Science Week Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Spectacular Cork Event and Nationwide Festivals

Ireland's Science Week returns for its milestone 30th year from 9 to 16 November, with a spectacular showcase performance by Macnas coming to Cork's Marina Market alongside hundreds of events across the country.

Coordinated by Research Ireland, this year's week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths will feature 14 festivals and a diverse range of events under the theme "Then. Today. Tomorrow."

The theme encourages people to explore how science and research have shaped modern life whilst considering future challenges and how insights from the past can influence tomorrow's decisions.

Macnas Brings Biodiversity Story to Cork

Renowned spectacle theatre company Macnas will make its Cork premiere at Marina Market on Sunday, 9 November, bringing its vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, sculptures, and puppets to the city. The performance tells a powerful story about biodiversity loss through the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland.

Known for its distinctive call, the corncrake's decline serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect habitats and biodiversity. An installation inspired by the performance will remain at Marina Market, alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest, until Thursday, 13 November.

Museum of the Moon Lands in Dublin

In Dublin, internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram will bring his breathtaking Museum of the Moon installation to Merrion Square from 13 to 15 November. The seven-metre illuminated sphere features detailed imagery of the lunar surface from NASA, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Moon up close.

Events Across Ireland

Other notable events include Then, Today and Tomorrow at Galway's aquarium on 15 November, The Science of Storytelling in Dublin on 9 November featuring neuroscientist Shane O'Mara, and the Let's Talk Science Festival celebrating its 10th anniversary at Dublin's Rediscovery Centre on 8 November.

The Midlands Science Festival will host a Teddy Bears Hospital in Athlone, introducing children to healthcare through a special pop-up experience run by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Paediatrics Society.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, said:

"For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science. Our anniversary theme of 'Then. Today. Tomorrow.' is a chance to both celebrate the endeavours of yesteryear that have brought us to where we are today, and to consider what may lie ahead for individuals, families, communities, Ireland, and the entire planet."

She praised the creativity and tireless work of local organisers and volunteers who make Science Week a vibrant, nationwide celebration.

Luke Jerram said:

"The Museum of the Moon has travelled the world, but there's something truly special about bringing it to Dublin to mark such a milestone for Science Week. It's about inspiring wonder, and seeing our shared world from a new perspective."

Most events are free to attend, with activities suitable for all ages. For more information on how to get involved, visit scienceweek.ie.