An exciting in-person event is to be held at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), with tours of the campus in Ringaskiddy taking place on Friday, 7 June.

The free tours are part of the 10-day Cork Harbour Festival.

Explore the fascinating world of maritime education and training while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Cork Harbour from where the festival takes place between 1-10 June.

So don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about the maritime industry and experience the NMCI first-hand as the college celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The afternoon tours will be an opportunity to meet with maritime industry representatives and to learn more about maritime careers and education.

Tickets are free, but tour booking is essential, for each tour will last for 45-50 minutes approximately and can accommodate twenty people.

To join a tour, select your timeslot (at the time of writing, some tours remain unbooked) using the link below that is directed to Eventbrite.

To book your NMCI tour, select your tour time via this link.

A new scheme to teach traditional boatbuilding skills to university level could be of huge benefit to young people from disadvantaged areas of Limerick.

The Irish Times reports that degree programmes in traditional boat craft accredited by the UK's University of Middlesex are set to take their first students in 2012.

Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney also confirmed that partnerships have been developed with the US Northwest School of Wooden Boat-building and Sail Training International.

Some 40 trainees, mostly from Limerick's designated regeneration areas, have already taken part in the restoration of the ketch Ilen, designed by record-breaking sailor Conor O'Brien.

The AKA Ilen project, set up by boat-builder Gary McMahon, is intended to "nurture self-belief and confidence through the medium of wooden boatbuilding and maritime education".

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.