Science Week Ireland – Nationwide 2025

Background & History

Science Week Ireland, organized by Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland, SFI), is a week-long, nationwide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), running from November 9–16, 2025. Launched in 1996, it engages millions through hundreds of events across Ireland, involving schools, libraries, universities, and communities.

The festival promotes STEM education, public engagement, and industry collaboration, with a mission to drive Ireland’s economy and societal progress. In 2024, it hosted over 1,000 events, including festivals in eight regions (e.g., Dublin, Galway, Cork). Highlights like SOLARIS (a creative star lifecycle project) and Turas Alf (a climate-themed puppet journey) reflect its innovative approach. Science Week 2025, themed “Connect” (TBC), aims to be the most ambitious yet, fostering inclusive STEM engagement.

Event Highlights

• Regional Festivals: Eight festivals (e.g., Galway Science & Technology Festival, Cork Science Festival) with talks, demos, and exhibitions.
• School Programs: Free STEM workshops and talks for primary and secondary schools, nationwide.
• SOLARIS Project: Interactive journey through a star’s lifecycle, at select venues.
• Turas Alf / Alf’s Journey: Climate-focused events with a giant Smooth Newt puppet, various locations.
• Public Talks & Exhibitions: Free STEM talks by researchers and industry leaders at libraries and colleges.
• Workshops & Demos: Hands-on activities (e.g., coding, robotics) at regional hubs, some requiring registration.
• Family-Friendly Events: Free science shows and interactive exhibits for all ages.

City

• Nationwide, Ireland: Events in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, and other regions, coordinated from Dublin.

Main Event Address

• Administrative Office: Research Ireland, Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65 (inquiries only, not an event venue).
• Event Locations: Various venues nationwide, including universities, libraries, and regional festival hubs (e.g., University of Galway, University College Cork). Check www.sfi.ie for specific venues.

Date & Duration

• Dates: November 9–16, 2025 (Sunday–Sunday).
• Duration: 8 days.

Venue / Location

Events occur nationwide at multiple venues, including:

• Dublin: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, libraries (e.g., Pearse Street Library).
• Galway: University of Galway (Galway Science & Technology Festival).
• Cork: University College Cork (Cork Science Festival).
• Limerick: University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College.
• Other Regions: Libraries, schools, and community centers (e.g., Sligo, Waterford).
• Note: Full venue list and event schedule announced October 2025; check www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week.

Contact Information

• Email: scienceweek@researchireland.ie (event inquiries); info@researchireland.ie (general inquiries).
• Phone: +353 (0)1 607 3200 (Research Ireland office).
• Website: www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week
• Social Media: Follow @ScienceWeek on X, @ScienceWeekIreland on Facebook, @ResearchIreland on Instagram and TikTok.
• Address: Research Ireland, Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65 (inquiries only).
• Registration: Free events, some requiring pre-registration via www.sfi.ie or Eventbrite (search “Science Week Ireland 2025”).

Ticket Information

• Access: Most Science Week events are free and open to the public. Some workshops or specialized events (e.g., advanced coding sessions, lab tours) may require pre-registration due to limited capacity.
• How to Register: Check www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week for event listings and registration links, typically via Eventbrite or direct forms. Contact scienceweek@researchireland.ie for group bookings or accessibility needs. No tickets required for open events; registration details announced October 2025.
• Cost: Free, except for select workshops with nominal fees (~€5–€10, ~$5.60–$11.20 USD, TBC).
• Kids (Under 18): Free for all family-friendly events, with adult supervision for some activities.
• Additional Notes:
  • Registration may be required for school programs or high-demand events.
  • Terms: Attendees must adhere to venue policies; disruptive behavior may lead to removal.
  • Subscribe to the Science Week Newsletter at www.sfi.ie for updates.

Cultural Significance

Science Week Ireland is a cornerstone of STEM engagement, promoting scientific literacy and innovation since 1996. It bridges academia, industry, and communities, with 40% of Research Ireland grants involving industry collaboration (e.g., 399 SMEs, 491 MNCs). Regional festivals and projects like Turas Alf highlight Ireland’s commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change. The festival’s economic impact supports local businesses, while its inclusive approach, including free events and accessibility efforts, aligns with Ireland’s goal to lead in global research.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Varies by location; most offer snacks and drinks (~$3–$7 USD).
  • Dublin: Trinity College Dublin (cafés, $5–$10 USD); Pearse Street Library (vending, ~$2–$5 USD).
  • Galway: University of Galway (canteens, $5–$12 USD).
  • Cork: University College Cork (cafés, $5–$10 USD).
• Nearby Dining (Dublin):
  • The Silk Road Café: Chester Beatty Library, Dublin 2 (Middle Eastern, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from Three Park Place).
  • Gerard’s Deli: 14 Hatch Street Lower, Dublin 2 (sandwiches, $7–$12 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • The Green Hen: 33 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 (French-Irish, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Limited to licensed venues (e.g., university bars or nearby pubs); no outside alcohol at events.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free science shows, demos, and exhibitions for all ages, with activities like robotics and chemistry experiments.
  • School programs for primary and secondary students, pre-booked via schools or www.sfi.ie.
  • Supervision is required for kids under 16 at most events.
• Accessibility:
  • Research Ireland is partially compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, working with IA Labs and NCBI to improve website accessibility (e.g., alt text for images, better link text).
  • Major venues (e.g., Trinity College Dublin, University of Galway) are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted events offered at select locations (details October 2025).
  • Contact scienceweek@researchireland.ie for accommodations or feedback on accessibility issues.
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km from Dublin city center, 20-minute drive); Shannon Airport (SNN, 25 km from Limerick, 25-minute drive); Cork Airport (ORK, 8 km from Cork city, 15-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Dublin: Dublin Bus (e.g., Route 14 to Hatch Street, ~$2 USD); Luas Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green (5-minute walk to Three Park Place).
  • Galway: Bus Éireann Route 401 to University of Galway (~$2 USD); Irish Rail to Ceannt Station (10-minute walk).
  • Cork: Bus Éireann Route 205 to University College Cork (~$2 USD); Irish Rail to Kent Station (10-minute walk).
• By Car: Parking varies by venue; Dublin (Three Park Place, ~€3/hour, $3.36 USD); Galway (University of Galway, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD); Cork (UCC, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from DUB (~$15–$25 USD), SNN (~$20–$30 USD), or ORK (~$10–$20 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Regional Festivals: November 9–16, in eight regions (e.g., Galway Science & Technology Festival, Cork Science Festival), featuring talks, demos, and exhibitions.
  • SOLARIS: Creative project on star lifecycles, at select venues.
  • Turas Alf / Alf’s Journey: Climate-themed events with a Smooth Newt puppet, various locations.
  • School Programs: Free STEM workshops for primary and secondary schools, nationwide.
• Expected Events:
  • Public Talks: Free lectures by researchers at libraries and universities (~50–100 events).
  • Workshops & Demos: Hands-on STEM activities (e.g., robotics, coding), some requiring registration (~$5.60–$11.20 USD for select paid workshops).
  • Family Science Shows: Free interactive exhibits at regional hubs, November 15–16.
  • Virtual Events: Online talks and demos in h264 1080p format, accessible via www.sfi.ie.
• Note: Full program and registration details announced October 2025; check www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Over 1,000 events, including SOLARIS and Turas Alf, with record attendance at Galway and Cork festivals.
• 2023 Highlights: Focus on climate and technology, with interactive VR exhibits and talks by SFI-funded researchers.
• Past Partners: Collaborations with 399 SMEs and 491 MNCs, enhancing STEM impact.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco-Friendly Events: Turas Alf promotes climate awareness; recycling bins at venues.
• Digital Access: Virtual events reduce travel emissions (h264 1080p format).
• Local Partnerships: Supports regional businesses and universities.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBC; check www.sfi.ie.

Educational Impact

• School Programs: Free STEM workshops for primary and secondary students, fostering early engagement.
• Public Talks: Free lectures by SFI-funded researchers, promoting scientific literacy.
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions (e.g., coding, robotics) for students and adults, some requiring registration.
• Industry Collaboration: 40% of SFI grants involve industry, linking education to real-world impact.

Cultural Activities

• SOLARIS: Interactive star lifecycle project, blending art and science, at select venues.
• Turas Alf / Alf’s Journey: Climate-focused puppet events, engaging communities on environmental issues.
• Science Tours: Guided STEM tours at universities or museums, free or ~$5.60 USD (book via www.sfi.ie).
• Family Science Shows: Free interactive exhibits, November 15–16, at regional hubs.

Travel Tips

• Register Early: High-demand workshops (e.g., lab tours) require pre-registration; book via www.sfi.ie in October 2025.
• Weather Prep: November in Ireland (40–50°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Dublin (Trinity College, free tours); Galway (Spanish Arch, free); Cork (English Market, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains nationwide.
• Festival Info: Check www.sfi.ie for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions (Dublin, Administrative Base)

• Trinity College Dublin: College Green, Dublin 2 (10-minute walk from Three Park Place, Book of Kells $18 USD).
• Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (10-minute walk, $8 USD).
• St. Stephen’s Green: Dublin 2 (5-minute walk, free).
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 (15-minute drive, $18 USD).
• Guinness Storehouse: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8 (10-minute drive, $20 USD).

Accommodation Options (Dublin, Administrative Base)

• Hotels:
  • The Shelbourne: 27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Camden Court Hotel: Camden Street, Dublin 2 ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Ariel House, 50-54 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Hostels: Generator Dublin, Smithfield Square, Dublin 7 ($20–$50 USD/night, 15-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Dublin city apartments ($70–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the November peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; the nearest hospital in Dublin is St. James’s Hospital (10-minute drive from Three Park Place).
• Security: Bag checks at some venues; Garda presence; adherence to venue policies required.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor events.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for outdoor events.