Tag: carnival

10 Weird and Wonderful Scientific Theories You Can Try Out at Cork Carnival of Science this weekend

From flying toilet paper experiments to identifying ancient fossils, there is a whole lot of wild and wacky scientific fun headed to Fitzgerald Park this weekend.  The Cork City park is transforming once again into Ireland’s largest pop-up science lab as the Cork Carnival of Science returns from June 7th – 8th.

With explosive experiments, roaming performers, live shows and hands-on discovery zones, this FREE family fun weekend invites visitors explore, discover, investigate, and experiment with the science behind the world around us.

Whether you’re a curious kid, an intrigued adult, or just someone who appreciates a great day out, there’s something for you to discover!  In fact, here are ten fascinating scientific theories and concepts you can explore at this year’s festival:

1. Air Pressure Can Make Things Fly (Even Toilet Roll)
At The Air Force Show, a high-energy demonstration from Simply Science, you’ll see the principles of flight brought to life using high-speed fans, air cannons and an unlikely co-star: flying toilet paper. This dynamic show explores how unseen forces like lift and drag keep things airborne — from planes to paper.

2. Storms Are Made of Science
In Storm Chaser, RTÉ’s Mark the Science Guy recreates extreme weather phenomena indoors with a series of electrifying experiments. Expect sparks to fly as he explores the science behind lightning, thunder, and static electricity — revealing what really happens when the atmosphere turns wild.

3. Physics Is Behind Every Great Goal
If you’ve ever wondered what connects a footballer’s balance to Newton’s Laws, Science of Sport has the answer. Using agility drills, balance boards and crowd participation, Science Made Simple shows how physics, biomechanics and reaction time all play a part in performance on the pitch.

4. Fossils Tell Stories (and You Might Be Holding One)
At The Fossil Roadshow by Irish Fossil Heritage, young explorers can bring in their own rocks to be identified — learning whether they’re holding a lump of limestone or a 300-million-year-old fern fossil. It’s a chance to uncover Ireland’s prehistoric past through real-life geology and palaeontology.

5. Plants Are Tiny Chemists
In Bubbling Botanicals by Science 2 Life, budding scientists can experiment with colourful potions and fizzy reactions to discover how plants use chemistry to grow, adapt and even defend themselves. Expect bubbling beakers, vibrant colours and a few surprises in the tent on the Main Green.

6. Bubbles Reveal Invisible Forces
It might look like a pretty bit of magic, but the giant bubbles floating around Fitzgerald Park are actually lessons in surface tension and air pressure. Watch as science performers use soapy spheres to demonstrate the physics of liquids in action. It’s mesmerising and surprisingly educational!

7. Everything is under pressure

Have you got what it takes to lie on a bed of 3000+ nails and discover the mind-blowing science of pressure and force? Join the team from Explorium- Ireland’s National Sport and Science Centre to find out!

8. Optical Illusions Are Just Brainy Physics
The Circus Science Show blends sleight-of-hand, circus skills and scientific explanation to explore how the brain interprets light, sound, and motion. You’ll laugh, gasp, and probably be tricked — all while learning how our senses can fool us.

9. Plants React to the World Around Them
Plant ‘behaviour’ might sound odd, but it’s a growing field in biology. At various science stands, you’ll discover how plants move, respond to light, and even ‘communicate’ using chemical signals. It’s a leafy lesson in environmental adaptation and survival and one that makes perfect sense in the lush green setting of Fitzgerald Park!

10. Robots Can Dance (and You Can Build One)
In the innovation and discovery zones, you’ll find robotic kits, coding challenges and interactive exhibits that prove STEM is so exciting. Try your hand at simple programming or meet a robot that follows your commands — and maybe even busts a move.

From weather to wildlife, bubbles to biomechanics, Cork Carnival of Science is full of surprising moments that bring scientific ideas to life in a way that’s hands-on, exciting, and genuinely memorable. And best of all? It’s completely free.

Cork Carnival of Science 2025 is proudly supported by Cork City Council and Research Ireland with sign language interpretation available at live shows to ensure accessibility for all.

Whether you’re curious about chemistry, obsessed with the outdoors, or just love a good explosion — Cork Carnival of Science invites you to dive in, experiment, and believe in science!

For the latest updates, visit corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media. Cork Carnival of Science is proudly supported by Cork City Council, Research Ireland and media partners The Irish Examiner and Cork’s Red Fm. #BelieveInScience #CorkCarnivalOfScience

 

Spark Discovery at the Cork Carnival of Science 2025!

Prepare to unleash your inner scientist as Cork Carnival of Science returns to Fitzgerald Park on the 7th and 8th of June 2025. This FREE two-day festival, supported by Research Ireland and Cork City Council, will once again transform one of Cork Cities best loved public green spaces  into a sprawling outdoor science lab, where minds of all ages can experiment, explore, and experience the thrill of scientific discovery.

With more than 75,000 visitors attending in previous years, the Cork Carnival of Science has cemented its place as Ireland’s largest outdoor STEM festival. Whether you’re captivated by the wonders of the natural world, fascinated by cutting-edge technology, or eager to try mind-bending experiments, this event is designed to fuel curiosity and fan the flames of innovation.

This year’s festival will feature an even more dynamic programme, spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and environmental science. From the tiniest molecular reactions to large-scale experiments that make you go “WOW,” every corner of Fitzgerald Park will be buzzing with scientific potential!

Highlights of this 2 day weekend of wonder include:

  • Electrifying live science shows in the Circus Top and Stretch Tents

  • Hands-on experiments and workshops to test, tinker, and create

  • Fascinating exhibits showcasing real-world science in action

  • Roaming science performers bringing unexpected experiments, gravity defying stunts and bubble magic to the crowd

  • Nature-focused activities exploring ecosystems, wildlife, and the environment

  • STEM challenges that puzzle, provoke, and inspire

(Additional programme details to yet to be announced)

Beyond the scientific spectacle, families can soak up the atmosphere with street food stalls, picnic areas, lush gardens, the Cork Public Museum, a huge playground, and on-site facilities, making it the perfect place for an exciting, educational, and entertaining day out.Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2025 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science which is a superb day out for all to enjoy engaging in STEM activities. Once again, the event will take place in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park. This free family festival is essential in keeping Cork City at the forefront of scientific endeavours into the future and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great day out.”

Cork Carnival of Science is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and inclusive. Sign language interpretation will be available at live shows, and a quiet zone near the Sky Garden will provide a calm space for those who prefer a less sensory-stimulating environment.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2025 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science which is a superb day out for all to enjoy engaging in STEM activities. Once again, the event will take place in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park. This free family festival is essential in keeping Cork City at the forefront of scientific endeavours into the future and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great day out.”

Celine Fitzgerald, interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: “Research Ireland are delighted to support the Cork Carnival of Science under the Discover Programme. Science is about asking questions, experimenting, and seeing the world from new perspectives. This festival brings that spirit to life, offering a unique opportunity for families to engage with science in creative and interactive ways. Whether you’re fascinated by the cosmos, curious about how things work, or just love a good experiment, there’s something here for everyone.”

Mervyn Horgan of Lifetime Lab who oversees the organisation of the Carnival of Science said:“The Carnival of Science continues to evolve, and this year’s event will highlight not only physics, chemistry, and engineering but also our deep connections with nature and environmental science. It’s a brilliant opportunity for all ages to see the magic of STEM in action.”

The full programme will be unveiled soon, but for now, be sure to save the date for this unmissable science extravaganza.

For updates, visit corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media. #BelieveInScience

Cork Carnival of Science which will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a STEM playground from 8th-9th June

There’s only one week to go until Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, pops up at Fitzgerald Park from 8th – 9th June.  Don’t miss out on this STEMTASTIC FREE family science fun weekend!

Supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by Cork City Council’s Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks Experience,  the hugely impressive and high quality 2 day STEM engagement event will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a science super park for one weekend only!

Curious kids and fun-loving families are  invited to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science, which will delve into climate and the natural world from a scientific point of view.

Almost 25,000 people attend each year and this year’s budding scientists are invited to unlock nature’s secrets and explore more than 45 different STEM based activities.  There will be 26 live seated science shows in Circus Top and Stretch Tents, demonstrations throughout the scenic park, walkabout scientific performers, the animal roadshow, interactive stands, an active zone, microscopic wonders, lego mania, remote controlled robots, DNA investigations,  and discoveries big and small along the way – all for free.

Topping the bill are, of course, the live science shows performed by stars of the science education and entertainment realm. These seated shows  draw large crowds and offer regular performances throughout the day.  This year’s headliners include Airforce’ by Simply Science physicists Dr. Stephen Davitt and Phil Smyth from RTÉ’s Home School Hub, ‘The Crazy Weather Show’ by Science 2 Life’s wonderfully dramatic Scientific Sue, ‘Now that’s what I call Science’ by W5 from Belfast ‘Its Only Water’ by Science Made Simple,  ‘Airheads’ by Thunder Bolts & Lightning and ‘The Circus Science Show’ by Inspirational Science.

New activities on the programme for 2024 include ‘Bee-ology’ a circus-science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts.  There’s also ‘OurKidsCode’ offering parents of primary school aged children  taster coding club workshops which they hope will inspire a network of coding clubs around the country.   UCC will be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials. Also new on Discovery Drive will be the Curiosity Cube where kids can join the team from Merck and investigate the life cycle of a t-shirt in a fun and hands-on way.

Also new is the activity from INSIGHT  which presents “Discover the Enchanted Bog-‘ and brings an ancient discovery in an Irish bog to life through  Science and Creative Writing.

‘Saérlaith’ is the name given to  skeleton was found deep in a bog in Roscommon by turfcutters in 2005 and carbon dated to the 7th century (14 hundred years ago). Join INSIGHT at Discovery Drive between 11am and 5pm as Saérlaith tells stories about her bog and all its enchantments. Learn about miraculous mosses and their carbon capture, snigger with the snipe as you discover how these birds make their extraordinary sounds, get curious with CO2 as you watch it being taken up by sphagnum moss and help Saérlaith put her shattered cloak back together as we restore the bog! Practical Workshops led by Professor Jools Gilson & sound artist Benjamin Burns happen twice a day following the enchanted bog tent activities. The timings for these are 12.00 – 12.45 Letters to Saérlaith: Creative Writing & Movement [Ages 6 – 12] and 14.30 – 15.00 Sounds for Saérlaith: Sound Workshop [Ages 5 – 10]. Note that places are limited and are assigned on a first come first served – max. 10 per workshop. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

This year’s theme will put nature under the microscope with a number of activities. The Irish Tree Network will take you on a remarkable journey through the world of plants where you will learn about plants as sources of oxygen, food, fuel and medicine, habitats, mitigators in climate change and importance in health and wellbeing.  The Marine Institute will bring their Explorers Education Programme which aims to encourage greater understanding of the marine world and encourage more young people to become ocean champions in Ireland. Cork’s very own Lifetime Lab will be on hand to demonstrate the use of microscopes to get up and close with mini beasties from our rivers and the Animal Roadshow will bring along their petting zoo featuring lizards, snakes, spiders, owls, frogs and more.

Large scale favourites making a welcome return include the Stardome Giant Inflatable Planetarium from Blackrock Castle Observatory and the  40ft walkthrough inflatable model of the human digestive system from APC Microbiome Ireland, while the Active Zone will feature a host of ‘science of sport’ activities facilitated by Transport for Ireland, Cork City Sports Partnership, IRFU and FAI.

Guiding you on your scientific adventure will be themed routes including ‘Exploration Avenue’, ‘Innovation Way’ and ‘Discovery Drive’ which will map out where rows of workshops and interactive experiences are located within the park. Here hands-on workshops will offer the chance to try out a broad variety of science-based tasks.

Families wishing to make a day of it will delight in the opportunity to bring a leave no trace picnic or choose from the 12 food trucks  located near the Rose Garden section of the park, which will have plenty of picnic tables and space to lay a picnic blanket. All the food operators are Cork based with the lineup including: Bo burgers and steaks, Bad Boys BBQ, Dinky Donuts, Sultan Delight, Munchies, Bubble Waffle House, O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company, Glanmire Ices, Keith’s Cones, Pizza base, Candy Rock Lane, The Crepe Man. On Sunday at 12.30 a Youth Orchestra will perform near the picnic area, adding some extra ambiance.

Accessibility is a key focus to ensure enjoyment for all, and in consultation with the Deaf Community in Cork, provision will again be made by Cork Carnival of Science to ensure sign language interpretation is available at live show performances and for ad hoc requests. They will also have a designated quiet zone in the area near the Sky Garden (where the reflective silver spheres are) which might be useful for young children or those with noise sensitivities.

Make sure to scan the QR Code for the festival brochure on arrival, this includes a colourful map of Fitzgerald’s Park with all the festival attractions laid out alongside the key what, where and when details of shows, workshops, and demonstrations to check out throughout the weekend.