I am in love with the local library, it is such a GREAT service to the local community. I can't…read morestop talking about it to anybody and everybody! It is free to join, can take out up to 12 books, reserve books through the app and you can use the library card in any library within Ireland. You can also return your books to any of the libraries wi to in Ireland as well. They have such a variety of books to choose from and live having a look through the selection of books they have. Can't wait to go back to borrow or return my books

So-so! An okay fiction section but not extensive in other areas…read more Lovely friendly staff though!

FRANK O'CONNOR LIBRARY 01.10.10 Fair play to the management…read moreof the Frank O'Connor City Library in Mayfield: they always seem willing to give an artist an chance. Called in there the other day and found a solo by young Silverheights artist Keith Wright and an exhibition by a local amateur group. Some of the ladies in the amateur group were taken with the quality of Wright's work. He had just a handful of paintings on display and most recreated actual moments from the history of the Second World War. His captions showed that quite a lot of research had gone into the scheme as, in the case of fighter planes (one shown strafing a Normandy beach), the type of plane and the pilot's name were mentioned. There is a limited market obviously for this type of painting, though his prices (€200-300) were reasonable but, if the local ladies are right, Keith is on the way up and will be breaking the limits in the future. I am a regular visitor to the Frank O'Connor Library. It is a fantastic facility, supplying not only books but also films and music on videos, DVD and CD. The staff are extremely helpful and there is even a home delivery service for those who are ill. You can also help yourself by going online where you may order or renew your books etc. It also hosts special events and all during September - every Wednesday - the spotlight is on the famous Frank O'Connor, after whom the library is named. A terrific and friendly service at a very reasonable cost

This is my second review because a lady behind the desk was so kind to me today....and I wish I had…read moregot her name but I will be returning and I will get it then. She had such a lovely warm manner and lovely eyes and she made my day thank you

I know it's unfair to compare this to other jail tours in Ireland but it's really hard not to. The…read morearchitecture was gorgeous but the history was all quite surface level. I do appreciate them trying something different in tackling the stories of the jail and its prisoners.

This is a gem that all must visit. And take the guided tour!!! Rory was a great tour guide and…read moredidn't even feel like an hour plus had gone by. Fiona was always very nice and informative at the gift shop. Don't be deterred during the winter time, just dress in some layers and enjoy the ambience of the space!

Cork tends to hide it's best cultural assets. The Cork Vision Centre is a perfect example of this…read more Hidden in an old church, this gallery sort of blends into the dilapidated surroundings of North Main Street. Inside, however is a modern, well thought out space. Much of the ground floor is taken up by a painstakingly detailed model of Cork city.It's an odd attraction, but it shows off the city in a way that most people would never consider. The exhibits are divided between the ground floor and a small raised platform. Not ideal, but there's still plenty of space to go daydream in. The exhibitions themselves are a little left-field, but interesting nonetheless. Well worth a stroll through.

CORK VISION CENTRE (20.01.10) Made a visit today to the Cork…read moreVision Centre to see the John Adams series of Cork paintings. The works are in the main representational and you will recognise the well loved landmarks of the city (such as St Fin Barre's Cathedral) and some new ones also (e.g. the Elysian). My favourite perhaps is the work depicting St Peter's Church, the very building in which the exhibition (closes 28th) is being held. The paintings are mostly large scale, suitable for big buildings and indeed one, of the Blackrock Castle Observatory, is on loan from the City Council. I brought my guest today upstairs to see the exhibition of Examiner photos from the first half of the previous century (mainly) and she was much more taken with this display, as I was on my first visit some time back. Highly recommended - see previous post. VISION CENTRE 18-11-09 Expect the unexpected is the motto of the Cork Vision centre in North Main Street. Well the unexpected for me was the photo display upstairs: The Way Cork Was. The photos, sub titled "Echoes of the Past" are from the local Examiner newspaper archive and, in the main, cover the first half of the 20th century. Some great high quality shots here and sure to bring back memories. For me, a picture of the Lee Hosiery (just across the road from the Centre) struck a chord as I worked there, though long after the photo was taken! The Centre, in St Peter's Church (1788), has quite a large exhibition area and there is a change about once a month. The main show at present is a largely average collection of landscape photos and next month (Dec) it will host the Irish Architecture Awards 2009, an overview of leading contemporary practice in Ireland. The highlight at the moment though is the display upstairs though native and tourist alike will be interested in the detailed 1:500 scale model of the city which stretches the length of the ground floor. see also: http://corkandabout.blogspot.com/

I visited this Heritage Center just a few days after its opening this month..... what a fantastic…read moreexperience! If you travel to Lismore you will find you are unable to enter the Castle because it is a private residence. However, visit the Heritage Center and you will be treated to a fabulous 3D Experience. Absolutely amazing! Learn the history of the Castle and then spend time visiting this lovely town. If you go on a Sunday there is an open air market to enjoy, as well.

Free admittance with a free guided tour through the castle - and in my opinion although smaller,…read moreBarryscourt is way better than Blarney. Our tour guide was excellent and very informative. The castle has been (and continues to be) restored so you get to see each floor as it might have been not just stone rooms without floors like at Blarney. There's a lovely small garden and an orchard within the walls. Close to Fota House and Gardens this is an excellent stop while you're in the area and you can make a full day out of it by also visiting Fota. Fota Gardens and Arboretum are also free.

BARRYSCOURT CASTLE Paid my first visit in decades to…read moreBarryscourt Castle, an impressive relic of the 16th century court of the Barry family. Impressive enough as a stark ruin in the 80s but now it's much improved and well worth a visit, particularly since there is no charge at all, and that includes the guided tour of the interior. Time was short yesterday so we contented ourselves with a walk around the outside of the castle itself, through the herb garden and a large orchard. There are records of an orchard there since the 13th century and this one, with dozens of apple varieties, is laid out according to the 16th century manner. There are smaller plantings of pears and quinces. There is an information office with very helpful and friendly staff, toilets and a cafe and it is just off the main national road (N25). It is a very pleasant visit indeed and I'll be back for a longer stay, perhaps during Heritage Week which takes place in venues across the country from August 21st. Most events are free to enter, some have reduced charges. This is one of many available. See the Heritage Ireland site http://www.heritageireland.com or pick up the comprehensive National Heritage Week brochure at your local library. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/BarryscourtCastle/ Tel: +353 21 488 3864