What is the U3A Hub (Ireland)
The U3A Hub (Ireland) brings together local U3A groups from across the country to share learning, ideas, and support. It’s a central resource, built by U3As, for U3As, that helps each group find ready-to-use learning materials, connect with others, and strengthen community links.
The Hub’s purpose is simple: to make it easier for U3A groups to thrive. It offers a shared directory of Irish U3As, facilitator guides, course packs, and a secure members’ area for collaboration.
By pooling resources and experience, it reduces duplication, encourages innovation, and celebrates the diversity of lifelong learning in later life.
The U3A Hub stands for connection, collaboration, and community learning, ensuring that every group, large or small, can focus on what really matters: people learning together for the joy of it.
What the U3A Is About
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a community of individuals who believe that learning is a lifelong process. It’s not a traditional university, but rather a network of local groups run by and for older adults who share their knowledge, skills, and curiosity.
Each U3A creates its own programme, talks, walks, discussions, creative workshops, and study groups, led by members who volunteer their time and experience. There are no exams, no formal qualifications, and no pressure. The emphasis is on learning for pleasure, staying active, and building friendships.
At its heart, the U3A movement recognises that every person carries a lifetime of experience worth sharing. It turns that experience into a living classroom, one where everyone can teach, learn, and belong.
| Group | County/Area |
| U3A Galway | https://www.u3agalway.com/ |
| Bray Heads U3A | https://www.thebrayheadsu3a.ie/ |
| U3A Rathmines | https://rathminesu3a.com/ |
| U3A Monkstown | https://u3amonkstown.com/ |
| U3A Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey & Killiney (DLDK) | https://www.u3adldk.ie/ |
| U3A Greystones | https://www.u3agreystones.com/ |
| GlasGlenU3A (Glasthule & Glenageary) | https://glasglenu3a.ie/ |
| U3A Limerick | https://www.u3alimerick.com/ |
| U3A Waterford & Tramore | https://u3aseireland.wordpress.com/ |
| U3A Leitrim (The Dock) | https://www.thedock.ie/communities/university-of-the-third-age-2 |
| U3A Sutton Baldoyle | https://sites.google.com/site/u3asuttonbaldoyledublin/ |
| Blessington U3A | https://www.wicklowcommunitydirectory.ie/node/1025 |
| Lucan U3A | https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/community/initiatives/102067_55-planner-booklet-for-sdcc-v7-print.pdf |
| An Cosan U3A (Tallaght) | https://www.echo.ie/an-cosan-u3a-group-welcomes-tallaght-person-of-the-year-glenda/ |
| U3A Blackrock | https://online.flippingbook.com/view/474319359/94/ |
| U3A Knocklyon | https://u3aknocklyon.eu |
| U3A Maynooth (Friendship Group) | https://kildarecoco.ie/library/Calendar/Events/U3AFriendshipGroup2025.php |
| U3A Sligo | https://www.facebook.com/u3asligo/ |
| U3A Monaghan | https://www.monaghanu3a.com/ |
| U3A Leitrim | https://www.thedock.ie/communities/university-of-the-third-age |
| Bray Heads U3A (AONTAS directory) | https://map.aontas.com/directory-organisation/listing/the-bray-heads-u3a/ |
Courses
With the participation of our membership, we design and develop online courses aimed at the 3rd Age and other age groups. Username and Password issued on request.
Each U3A can create its own Discussion Forum.
How We Share
“The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” James Baldwin
- Sharing learning, talents, and knowledge.
- Welcoming all regardless of background or ability.
- Promoting creativity, skill-sharing, and exploration.
- Fostering a relaxed, friendly learning space.
- Encouraging intergenerational learning.
- Empowering members to shape their learning journey.
We work with local voluntary, educational, and public bodies to promote social and cultural engagement. Where possible, we incorporate Irish language and culture into our programmes.
| Organisation | Role |
| Age Action | National coordinator of U3A; policy partner and training ally |
| Aontas | Community Education Network; resource-sharing and advocacy |
| Maynooth University (AFU) | Research and pilot host for U3A collaboration |
| Dublin City University (AFU) | Active AFU site; supports intergenerational projects |
| Men’s Sheds of Ireland (IMSA) | Partner for community and intergenerational learning |
| Local Libraries Network (LGMA) | Hosts U3A friendship groups and meeting spaces |
| Age Friendly Ireland/Local Authorities | Link to local Age Friendly strategies |
| ETBs & Adult Education Services | Training, venues, and accreditation links |
| LEADER/PPN networks | Funding and community development support |
Contact Us
Interested? Find out more.
- Email: u3ahub@outlook.com