Cork Carnival of Science Draws Record 20,000 Visitors to Fitzgerald Park

• Ireland's largest outdoor STEM celebration delivered explosive experiments, fossil discoveries and gravity-defying stunts across two action-packed days in Cork City centre

Cork's love affair with science reached new heights last weekend as an estimated 20,000 visitors flocked to Fitzgerald Park for the Cork Carnival of Science 2025. The free festival, running on 7th and 8th June, transformed the city centre park into a bustling hub of scientific discovery, complete with flying toilet paper experiments and hands-on learning that captivated families across Munster.

The two-day extravaganza, supported by Cork City Council and Research Ireland, featured everything from RTÉ's Mark the Science Guy and his electrifying Storm Chaser show to the colourful chemistry demonstrations of Bubbling Botanicals. Over 300 scientists, researchers, performers and volunteers brought more than 50 interactive exhibits to life, covering topics from microbiomes and renewable energy to sports science and robotics.

Budding palaeontologists queued to have their rock collections examined at the popular Fossil Roadshow, whilst families explored discovery zones showcasing research from Ireland's leading institutions including UCC, Tyndall National Institute, APC Microbiome Ireland, and Fota Wildlife Park.

Mervyn Horgan, Carnival of Science Organiser, said:

"The Cork Carnival of Science is about sparking curiosity and showing that science belongs to everyone. It's a free, inclusive event that encourages discovery in a way that's fun and memorable - and we're thrilled to see families returning year after year, often attending on both days. This year's event had something for everyone, from bubbling beakers, to dancing robots, a bed of nails and prehistoric fossils."

The festival's impressive scale included 45 live science shows across multiple pop-up venues, marquees and stretch tents, all running on a drop-in basis to accommodate families exploring at their own pace. Roaming science performers mixed bubbles, circus skills and sleight-of-hand to create spontaneous moments of wonder throughout the park.

Accessibility remained a priority, with sign language interpretation provided at scheduled shows and a dedicated quiet zone near the Sky Garden for visitors needing respite from the sensory excitement. Thirteen food vendors ensured families could refuel between experiments, contributing to an estimated economic impact exceeding £300,000 for the local area.

The Carnival of Science represents the flagship event in Cork City Council's ongoing commitment to STEM engagement, building on over 20 years of science education initiatives including the Lifetime Lab at the Old Cork Waterworks. By bringing research out of laboratories and into the outdoors, the festival ensures scientific discovery remains accessible and engaging for all ages.