BLARNEY UNITED AFC Blarney United is one of the most vibrant…read moresoccer clubs in or around the city. They field adult teams and a whole string of underage sides, catering for both boys and girls and then there is also a very busy academy. All this takes place at O'Shea Park in Riverview (Tower). Here there is a full size grass pitch with state of the art floodlights and alongside a FIFA approved full sized floodlit all-weather pitch, all overlooked by one of the best clubhouses in the area. If you are new to the area and looking for a club for yourself or your children then check this one out. http://www.blarneyunited.com

ATLANTIC POND Back in the good old days, middle of the last…read morecentury, the Atlantic Pond, close to the main GAA stadium, was a handy destination for car-less families seeking relief from the heat of the city and many a picnic of sandwiches and tea was enjoyed on its green grassy banks. The pond deteriorated after that but in recent years, the City Council have done much to restore it. The birds are back and enjoying life on the clean water and there are paths around the lake and besides you have the long walks on the Marina close at hand. The birds aren't quite as plentiful as they are in the Lough but today's visit indicated that this pleasant spot is attracting families once again and quite a few walkers and runners.

FOUNTAINSTOWN Fountainstown, let's face it, is not the…read moreprettiest of beaches. But it does have a bus service from the city and also has a large car park. It has been popular for decades and that is still the case. There is sand enough there but on my recent visit, it was covered in seaweed. In fairness, a clean-up is scheduled. There are also a fair share of small stones there and one would have thought it possible they could be periodically cleared with a tractor and rake. Maybe it is done early in the season. In any case there is more than enough to keep the kids going here. One of the main attractions, as it has been over the years, is the huge number of little pools left in the rocks as the tide retreats, more than enough to occupy the inquisitive children, not to mention the parents. Oh by the way. There was a small amount of litter there but nothing major. A good clean-up of the seaweed and this great little destination, which also has a little shop and cafe, would be in great shape for what is left of the "Indian" summer.

CURRAHEEN PARK GREYHOUND STADIUM Enjoyed quite a few good…read morenights at the old place on the Western Road but nowadays Corkonians go to the dogs in some style at the Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium. You don't even have to be a doggie man or woman as it is possible to have a top class meal here and do your betting on the spot, isolated from the elements and the smells and the yelping, though I'm sure some true blood doggie people would prefer to be down at the track side. Still, the punters have spoken, and comfort and convenience, along with a whole lot of efficiency, is what we respond to in 2010. And you will find it here. A friendly welcome at the stiles and then up you go to pick out your comfortable seated viewing point, with the bar close at hand, betting points at every corner and some won't even have to leave the seat to bet as mobile assistants are at hand. And if you haven't laid a bet in a long while, the process is clearly explained on the inside cover of the Race Book for the night, which comes free at the entrance. Big screens all over the place with loads of information on the field before the race, on the betting, on the results and on the pay-outs. The racing and betting from Shelbourne Park is also covered on-screen and they even had the Liverpool European game on screen there last night. And the night illustrated another aspect of the stadium as the progressive management here are only too willing to work with charities and clubs to enhance their funds. I was there to support the Haven meeting in aid of Haiti and it turned out to be very enjoyable. Must admit I was a bit like some of the dogs and flattered to deceive, Make a good start with the Tote but the winnings rapidly reduced as the night went on. Probably ended up evens but the real winners on the night were Haven Haiti and well done to the volunteer fund-raisers: Deirdre, Renate, Julia, Cathy and Louise. Address: Curraheen Road, Bishopstown. Tel: 1890 269 969 Web: http://www.igb.ie

TURNER'S CROSS STADIUM Turners Cross, Cork, is a modern…read more7,000 capacity stadium with seating on the four sides of the ground and floodlight facilities. It is the headquarters of the Munster Football Association which runs football, under the Football Association of Ireland, in the province. The compact ground, which boats an excellent surface, is the home stadium of Cork City Foras Co-op, the local national league team. It is also used for many local finals, from schoolboys to non-league adults. Most of these are held in May (see local press), some in April and June, and often provide good entertainment. Some national non-league finals, such as Intermediate Cup and Munster Junior and Youths Cup, are held there and my most recent visit (yesterday) was for the national semi-final of the Oscar Traynor Inter-League championship between Cork and Clare. Phone: 021 4311526

I've lost track of the amount of times I've gone here! Great Fun! Compared to other karting tracks…read moreit is cheaper also! They also host an Endurance competition once a month so if you want a bit more competition it's the place to be! Love it!

I stayed in the Hotel here and I loved it! I went with my boyfriend for a night. I love animals so…read morethats why I chose this hotel. The safari type zoo is so good :) Of course the hotel its self is 5 star which didnt hurt ;)

DOUGLAS HALL We move from the north of the city to the south…read moreas we continue to fill you in, those of you coming to work or study in Cork, on the top local soccer teams. Douglas Hall is today's port of call. Founded in 1971, the Hall are based in Moneygourney where they have quite a set up including a FIFA approved floodlit pitch. They cater for under 7s up to adults (including ladies), so Moneygourney is a busy spot. They have adult teams at all levels up to senior and, no matter what standard you are capable of, you'll find a team to suit you here. Their website http://www.douglashallafc.com is well worth a visit and the secretary may be contacted at 087 7992470.