Dublin Legacy Programme 2026: Free 3-Day Leadership Experience for Young Professionals and Students Aged 18–25

Are you a young leader passionate about creating positive change in your community? The Dublin Legacy Programme 2026 is now accepting applications for its fifth edition, offering an exceptional opportunity for young professionals and students to develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and contribute to shaping the future of Dublin.

Scheduled to take place from 25–27 November 2026, the fully funded, three-day, in-person programme is free to attend thanks to the generous support of leading partners, including Google, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and PTSB.

This year’s theme, “Stewardship,” encourages participants to reflect on a powerful question: What has been entrusted to our care? The programme challenges young people to think beyond short-term solutions and embrace their responsibility to leave their communities, organizations, and environment stronger than they found them.

About the Dublin Legacy Programme

The Dublin Legacy Programme is a transformational leadership experience designed to empower the next generation of changemakers. It brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to explore leadership, cultural intelligence, collaboration, and social impact while addressing one of Dublin’s most important questions:

“How can we make Dublin a city for all?”

Participants will engage with experienced leaders, build meaningful relationships with peers, and gain practical skills that prepare them to lead positive change in their communities and careers.

Theme for 2026: Stewardship

The 2026 programme focuses on Stewardship, a leadership principle centered on responsibility, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Participants will explore:

• What it means to be entrusted with responsibility.
• How leadership can create lasting positive change.
• The importance of leaving organizations and communities stronger for future generations.
• Building sustainable solutions instead of temporary fixes.
• Leading with purpose, accountability, and service.

This theme encourages participants to become thoughtful leaders who create meaningful and lasting impact.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the three-day experience, participants will develop practical leadership skills while engaging in interactive workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities.

Key learning areas include:

• Leadership development.
• Cultural intelligence.
• Diversity and inclusion.
• Community engagement.
• Personal purpose and values.
• Strategic thinking.
• Storytelling and communication.
• Personal branding.
• Intergenerational leadership.
• Innovation and problem-solving.
• Social impact leadership.
• Collaborative decision-making.

Programme Structure

Day 1: Unpacking Diversity and Purpose

The first day introduces participants to the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape Dublin while encouraging self-reflection and purpose-driven leadership.

Activities include:

• Exploring diversity within local communities.
• Understanding different perspectives and lived experiences.
• Identifying personal purpose and career aspirations.
• Learning from established local leaders.
• Developing curiosity as a leadership strength.
• Understanding how asking better questions leads to better solutions.

Day 2: Your Impact and Future Vision

The second day focuses on strengthening participants’ leadership identity and preparing them to influence positive change.

Sessions include:

• Building a personal brand.
• Storytelling for leadership and influence.
• Communicating ideas effectively.
• Understanding intergenerational leadership.
• Collaborating across age groups.
• Developing bold ideas for the future of Dublin.
• Presenting innovative solutions during the Ideas Marketplace.

Day 3: Building Lasting Change

The final day continues the collaborative experience by encouraging participants to transform ideas into action through networking, reflection, and leadership planning.

Participants will leave with:

• Stronger professional networks.
• Greater confidence as emerging leaders.
• Practical tools for community impact.
• A clearer vision for creating meaningful change.

Programme Benefits

Participants will enjoy numerous benefits, including:

• Free participation.
• Three days of immersive leadership training.
• Networking with young leaders from across Dublin.
• Access to experienced facilitators and industry leaders.
• Opportunities to engage with key stakeholders.
• Improved communication and storytelling skills.
• Greater cultural intelligence.
• Enhanced leadership confidence.
• Personal branding development.
• Practical experience presenting innovative ideas.
• Lifelong connections with like-minded changemakers.

Programme Format

The Dublin Legacy Programme is delivered entirely in person over three days.

Locations:

• Day One: National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)
• Days Two and Three: Google Foundry

This immersive format encourages collaboration, networking, and hands-on learning.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for young people who:

• Want to become stronger leaders.
• Are passionate about creating positive social change.
• Care about diversity and inclusion.
• Enjoy solving community challenges.
• Want to build professional networks.
• Are interested in public leadership, business, social enterprise, or community development.
• Wish to contribute to making Dublin more inclusive and sustainable.

Why You Should Apply

Leadership is more than holding a position—it’s about making a meaningful difference. The Dublin Legacy Programme equips participants with the mindset, skills, and networks needed to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

By joining the programme, participants will become part of a growing network of emerging leaders committed to shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient Dublin.

Important Dates

Programme Dates:

• 25–27 November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as places may be limited.

Click here for more and to apply

Deadline

No application deadline has been specified in the available information. Early application is strongly recommended due to limited spaces.

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