The Leadership for Life Youth Conference is a unique, week-long residential event held at Maynooth University. Open to young people aged 15 to 18, the conference brings together teens from Ireland and across the world to build leadership skills, make new friends, and explore the issues that matter most to them.
Throughout the week, participants take part in workshops focused on communication, goal setting, teamwork and critical thinking. They also hear from inspiring guest speakers and have the opportunity to work towards a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (Level 6, QQI), accredited by the University of Galway.
The conference is part of Foróige’s wider Leadership for Life Programme, which supports young people to lead with empathy, confidence and purpose — in their schools, communities and beyond.
We are delighted to announce that the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference for 2026 will take place from the 27th of July to the 31st of July. The application process is now open for any Foróige members that are aged 15-18 years. Applicants can apply for a place on Module 1, Module 2, or Advanced (including video application for Advanced). They should only apply for the module that they are eligible to complete.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm Tuesday the 5th of May 2026. This is a strict deadline. We expect to be oversubscribed with applications therefore making an application will not guarantee a place.
The cost to attend the conference this year is €350 which includes all fees for the duration of the conference (excluding travel to/from the Maynooth University campus).
Applicants must be current members of a Foróige club, project or service. Applications can be made by filling out this Leadership Conference Application Form. Please note applicants for the Advanced Module must submit the accompanying video by the deadline to be considered (details on application form).
Complete Module 1 Through Irish
For the first time, we have a limited number of places to complete Module 1 through Irish at this year’s conference. Applicants should only submit an application for participating through Irish if they have a reasonable level of spoken and written Irish (e.g attend a Gaelscoil, live in a Gaeltacht area, speak Irish regularly). Applicants should rate themselves 7/10 or higher in terms of their ability to speak and understand Irish.
Those interested can submit an application via this Irish Leadership Conference Application Form. Please note as spaces are limited for this, applicants can apply for both Module 1 through Irish AND through English (there is an option to be considered for the English version on the Irish form).
Volunteer Involvement
If there are any volunteers that would be interested and suitable (volunteers should be over 21 years of age, vetted and trained in Child Protection) to be part of the leadership conference team this year, please get involved, or encourage others to get involved, by completing this Volunteer Application Form.
