1. Seisiun singing Sing Out Sunday takes over Dublin’s Helix Theatre this weekend for an event never before seen in Ireland, a ‘mass choir get-together’ led by The Voice UK’s vocal coach Mark De-Lisser.

Des O’Sullivan reports from Fonsie Mealy’s sale in Castlecomer last week.

Des O’Sullivan expects a lot of collector interest in an unusual sale taking place in Castlecomer next week.

Take one sumptuous regency mansion, stuff it full of magical Christmas cheer, add in more than a sprinkle of goodwill and, hey presto — you have the perfect festive recipe for kids who deserve nothing less.

* East Cork Flower Club are holding a demonstration with Angela Heffron, AOIFA on Monday, April 7, at 8pm in St. John the Baptist National School, Midleton.

* Make and Take wedding flowers for DIY brides is a half-day workshop on April 2, 1.30-6.30pm.

The public will be able to tour more than 40 historic buildings and enjoy a medieval day as part of Cork Heritage Open Day.

Bidders for the jewel in Cork’s €20m tourism crown came from India, Taiwan, the US, Europe, China, and Cork — with a Chinese family, the Kangs, yesterday coming up trumps.

Irish was the only subject on the timetable for Junior Certificate students, but ordinary level candidates had just a single paper to sit and the afternoon off for study or relaxation.

WOULD you like to give your best friend an unusual gift? A rare or unusual plant perhaps, rather than a gift voucher for lunch? I have always believed that the gift of a plant is like no other.

American classical pianist, David Syme, has played to audiences of 10,000 at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre, in New York, and the Kennedy Centre, in Washington DC.

Making fresh cider or restoring centuries-old furniture and art are among the exciting work available to volunteers for the year ahead at Fota House.

The tourism minister paid tribute yesterday to everyone who helped to save, protect and conserve historic Fota House in Cork since it came into public ownership almost 40 years ago.

One of Cork’s best known market streets will host a huge festival celebrating the city’s heritage and music as part of this year’s heritage day event.

Many guests have enjoyed the delights of Amberleigh. Now it could be your turn, writes Trish Dromey

The Irish Heritage Trust has unveiled the results of an almost €11m four-year restoration programme at historic Fota House.

THE 500-acre Fota Island Resort in Cork harbour, which is expected to make between €20 million and €25m, is to get an international sales campaign in January.

With growing interest in historic homes, Regina Sexton says Fota House has one of the best preserved kitchens in the country

BUILT in the 19th century by Irish architect Sir Richard Morrison, the Kerry glebe at Milltown needs the ministrations of a good designer and builder.

A FAMOUS art and furniture collection originally displayed in Fota House in Cork some 30 years ago is back in the famous residence following a donation by a local business and AIB.

FOTA HOUSE has been hailed by Environment Minister John Gormley as a model of how Ireland’s historical properties can be secured as heritage assets.

FOTA HOUSE in Cork is set to become the first historic Irish building to come under the stewardship of the Irish Heritage Trust — an organisation established in 2006 to preserve properties of historic and cultural significance.

THE Irish Heritage Trust (IHT) is expected to take over responsibility for historic Fota House in Co Cork within months.

The Government today announced €18.56m in grants for conservation projects around the country like Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin and Co Mayo’s Westport House.

A REDEVELOPED stately home could deal with up to 10,000 visitors a week, a Bord Pleanála oral hearing was told yesterday.

IN her excellent article on Fota (Weekend Examiner, January 21), Mary Leland suggests that the Office of Public Works (OPW) should take over Fota House.

TRUSTEES of Fota House are satisfied the government is “giving serious consideration” to taking over the property and securing its future as a visitor attraction.

THE financial crisis surrounding one of Ireland's best-known stately homes deepened yesterday, when management announced they had been left with no alternative but to close it to the public on weekdays.

HAVING spent a whopping 42 million turning Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park into a plush hotel for visiting EU dignitaries, it behoves the Government to underwrite the survival of one of Ireland’s architectural and horticultural gems.

ONE of Ireland’s best known stately homes will be forced to close to the public early next year unless the Government steps in with financial assistance.