South East Technological University (SETU) alongside partner organisations Waterford City and County Council, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), has launched the inaugural Lifelong Learning Festival as part of Waterford’s tenure as a UNESCO Learning City.
The festival will take place 14 to18 April 2026 and brings together a wide range of free events celebrating and connecting learning activities across Waterford.
The festival launch took place at the Central Library Waterford this week, as partners came together to release the programme of events. The initiative is also supported by Buíon Phort Láirge, Kilkenny County Council, Waterford Chamber and the Southern Regional Assembly.
Laura Power, Learning City Project Manager, said “We are delighted to launch our first Lifelong Learning Festival as a UNESCO Learning City. It is an opportunity to showcase the many ways people in the city and county can learn every day. We invite everyone, regardless of age, interest or ability, to give something new a try. I’d encourage you to come along and experience even one event during the festival.”
Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning at SETU added “At its heart, lifelong learning is about curiosity, the belief that our minds should continue to grow throughout our whole lives. A UNESCO Learning City is one where learning is part of the fabric of everyday life: in our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, community centres and public spaces. The festival lays the foundation for that vision and would not have been possible without the support of event hosts and partners who recognize the value of working together to celebrate lifelong learning opportunities across Waterford. Most importantly, the people of Waterford have been open and enthusiastic about spreading the word from the start.”
Caitríona Cullen, newly appointed Director of Further Education and Training at WWETB also welcomed the Lifelong Learning Festival, saying, “Being a UNESCO Learning City is something we are very proud of, but it also comes with responsibility. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it challenges us to work together to widen access to learning, reduce inequalities and build stronger communities. The festival celebrates learning, and represents an important step in building a culture of curiosity where learning is visible, accessible, and supported with clear pathways for all”
A central highlight of the festival is the Lifelong Learning Photo Exhibition, officially launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan. The exhibition is currently on display at Central Library Waterford until 20 April.
The exhibition features six lifelong learner stories that showcase the power of learning to foster resilience, creativity, and social connection. Members of the public are also invited to nominate themselves, or other lifelong learners, to share their own learning stories.
Gareth Evans, SEO Economic Development and Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office, highlighted the importance of storytelling: “While this initiative has global reach, its real impact is local. That’s why storytelling sits at the heart of this year’s festival through the Lifelong Learner Photo Exhibition you see here today. These portraits offer just a glimpse of the lifelong learning happening across Waterford every day. They remind us that learning takes many forms: returning to education, developing a creative interest, building new skills for work, or simply discovering the joy of trying something new. Through these experiences, learning can build confidence, strengthen connections and help people navigate change in an ever-changing world.”
All Lifelong Learning Festival events are free to attend. The programme features more than 25 events across libraries, cultural venues and community spaces throughout the city and county. From choir singing, needle felting, scrabble, clothes swaps, safety talks, author talks and city scavenger hunts to support with finance, health, and digital literacy, there is something for everyone.
Printed copies of the full programme are available at Central Library Waterford and participating venues, and the full schedule can also be viewed online at waterfordlearningcity.ie
