to continuing this journey in 2026. We can’t wait to see what the team will develop in the future.
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Lus Na Gréine: Where Community, Learning, and Hope Flourish
Written by
Published on
December 18, 2025
Share This
Nestled in the heart of Granard, North Longford, Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre is a vibrant hub of learning, support, and personal growth for individuals and families across the region. It offers a cradle-to-grave range of services, driven by the vision of centre manager Eileen Finan, the board, and an exceptional team committed to inclusion, development, and empowerment.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Skills
Lus na Gréine provides an impressive array of programmes and services, including family support, counselling and psychotherapy, social support groups, bereavement services, and drop-in and administration supports. Learning and support are designed to empower individuals, build confidence, develop skills, and foster strong community cohesion.
As Eileen explains, “You may start with a short course, but you never know where it will take you. Often our courses are signposting for more formal courses.”
There is always support for progression into further education, training, and employment. Programmes on offer include personal development, Ageing with Confidence, STEPS to Excellence in Personal Success, parenting courses, family wellness, Learning to Learn (an introduction to third-level education), health and safety and first aid, furniture restoration and interior design, horticulture and landscaping, evening classes such as yoga and Pilates, and digital skills including basic computer and IT training.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment you step inside, the centre radiates warmth and inclusivity. Its tasteful décor and friendly atmosphere immediately convey a sense of belonging. Every smile and greeting reinforces the strong community spirit that defines Lus na Gréine.
The Social Café – A Space for Connection
My visit began in the bustling social café, a thriving social enterprise that serves delicious coffee and freshly made food. This plant-to-plate business grows and produces most of its products on-site—an exemplary example of sustainability and community investment. All profits are reinvested to create essential centre services.
Over coffee, I spoke with Bernadette (Ber) Fagan, Family Support and Community Development Worker, and Eileen, who shared inspiring stories about the centre’s impact and its unwavering mission:
“We believe in creating opportunities for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive; everyone is welcome.”
Later that day, I also had the pleasure of seeing Siopa LUS na Gréine, where you can buy pre-loved clothing and more, just another much-needed source of Revenue to create more vital services, and well worth a visit if you’re in Granard.
The Learners
Meeting the learners was a highlight of the visit. The horticulture class was in full swing, with a real buzz in the room as the women’s group and the gentlemen from the men’s shed worked side by side creating Christmas wreaths, guided and supported by their ETB tutor. It was clear how much participants enjoyed the class. Eileen explained that each session begins with a short mindfulness exercise, gently easing learners into their day. Speaking with participants about what the course meant to them was particularly moving.
Marion, who lost her husband while living in a rural area, shared, “It gave me something to get up for. I never miss a class, and I’ve made so many friends.”
Bríd spoke about life after retirement, saying, “There’s no pressure to come, but we come anyway because I love it. I could be at home isolated, but since finding this course, everything else comes second.”
Peter summed it up simply: “Lus na Gréine is the heart and soul of the community.”
Pat highlighted the variety of opportunities available, adding, “I love it here. On Wednesday, I do computers, Thursday, I learn about the European Union and Parliament. Next, I want to learn a language. This place is great—it keeps you connected.”
Finding Connection Through Community Education
Later that day, I met Louise, who spoke openly about a difficult period in her life:
“I came in here not making eye contact, looking at the floor. I was extremely unhappy.” Her journey began with something very simple. “Just having a cup of tea and being listened to was the start of a new chapter for me.”
Thanks to flexible part-time programmes, Louise was able to begin courses while her young children were in school. “Being a mum, having flexibility was so important. I couldn’t turn on a computer before, and now I book tickets, holidays. I’ve completed horticulture courses and I’m actually really good at it—I’ve even been commissioned by organisations to do their gardens!”
Her story continued to grow from there. “I’m now back at work full-time with the support of the team here. I still come in and do classes. I want everyone to know about this place. Monday to Friday, you’re always met with a friendly welcome—it never changes. We are so lucky. So many people have nowhere to turn. I want them all to come here. It’s not just community education—it’s about community.”
Stories of Transformation
Bernadette’s journey is a testament to the centre’s transformative power. Starting as a volunteer after Lus Na Gréine supported a family member, she rebuilt her confidence after a life challenge. Eileen saw Ber’s skills and encouraged her to progress in her studies so she could join the staff. With Eileen’s support, Bernadette pursued a degree at Maynooth and is now an indispensable member of the team:
“Lus na Gréine gave me my life back,” she says.
Other inspiring stories include the Digital Champions Programme, where participants who complete a 10-week IT course and who feel competent, use their new skills to support others—a true example of community learning at its best.
Lus na Gréine Changes Lives
From personal development to practical skills, Lus na Gréine is more than a resource centre, it is a lifeline, a place where people discover their potential and build brighter futures.
Eileen acknowledged the support of her many funders, her ETB tutors, and Volunteers. Eileen also spoke positively of the REACH fund and how essential this was in providing additional programmes.
AONTAS is honoured to call you a member, and we look forward to continuing this journey in 2026. We can’t wait to see what the team will develop in the future.
News
The very latest news from the adult and community education sector
News
AONTAS Featured in International Adult Education Journal
22 December 2025
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Blog
Learners as Leaders: Stories from the Community Changemakers Programme
19 December 2025
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18 December 2025
Lus Na Gréine: Where Community, Learning, and Hope Flourish Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published on December 18, 2025 Share This...
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Lus Na Gréine: Where Community, Learning, and Hope Flourish
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