Tag: June

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

Consumers spending 15% more with Revolut this year than last

Revolut, the European-licensed bank with more than 45 million customers worldwide, and over 2.8 million in Ireland, has crunched the numbers on Irish consumer spending over the last month, with the app’s own data revealing that two bumper weekends, a rise in tourism, and the start of the school holidays all saw spending rise.

Revolut’s consumer spending analysis tracked 55.6 million card payments in June, indicating several real-world spending trends by Ireland’s Revolut account holders. The total amount spent with Revolut has grown by over 15% (YoY increase) when comparing June 2024 with June 2023, which also accounts for the 16.5% rise in Revolut customers in Ireland in that time.

As part of its 2023 Annual Report, Revolut highlighted how its customer balances had grown across the board in Ireland by more than 50% (2022 vs 2023) and over 26% (2023 vs 2024 YTD, i.e. June). A growing number of consumers across the country are choosing from Revolut’s broad array of products, which are offered at competitive rates and provide a top-quality customer journey.

With spending on taxis, buses, and general commuter transport rising by more than 12%,  12.5%, and 4.25% respectively (MoM increases), it was clear that the June Bank Holiday, along with the final weekend of the month (which saw the Taylor Swift concerts, GAA quarter-finals, and Dublin Pride) drove a spending hike. Customers in Ireland headed for bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs more often, with spending collectively rising by more than 10% (MoM increase).

Domestic and international tourism was also a factor in Ireland’s increased Revolut spending, with June being a popular time to visit the country. There was an 11% jump (MoM increase) in hotel spending, up more than 13% compared to last June. Meanwhile, spending in souvenir shops (16% MoM increase) and tourist attractions (17% MoM increase) shot up. Car rentals also skyrocketed 35% (YoY increase), as excited holidaymakers made their way around Ireland.

With some schools signing off for summer in early June, spending on children’s activities rose. The mid-month release of Disney’s ‘Inside Out 2’ can be attributed to the over 34% rise (MoM increase) in spending in cinemas. Amusement parks (26% MoM increase) and aquariums (19% MoM increase) also proved popular in June for those with kids.

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “The 15% rise in the amount of money customers are spending with us each month is notable. While we have continued to innovate at pace for the benefit of the Irish market, we’re also doing more to become people’s primary bank. Our customers are encouraged by what they see, and we will continue to encourage more to see Revolut as the bank they go to first time, every time. Overall, the bumper month of June provided a visible uplift to a variety of economic sectors.”

Revolut, a European-licensed bank, was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, while the company ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year.

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE