The Gathering 2026
Registrations for The Gathering are currently full; however, you can add your name to the waiting list should any spaces become available.
15 October 2026 | 9am – 2.30pm | The Helix, DCU, Dublin 9
Join us for The Gathering 2026 – Celebrating 40 Years of EU Values in Action
The Gathering is our annual flagship cross-sectoral event, taking place on the 15 October 2026 (9:00am-2.30pm).
As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we’re coming together to recognise the people, projects and partnerships that put European values into action through inclusion, solidarity, participation, and cooperation.
2026 is also Léargas’ 40th birthday. Since 1986, we’ve been strengthening connections across Ireland and Europe through international exchange and partnership, and The Gathering 2026 is a moment to celebrate the transformational impact of European programmes.
What to Expect?
The Gathering will be a full day event bringing together all sectors. You can expect engaging panel discussions, workshops, and practical advice from established beneficiaries and Léargas staff.
Whether you’re new to European programmes or looking to grow your project and build new partnerships, The Gathering is a unique opportunity to connect and learn at an exciting time for Ireland and Europe.
The event will start with the European Opportunities Hub, where you can talk to Léargas staff and project coordinators about European programmes and funding opportunities.
This will be followed by a keynote session on our theme Celebrating 40 Years of EU Values in Action, and a fireside chat exploring how Erasmus+ supports national and European policy goals.
You will then take part in two rounds of 45-minute workshops. There are four workshop options in each round, so you can choose the sessions that best match your interests and sector.
We will share the full agenda and event details closer to the event. In the meantime, please confirm your attendance by selecting the workshops you would like to attend.
Please note: Workshop places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshop Round 1:
- Starting Your European Programme Journey: Education and Training
Discover the opportunities available through Erasmus+ School Education, Adult Education, and Vocational Education and Training (VET). This session will help you identify opportunities relevant to your role or organisation, understand the Erasmus+ education and training landscape, and gain confidence in taking first steps towards European engagement.
Relevant for: teachers, school educators, early years educators, adult education professionals, people working in the community education, and further education and training (FET) sector.
2. Starting Your European Programme Journey: Youth, Sport and Volunteering.
Discover the opportunities available through Erasmus+ Youth, Sport, and the European Solidarity Corps. This session will help you identify opportunities relevant to your role or organisation, understand the European programme landscape for youth, sport, and volunteering, and gain confidence in taking first steps towards European engagement.
Relevant for: youth organisations and youth workers, community and voluntary organisations, young people (ages 18-35), sports clubs and coaches.
3. The Impact of Erasmus+: Shaping Further Education and Training in Ireland
Join the launch of the National VET Team’s Impact Study and explore how Erasmus+ is shaping learners, organisations, and the wider FET/VET sector in Ireland. The session will also examine how Erasmus+ supports Ireland’s FET Strategy 2025–2030 and aligns with key European priorities, like the Union of Skills and European Skills Agenda.
Relevant for: VET and apprenticeship providers, Further Education and Training practitioners, policy makers and stakeholders.
4. Embedding Inclusion in your European Projects
Learn practical approaches to strengthen inclusion in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects. This workshop will outline the supports available and how to meaningfully embed inclusion throughout project design, delivery, and evaluation.
Relevant for: existing beneficiaries across all sectors, organisations working with people with fewer opportunities, organisations looking to strengthen inclusion practices.
Workshop Round 2:
- Empowering Young People with Eurodesk Ireland
This interactive workshop will explore common barriers to young people’s participation in European programmes. Participants will work in groups to discuss and identify what prevents young people from accessing information about European opportunities, and explore practical strategies for improving information, outreach and support to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for young people and organisations.
Relevant for: youth workers and youth organisations, organisations working with young people, community and voluntary organisations.
2. Telling your Erasmus+ Story with EPALE
Learn how EPALE, the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, can help you showcase your Erasmus+ project, share good practice, and engage wider audiences through effective digital storytelling and communication.
Relevant for: adult education practitioners, anyone interested in digital storytelling.
3. The Digital Erasmus+ with eTwinning
Explore how eTwinning brings international learning into the classroom by connecting educators and learners across Europe, digital collaboration and shared learning, while creating opportunities for future Erasmus+ partnerships and projects.
Relevant: teachers and vocational educators, especially interested in digital collaborations.
4. Peer Learning and Networking Space
An opportunity to connect, share experiences, and explore ideas with peers from across the European funding community. The session will encourage discussion, networking, and the exchange of insights and good practice.
Relevant for: anyone interested in networking and sharing good practice across European programmes.
Registrations for The Gathering are currently full; however, you can add your name to the waiting list should any spaces become available.