THE Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival will return from Monday, April 20 to Sunday, April 26, with its most extensive programme to date.
Now in its 16th year, the 2026 festival will feature more than 130 free events and activities, both online and in person, under the theme ‘Discover Lifelong Learning 2026’.
The programme includes a wide range of topics such as art, IT skills, language tasters, entrepreneurship, guided tours, health and wellbeing, educational pathways, dance, music, and cookery.
The festival was officially launched on Friday March 27 at TUS Coonagh Campus by Councillor Maria Donoghue, deputising for the Mayor of Limerick.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Donoghue said Limerick City and County Council was proud to support Learning Limerick and the festival. She said the programme would appeal to people across Limerick city and county, adding that the local authority remains committed to lifelong learning and values Learning Limerick’s role in sharing best practice through both the UNESCO Global Network and Irish Network of Learning Cities.
Michael MacCurtain, chair of the Learning Limerick Steering Group, said the festival continues to show that learning belongs to everyone, at every stage of life and in every community.
He said this year’s programme places a strong focus on connection, intergenerational events, and artificial intelligence in everyday life. He also confirmed that Learning Limerick’s new Strategic Plan will be launched during the festival.
Guests at the launch also heard from Learning Limerick ambassadors David Doherty and Clare Dollard, who spoke about their personal learning journeys. Entertainment on the day was provided by staff and students from Mary Immaculate College, featuring an interactive Borborbor drum-dance session led by Marie Edmonds.
Festival events will include Family Circus Day, Introduction to Acting, AI in Everyday Life, Storytime in Adare Library, and Age-Friendly University Learning at UL. A full programme is available at limerick.ie/lovelearning.