Cork city has been awarded a Purple Flag for its night-time offerings.

Aspiring pole-dancers, poets, and photographers can take some free lessons during Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival next week.

From stargazing and shiatsu to bridges towards college, a range of courses on offer around Cork this autumn can all be found under one roof next week.

Starting your own business or learning how to send a text message are among some 430 subjects covered in Cork’s lifelong learning festival all next week.

COURSES that can help take the boredom out of retirement or assist in launching a new career will all be on display at an exhibition in Cork City Hall this week.