Stranmillis launch their Spring Lifelong Learning programme

One of the benefits of working from home is the possibly of sneaking off to the cinema etc. when things are quiet. Each year I am also tempted to do some of the lifelong learning courses at Queens or Stranmillis.  Unfortunately reality gets in the way and I seldom make it away from my digital shackles.  If you have some free time the courses are really worth a look.

Are you running night/lifelong learning classes? Feel free to plug them in the comments.

Dublin tour with Eamon Phoenix

Here are the details from Stranmillis:

This month Stranmillis University College in South Belfast launches its new Spring Lifelong Learning programme . Day and evening classes range from Irish History to Painting/Outdoor Sketching and and the ever-popular ‘Big House in Ireland’.

Hidden History walking tours  include ‘Old Belfast’ and ‘In the Footsteps of Carson and Connolly’- in which resident historian, Dr Éamon Phoenix will explore sites associated with the Covenant, the Easter Rising and the Great War. ‘All Points West’ will take in the historical landmarks of West Belfast.

In this centenary year of the Dardanelles fiasco, local historian Jim McDermott presents ‘Belfast From Great War to Sectarian Conflict’ while  Joycean expert, Anne Taylor explores the famous writer’s years of exile in Trieste, Zurich and Paris. This is, as Anne puts it ‘a portrait of the artist as a mature man!’

In the ‘The Shaping of Ireland’  Dr Des O’Reilly will explore the impact of geology, climate, migrations, Plantation and Famine on this island.

Meanwhile you might consider ‘Hidden Ulster’: The Irish Language and the Two Traditions’, led by expert, Dr Ian Malcolm. Other courses include Philosophy- led by former cardiologist turned philosopher, Dr G. Campalani – and Creative Writing for Beginners. As tutor and film-maker Michael McCurley remarks: ‘An enjoyable and creative experience awaits you.’

Archaeology promises to be a big draw thanks to distinguished field archaeologist, Ruairi O Baoill fresh from excavations in Derry and Carrickfergus. Other courses cover a 1916 Rising Tour in April, ‘1798’ in Co Antrim and Georgian day trip to Dublin.

So whatever your interest, age-band or background, Stranmillis has a course for you.

For details contact Zoe McMaster on  02890 384345 or visit the Stranmillis web-site

We are reader supported. Donate to keep Slugger lit!

For over 20 years, Slugger has been an independent place for debate and new ideas. We have published over 40,000 posts and over one and a half million comments on the site. Each month we have over 70,000 readers. All this we have accomplished with only volunteers we have never had any paid staff.

Slugger does not receive any funding, and we respect our readers, so we will never run intrusive ads or sponsored posts. Instead, we are reader-supported. Help us keep Slugger independent by becoming a friend of Slugger. While we run a tight ship and no one gets paid to write, we need money to help us cover our costs.

If you like what we do, we are asking you to consider giving a monthly donation of any amount, or you can give a one-off donation. Any amount is appreciated.