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This article first describes the context in which people involved in adult education in Ireland are working and details some of the changes that have affected the development of the adult education service. Developments in policy and practice in adult education are discussed including two initiatives, the Adult Literacy Campaign and the Community Education program. Policy development and implementation are discussed with a focus on the National Adult Literacy Strategy. The challenge facing Ireland in this context is to increase the level of participation in lifelong learning, with adequate funding being a major issue. The article concludes that if adult and community education (ACE) in Ireland is to flourish it needs to be a high priority within the government and needs to be embedded into education policy. As well, a time-framed policy implementation plan and a coordinating structure at national level are also perceived to be essential.