Michael Moynihan: Cork's status as a Unesco learning city — twice — is unmatched anywhere

The Lifelong Learning Festival has been a boost to Cork’s reputation around the world, writes Michael Moynihan

(Left to right) Noelle O’Regan and Cormac Mohally of UpDown Circus at the launch of the Cork Life Long Learning Festival which runs from Wednesday, April 22, to Wednesday, April 29. Photo: Darragh Kane

You can see the distinctive yellow brochure everywhere. The Cork Lifelong Learning Festival is on this week and the usual dizzying array of events is on offer — there are workshops, talks, walks, classes, performances, and other happenings available across the city.

My nose was at me about the festival so I got in touch with Seamus Ó Tuama, whose various areas of expertise range from adult education in UCC to his bowl playing column for this title. He gave me the starting point, which is Cork’s unique status as a Learning City.