It would be easy to be a bit cruel about the ark, it feels a bit basic and the staff are mostly the…read morearty type who are overly zealous proponents of "worthy" pursuits and they dress funny. The above is probably all true too... but that is not the point of the ark. For a start, I'm not the target audience; it doesn't cover the ethos of the place as a whole nor indeed does it even scratch the surface of the imagination, hard work, dedication and creativity of the staff. They seem to be able to tap into those parts of a child's brain that brings out the creative and possibly undoes some of the damage caused by too much spongebob. Brilliant place, I love it.

This is a wonderful place to inspire young children mostly interested in the arts…read more It boosts an indoor and also an outdoor theatre, gallery and workshop. The programmes are apparantly organised by children-and obviously for children. But trust me, you might doubt that once you've seen their work. A very educational centre definately worth visiting for the kids.

The Ussher is my favourite of the Trinity libraries. The basement is full of interesting…read moreperiodicals on topics ranging from literature to psychology to geography. The first floor was my old hangout, where English literature from all over the world was housed on endless shelves, alongside psychology texts. Second floor is French, history of art and music (history, criticism and scores), third floor is languages, fourth is classics, ancient history and philosophy, and the fifth is given over to religion. The building itself has been highly acclaimed internationally for its innovative design. Depending on where you seat yourself, you can bask in sunlight or hide away in the shadows. The layout is very open plan, which means you are forced to save the snoozes for later and concentrate despite the distractions happening all around. The side wall of the library has floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows looking out onto the playing fields and the Pav student bar, which was a very big distraction indeed. I was lured away from my studies on many occasions towards the end of summer term by the sight of the crowds gathered on the grass drinking cans in the sun.

I really dislike the exterior of the Ussher library, like someone was trying to play the part of a…read moreradicalist and inject some weird mode of laissez-faire into a landscape they thought of as being overflowing with grandiose buildings. Those buildings of course convey what makes Trinity so enchanting, historical buildings set within an imposing campus. Instead of being a noninterventionist little horror and trying to sway the sense of convention Trinity exudes the architect Ahrends Burton Koralek would have done, in my opinion a more gratifying job creating something more complimentary and in some ways more respectable (without trying to sound like a grouchy granny) to what already stands. Sticking out a sore thumb, the Ussher exterior (that consists of ashen grey concrete akin to a gnarled Soviet Block) couldn't appear more uninspiring if it tried. Thankfully when you get inside things become somewhat more rousing. The bookshelves are all positioned in a slanting fashion so that the light shining in does not discolour the aging books too much. The second floor reading room offers panoramic views of Trinity's playing field and Pavillion bar, certainly one of the most stirring views in Dublin. On a summer's day this view offers a wanted distraction away from your tedious revision, although be careful that a 'wanted distraction' does not become a half hour musing looking across the playing field and watching the crowd in The Pav get bigger as the time gets later. For study purposes this library offers more than adequate study facilities and is a very easy to concentrate within. This library is only one of five legal depositories in the UK and Ireland, which means the College is legally entitled to a copy of every book published in Great Britain and Ireland, and consequently receives over 100,000 new items every year. Anyone that can produce a university ID card from any university in the world is able to gain admission to the reading rooms within the library. If however you are not able to produce this yet still wish to gain access then it is recommended you enter via the main entrance and speak to the steward on duty who may be able to access you a day pass on grounds that you are doing research. Whether you wish to read porn, pokemon or Poe it's all under one roof and within the prevailing and comfortable interior that the Ussher proffers. Don't be put off by the bleak exterior, just head straight inside to pander to the world's literature.

Best disabled school ever it runs like any other school but gives disabled kids extra in what they…read moreneed

The Students Union are pretty good in UCD but I found that you have to make an effort yourself to…read morekind of recognise their presence. The building is down at the bottom of campus next to the sports centre and there are plans in progress to have a new SU building built in a few years. There is a cafe in here which is actually really good, great priced fast food here. They also have a little kiosk where they sell sweets and junk. They have a pharmacy here too which is pretty handy and upstairs there is the doctors so anyone with a problem can just pop up and they can be seen to (although expect a long wait at times!) There's a corridor where the main sabbatical officers are based and during my time at UCD they were always great, although i'm a little biased as some of them were close friends.

This school is totally unique in Ireland - it is the only school - special school - to cater for…read morechildren with autism, who are emotionally disturbed and mentally handicapped. The Staff here - both teachers and Care Staff alike - have a real vocation. They exude compassion, patience, considerable understanding, and a willingness to reach out and understand these profoundly different children cut off from the outside world. The Music and Physical education programmes that they run, are meaningful and a great outlet for these unique children; also heralding great fun and enjoyment for them. The staff also deserve great credit and kudos because some of the children can exhibit acute aggression. This school is a godsend and contributing in an unseen way to better understanding of autism and emotional disturbance.

The People's College was originally set up to offer educational classes to workers, and it still…read morecontinues that philosophy today providing courses for trade unionists and their families. They've also opened up the courses to members of the public as well. The college offers courses on quite a few European languages, as well as some music courses (more along the traditional vein). They also offer social studies courses, and things like a debating society. It's worth a look if you're looking for something extra to do in the evenings or are thinking of taking up a new hobby.

St. Matthew's is where I spent my formative years, aged five to eleven, and I have very fond…read morememories of the school. With a student population hovering around the 100 mark, the school was a small community rather than an institution. There were only four teachers to control us all, and two or three classes were thrown in together under the one teacher's supervision. We grew up through the ranks knowing everyone in the school, the young looked out for the old and we all played together in the playground at lunch. We had no uniform and received no religious education, girls had best friends who were boys and out of the 12 people in my own class I still see at least five of them on a regular basis, which must be a good sign almost 15 years on. Needless to say, I'm sure a lot has changed since my day. The school building has expanded outwards and upwards, and all of the staff have changed. But I still here good reports about the school, and it occupies a very special place in my heart.

Excellent Girls only local primary school in Kilcock. My…read moredaughter attended this school and we found it to be a great school. With lots of little activities such as skipping in the school yard (all little girls should learn to skip). Irish dancing lessons once a week. Recorder lessons (yes we all ended up deaf in our house). In the last few years a large next extension was added to the school and the older portion modernised. Leaving a nice environment for the girls to enjoy their school years