AONTAS

That’s a wrap on the STAR Awards 2026.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners celebrating the impact of adult learning across Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

A highlight of this year’s STAR Awards was a conversation between Emma Doran and Dearbháil Lawless.

The discussion touched on storytelling, life experience and the role learning can play in shaping new opportunities.

#STARAwards2026

The STAR Awards 2026 is underway.

Hosted by John D'Arcy with opening remarks from Marian Harkin.

Celebrating shortlisted initiatives transforming lives through adult learning.

#STARAwards2026

The STAR Awards 2026 got underway at Croke Park with an energising opening performance from Taiko Ireland.

A powerful start to a day celebrating the organisations and initiatives making a difference through adult learning across the island of Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

We’re at Croke Park for the STAR Awards 2026.

From 112 nominations to 24 shortlisted initiatives, today we celebrate the impact of adult learning across Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

We're spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Social Change finalists. ✨

Sponsored by @maynoothuniversity.ie, this category celebrates initiatives that drive community transformation and promote inclusion. Learn about the finalists ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

Great to see Secret Street Tours, a finalist in the Social Inclusion category of the AONTAS STAR Awards, featured on RTÉ Radio 1 this week.

Best of luck to the team ahead of the STAR Awards tomorrow ⭐

🎧 Listen back: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

#STARAwards2026

Opening pathways to higher education is at the heart of the #STARAwards2026 Third Level Access and Engagement category. 🎓

Sponsored by EPALE, it recognises initiatives supporting adult learners to access and thrive in third-level education.

Meet the finalists ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

“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

We’re spotlighting the Health and Wellbeing finalists at the AONTAS STAR Awards 💚

Sponsored by @mentalhealthirl.bsky.social, this category recognises initiatives supporting positive mental health and wellbeing through adult learning.

Learn more➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

#STARAwards2026

The new Apprenticeships Report reflects AONTAS recommendations on improving access and supports for apprentices.

Find out more:
www.aontas.com/knowledge/ne...

We’re delighted to share that Emma Doran will join us as our Celebrity Guest Speaker at this year’s Star Awards. 🎭

From sold-out shows to bestselling books, podcasts and TV appearances, Emma has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable comedic voices.

Join us tomorrow! ⭐

#STARAwards2026

We’re spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Social Inclusion finalists. 🌟

Sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland, this category celebrates initiatives creating real pathways to education, employment and inclusion.

Learn more about the finalists ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

Lorraine joined an inspiring online workshop with Mind Emotional Nurturing during the Adult Learners Festival. Abi Lynch explored building trust and connection through compassion-based coaching. 👏

AONTAS staff are popping into events all week—find more here: adultlearnersfestival.ie

#ALF26

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

As the Adult Learners’ Festival continues, Leni Miles is rewriting her story 🌿

From leaving school at 17 to discovering new skills and confidence through community education, she’s proof it’s never too late to start again.

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

We’re spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Global Citizenship Education finalists. 🌍

Sponsored by @saoltaed.bsky.social, this category recognises initiatives that empower people into active citizenship roles in their communities.

Learn more➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

Esther arrived in Ireland with limited English and no computer skills. Through adult education, she rebuilt confidence, gained skills, and found her community ✨

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

We're spotlighting #STARAwards2026 Learner Voice finalists. 📢

Sponsored by @qqireland.bsky.social, this category celebrates initiatives that put learners at the heart of decision-making, creativity and advocacy.

Learn more ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

Nikita’s journey through adult education helped her regain confidence and purpose while supporting other mums 🌿

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

As the Adult Learners’ Festival begins, Robert Cullen’s story shows how community education and the Alternatives to Violence Project can open new opportunities and purpose ✨

Read his story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

The AVP is a nominee at this year’s AONTAS Star Awards

#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

We have a very special guest joining us at the AONTAS Star Awards 2026… 👀

A familiar face.
A powerful voice.
Someone who knows how to light up a room. 🎭

We’ll be revealing our Celebrity Guest Speaker later this week.

Any guesses?

#StarAwards2026

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

Just 1 week to go until the AONTAS Star Awards 2026! ✨
Celebrate adult learning and join us as we honour outstanding achievements across Ireland.

🎬Take a look back at the excitement from last year’s event here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmPh...

#STARAwards2026

To celebrate 20 years of the Adult Learners’ Festival, we’re sharing 20 learner stories. First up is Amanda Keenan, whose story is about taking that first step and going for gold 📚

Read her story and explore festival events 2–6 March:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories