In Castlerea, Roscommon Women's Network hosted a 90-min workout for local women, followed by healthy refreshments—wellbeing and connection through learning!
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Lorraine and Larisa met colleagues from ANDRAS, the Estonian Adult Educators, at the AONTAS Adult Learner Festival. Swapping ideas and learning from each other has left us inspired for the year ahead!
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Two weeks on from the #STARAwards2026 and we’re still feeling the impact ✨
Ahead of the event, AONTAS Chairperson John D'Arcy shared his excitement and reflected on a brilliant Adult Learners’ Festival week.
Thanks to all shortlisted organisations, winners and partners
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Great turnout at Access I.T. CLG’s Info Morning during the AONTAS Adult Learners Festival 2026 ☕💻 Affordable, flexible, informal computer training for all.
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Lorraine O’Connor attended the Belmayne Community Group Women’s Health and Wellbeing Event for #ALF26 and International Women’s Day.
A great evening of shared learning, lively discussion and a calming breathing session, with plenty of ideas for future learning.
#SpringIntoLearning
Big congratulations to On Feirm Ground 2 from @mensnetworkie.bsky.social for winning the Special Recognition Award sponsored by @openuniversity.bsky.social at the AONTAS STAR Awards. ⭐
#ALF26 #STARAwards2026 #SpringIntoLearning
Creativity in full flow during #ALF26🌿
Learners at Wicklow FETC enjoyed a willow weaving workshop with local artist Kelly Hood, leaving with beautiful handmade pieces and new skills.
#SpringIntoLearning
Huge congrats to the Who Are We Now? by Northside Partnership for winning the Special Recognition @esfireland.bsky.social award at the recent #STARAwards2026 ceremony. ⭐
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
During #ALF26, Larisa visited Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board for inspiring workshops celebrating learning and language.
#SpringIntoLearning
During the Adult Learners’ Festival, our Education Project Officer Ruby Cooney visited the The Wayfinding Centre with Eve Daly and Chantelle Smith.
The centre helps people build confidence using public transport through realistic travel training environments.
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Dr Thomas Murray joined WCI Ronanstown during #ALF26 for a screening of The Day Iceland Stood Still, marking 50 years since Iceland’s women’s strike. 🌍💪
Congrats to their Women, Gender & Social Justice programme for winning a STAR Award for 3rd-level access! #SpringIntoLearning
Congratulations to Understanding Mental Health through Positive Therapeutic Copper Art Facilitation Training from National Traveller MABS for winning a STAR Award in the Health and Wellbeing category sponsored by @mentalhealthirl.bsky.social.
#ALF26 #STARAwards2026 #SpringIntoLearning
Just a week ago we were celebrating the incredible achievements of STAR Awards winners! This 30-second highlight reel captures some of the best moments from the night, from inspiring speeches to joyful celebrations. Congratulations again to all involved! 🌟
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning #STARAwards2026
Last week, as part of #ALF26, our Community Education Officer joined an intro to 8, 9 & 10 Henrietta Street with HACE. Historian Declan Brady brought these Georgian homes to life, while participants shared personal memories. Huge thanks to Gráinne Conroy for hosting!
#SpringIntoLearning
Well done to Who Are We Now? – Northside Partnership for winning at the #STARAwards2026 in the Social Change category, sponsored by @maynoothuniversity.ie. ⭐
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Congratulations to Secret Street Tours for taking home a STAR Award in the Social Inclusion category sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland. ⭐
#ALF26 #STARAwards2026 #SpringIntoLearning
Our Community Education Officer Lorraine joined the Ballymun Community Cycle during the AONTAS Adult Learner Festival, organised by The Community Collectives.
Learners helped prepare bikes and organise refreshments, making it a real community effort.
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Lorraine joined the Treats & Talks Networking Event at Coolock Development Council during the Adult Learner Festival.
AONTAS staff attended events across the country celebrating adult and community education. Great insights from Kim Walton of Donnycarney.
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
“There’s always a way – you just need to make your imagination bigger.” 🌱
Read Gerry’s story of courage and learning: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
The Adult Learners’ Festival still has events on! Find some here: www.adultlearnersfestival.ie/
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
John’s journey from prison to university‑level study shows the transformative power of adult education 🌱
Read his story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
#ALF26 #LearnerStories #SpringIntoLearning
Brian, our Membership and Digital Engagement Officer, dropped into the One Photo, One Story exhibition at City of Dublin FET College.
A powerful celebration of adult learners’ creativity, courage and lived experience.🌱
Find more events at adultlearnersfestival.ie
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Spring into learning 🌱
Minister Marian Harkin shares a message for Adult Learners’ Festival 2026, highlighting this year's theme and the ongoing commitment to adult and community education.
Get involved and find events happening near you: www.adultlearnersfestival.ie/
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Hazel’s journey shows how returning to learning through community education can restore confidence, self-esteem and purpose 🌱
Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
#ALF26 #LearnerStories #SpringIntoLearning
Finbarr’s journey proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams ✨
Read his story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
#ALF26 #LearnerStories #SpringIntoLearning
As the Adult Learners’ Festival begins, we’re continuing our 20 Years of the Adult Learners’ Festival 20 Learner Stories series.
Kate Glavin shares how returning to learning helped her find her voice again 📚
Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
#ALF26 #LearnerStories #SpringIntoLearning
We’re celebrating 20 years of the Adult Learners’ Festival 🎉
Members of AONTAS staff shared a line each for this special reel as #ALF26 kicks off today. Big thanks to everyone who sent in their videos and got involved.
Find events near you at www.adultlearnersfestival.ie
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Communities across Ireland are preparing for Adult Learners’ Festival 2026.🌱
Event registration is open and a limited number of complimentary resource packs are still available to support participating organisations.
Register now
www.adultlearnersfestival.ie
#SpringIntoLearning
What might you discover this March
From creative workshops to wellbeing sessions to community gatherings, the Adult Learners’ Festival is full of opportunities to try something new.
There is an event happening near you!
Explore what’s on ➡️ adultlearnersfestival.ie
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Let’s celebrate adult learning together this March!
If you are an adult education provider, The Adult Learners’ Festival is your chance to open doors, showcase your work and connect with new learners.
Register your event today at www.adultlearnersfestival.ie
#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26
Thinking of hosting an event for the Adult Learners’ Festival 2026 but not sure where to start?
From learner showcases to workshops, there are lots of ways to get involved.
This year we’re inviting everyone to #SpringIntoLearning and celebrate adult learning.
Register at adultlearnersfestival.ie