Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival
Written by
Published on
January 20, 2026
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Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival
We’re delighted to announce that the 2026 Adult Learners’ Festival celebrates adult and community education through the theme Spring Into Learning.
Spring Into Learning celebrates new beginnings, fresh ideas and the joy of learning at every stage of life. It highlights the essential role adult and community education plays in tackling inequality, supporting social inclusion and ensuring people have meaningful opportunities to learn, participate and thrive within their communities. Supporting people to learn helps shape fairer, more inclusive communities.
Join us this March to celebrate the many ways learning happens across the island of Ireland.
The Adult Learners’ Festival runs from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th March 2026.
We’re encouraging our members and everyone working in adult and community education to get involved by hosting activities such as taster sessions, meet-and-greets, coffee mornings, walk-and-talks or sample classes during festival week. These activities can be big or small, online or in person – whatever best suits your learners and your community.
If you’re looking for ideas or guidance on getting involved, you can watch our information session here.
Our team will be out and about attending as many activities as possible during the festival, and we’d love to help highlight your work on our social media channels.
To support activities taking place during the festival:
- The first 40 groups to register an activity on our website will receive a €100 voucher to support their activity.
- The first 80 registered organisations can also request a free printed resource pack, including bunting, posters and photo props.
Add your Adult Learners’ Festival activity here:
https://www.adultlearnersfestival.ie/
Why Spring Into Learning?
Adult and community education plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities, particularly during times of change and uncertainty. Learning offers people the chance to reflect, ask questions, build confidence and imagine new possibilities.
This year’s festival focuses on creating welcoming spaces where adults feel encouraged to take their next step – whether that’s returning to learning, trying something new or simply reconnecting with others through shared experiences.
Adult and community education is a pathway forward for us all. It supports personal growth, strengthens communities and helps ensure there is a place for everyone in learning.
What’s happening?
AONTAS STAR Awards
The annual AONTAS STAR Awards mark the culmination of the Adult Learners’ Festival.
Taking place on Friday 6th March 2026 in Croke Park the STAR Awards celebrate and recognise excellence in adult, community and further education across Ireland. The awards shine a light on the outstanding work of education providers and the transformative impact learning has on people’s lives.
Details on this year’s shortlist can be found here.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Use the hashtags #SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Got questions? Email alf@aontas.com
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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Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival
Written by
Published on
January 20, 2026
Share This
Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival
We’re delighted to announce that the 2026 Adult Learners’ Festival celebrates adult and community education through the theme Spring Into Learning.
Spring Into Learning celebrates new beginnings, fresh ideas and the joy of learning at every stage of life. It highlights the essential role adult and community education plays in tackling inequality, supporting social inclusion and ensuring people have meaningful opportunities to learn, participate and thrive within their communities. Supporting people to learn helps shape fairer, more inclusive communities.
Join us this March to celebrate the many ways learning happens across the island of Ireland.
The Adult Learners’ Festival runs from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th March 2026.
We’re encouraging our members and everyone working in adult and community education to get involved by hosting activities such as taster sessions, meet-and-greets, coffee mornings, walk-and-talks or sample classes during festival week. These activities can be big or small, online or in person – whatever best suits your learners and your community.
If you’re looking for ideas or guidance on getting involved, you can watch our information session here.
Our team will be out and about attending as many activities as possible during the festival, and we’d love to help highlight your work on our social media channels.
To support activities taking place during the festival:
- The first 40 groups to register an activity on our website will receive a €100 voucher to support their activity.
- The first 80 registered organisations can also request a free printed resource pack, including bunting, posters and photo props.
Add your Adult Learners’ Festival activity here:
https://www.adultlearnersfestival.ie/
Why Spring Into Learning?
Adult and community education plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities, particularly during times of change and uncertainty. Learning offers people the chance to reflect, ask questions, build confidence and imagine new possibilities.
This year’s festival focuses on creating welcoming spaces where adults feel encouraged to take their next step – whether that’s returning to learning, trying something new or simply reconnecting with others through shared experiences.
Adult and community education is a pathway forward for us all. It supports personal growth, strengthens communities and helps ensure there is a place for everyone in learning.
What’s happening?
AONTAS STAR Awards
The annual AONTAS STAR Awards mark the culmination of the Adult Learners’ Festival.
Taking place on Friday 6th March 2026 in Croke Park the STAR Awards celebrate and recognise excellence in adult, community and further education across Ireland. The awards shine a light on the outstanding work of education providers and the transformative impact learning has on people’s lives.
Details on this year’s shortlist can be found here.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Use the hashtags #SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Got questions? Email alf@aontas.com
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
Blog
Celebrating Community, Hope, and Achievement with Acorn Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service
12 February 2026
Celebrating Community, Hope, and Achievement with Acorn Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published...
News
AONTAS Statement on Voluntary and Community Sector Cuts in Northern Ireland
3 February 2026
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Spring Into Learning with the 2026 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival Written by Megan Fearon Published on January 20, 2026 Share...
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AONTAS Featured in International Adult Education Journal Written by Megan Fearon Published on December 22, 2025 Share This AONTAS are...