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/
