One of Ireland's most prestigious commercial galleries, The Blackbird showcases the very best of Irish and international contemporary art.

Tivoli park was once the grounds of a castle barely two kilometres from the historic centre of Mechelen. These days you can enjoy a quiet stroll here across the large expanses of grass, past ancient trees, a highly-scented rose garden, a herb garden and other delightful nooks. Now pure white again, in 1990 the famous Belgian artist Jan Fabre wrapped the castle in sheets of paper covered with ballpoint lines for which 150,000 blue pens were required! Since 1991 the mansion has housed a catering establishment specializing in parties, seminars and the like. Drinks, snacks and lunches are served to the general public in the adjoining orangery. Small children will love meeting a whole variety of farm animals on the children's farm. Other attractions include the large bee colony and the educational nature trail where signs draw your attention to aspects of the park's history, fauna and flora.

The Memorial de La Marseillaise tells the story of Marseille and the French national anthem. It is a compact museum found on Rue Thubaneau, whose staff are very friendly to visitors and eager to share the story of the quintessentially French tune and how it came into existence - paradoxically, not in the city of Marseille at all.

The 50-hectare-plus Vrijbroek Park is situated on the outskirts of the city. It is the ideal place to walk, kick a football around or read. A visit to the magnificent rose garden is highly recommended, even if only for the seductive scent of the more than 100 different species of rose! In 2003 the World Federation of Rose Societies granted it the 'Award of Garden Excellence'. A great effort has been made to make visits informative, so for example you will find name-plates all over the garden as well as brochures of walks.