IT REALLY never is too late to learn and whether students want to start at 8 or 80 years of age, the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival can open the door to fascination.
Taking place from Monday April 15 to Sunday 21, this year’s festival theme is Learn, Grow, Explore in 2024. It features over 150 free events and activities to choose from throughout the week, both online and in-person.
The 2024 festival presents a wide variety of interesting and diverse topics that include: art, IT skills, language tasters, entrepreneurship, guided tours, open days, educational pathways, music, cookery, wellbeing and much more.
This year’s festival was officially launched on Friday last in the College of Further Education and Training, Mulgrave Street Campus, Limerick by the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell.
Noting the positive effect of the festival, Mayor Gerald Mitchell said: “At the heart of our festival is the belief that learning should be fun and accessible for everyone. Following our motto – ‘Communities, Connecting, Learning’ – we invite you to embark on a journey of exploration, engagement, and pure celebration. I anticipate strong participation from our local communities and the broader public, both from within Limerick and beyond, mirroring the high levels of engagement we have witnessed in previous years. I have no doubt it will be another great success, guiding curious minds on their perpetual journey of discovery.”
Eimear Brophy, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Chair of Learning Limerick Steering Group, highlighted the importance of Limerick’s role as a UNESCO Learning City and winner of the UNESCO Learning City Award.
She said: “Limerick is committed to supporting, promoting, and improving lifelong learning across the city and county. Learning Limerick is also an active member of the Irish Network of UNESCO Learning Cities, an initiative aimed at increasing collaboration and establishing connections with our partner Learning Cities throughout the Island.
“These important relationships provide the opportunity for the sharing of learning and best practice initiatives between partner cities, which can then be incorporated into our own festivals’ development.”
George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, commented: “It’s a week where Limerick’s learning institutions open their doors to the public and say ‘come in and take the time for yourself to have fun and learn something new’.
“It’s about giving yourself a moment to explore some of the wonderful learning opportunities available across the region, as we are all lifelong learners. As an organisation we are delighted to once again be involved in such a pivotal week in the Limerick calendar.”
A complete listing of festival events is available on www.limerick.ie/lovelearning
