The Adult Learner Journal
The Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education: The Adult Learner is a valuable resource that documents the development of adult learning policy and practice. It provides a forum for critical reflection on the practices of teaching and learning, giving priority to subject matter that addresses social exclusion, equality, workplace learning and the study of the teacher/student relationship.
Founded in the mid-1980s, this highly-regarded journal is essential reading for anyone interested in or studying adult learning. It is the only peer-reviewed journal of adult and community education in Ireland.
2027 Call for Articles
The deadline is 5pm on Monday, 1 February 2027.
For further details, please download the 2027 Call for Articles.
Style Guide 2027
Download the 2027 Style Guide for detailed instructions on formatting and preparing your article for submission.
Latest Journals
All editions of The Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education: The Adult Learner, from 1985 – 2026, are available free of charge for download
Editorial Board
Dearbháil Lawless
Chief Executive Officer
Dearbháil is the Chief Executive Officer of AONTAS. She has responsibility for the strategic direction and operational management of AONTAS. Dearbháil was previously the Head of Advocacy, EU Project's Officer, and taught in Community Education, FET, and Higher Education. Dearbháil is a passionate advocate and activist. She believes that adult learning is the greatest tool for creating positive social change. Dearbháil likes to bring her dog Hazel to the office sometimes.
Dearbháil Lawless
AONTAS, Chief Executive Officer
Bernie Grummell
Editor, Maynooth University
Bernie Grummell
Editor, Maynooth University
Giuliana Peña McKeown
AONTAS, Co-Secretary
Giuliana Peña McKeown
AONTAS, Secretary
Eve Cobain
AONTAS, Co-Secretary
Eve Cobain
AONTAS, Secretary
Erik Cownie
Book and Policy Review Editor, University of Ulster
Erik Cownie
Book and Policy Review Editor, University of Ulster
David Mallows
University College London
David Mallows
University College London
Nuala Glanton
Cork Education and Training Board (ETB)
Nuala Glanton
Cork Education and Training Board (ETB)
Helen Murphy
South East Technological University
Helen Murphy
South East Technological University
Fran Kennedy
Adult Education Officers' Association - Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board
Fran Kennedy
Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board
Stephen O’Brien
University College Cork
Stephen O’Brien
University College Cork
José Pedro Amorim
University of Porto
José Pedro Amorim
University of Porto
Koen De Pryck
Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Koen De Pryck
Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Chelsea Whittaker
Trinity College Dublin
Chelsea Whittaker
Trinity College Dublin
Colleen Horn
Marino Institute of Education
Colleen Horn
Marino Institute of Education
Toni Lambe
Dublin College
Toni Lambe
Dublin College
Denise Shannon
City of Dublin ETB