"I woke up with dread. I was constantly vomiting. Most mornings I’d either feel like I was going to vomit or vomit. From the train station to the dojo there were little alleys where I’d nip down and throw up. And it was all just to get in the door.”

With everything from karate for kids to computers for the silver surfer, this year’s Cork Lifelong Learning Festival is fun, fascinating and — best of all — free.