Cork Carnival of Science 2024

Igniting Curiosity: Save the Date for Cork's Two-Day STEM Extravaganza, the Cork Carnival of Science popping up at Fitzgerald Park from 8th – 9th June.

Cork Carnival of Science promises a fascinating weekend of discovery where families can unearth the magic of science in the great outdoors. This highly anticipated FREE two-day free STEM festival will return from the 8th-9th of June 2024 in Fitzgerald Park, thanks to funding provided by Science Foundation Ireland and Cork City Council.  The well-loved oasis of green space within the city will be transformed overnight into a 12-acre science super park that has to be seen to be believed!

More than 75,000 people have previously attended the Cork Carnival of Science confirming its position as Ireland’s biggest outdoor STEM engagement event!  This year budding scientists are invited to unlock nature's secrets with more nature based and environmental science than ever before! Your mission (if you choose to accept it!)  is to explore, investigate, experiment, discover the wonders of science… and have fun!

This year’s Carnival of Science will be even more of a ‘blast’ with 45 different STEM based activities, 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, and discoveries big and small along the way - all for free.  New activities this year include ‘Bee-ology’ circus science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts; there’s also ‘OurKidsCode’ offering parents of primary school aged children’s taster coding club workshops which they hope will inspire a network of coding clubs around the country; while UCC will be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials. 

Adding to the long menu of science engagement opportunities will be street cuisine, picnic benches, toilet facilities, a gigantic playground, extensive gardens, the Cork Public Museum and Café all on site it truly makes for the ultimate family day out!

The programme of events will be unveiled soon but for now, families are invited to save the date for this unmissable stem-tastic weekend.

Cork Carnival of Science is supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by the Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2024 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science festival which is a superb day out for all to enjoy in the scenic and historic surrounds of Fitzgerald Park. This festival aligns with our goals of supporting STEM engagement from a young age, which is essential in keeping Cork City as a leader in scientific endeavours into the future, be it as a place to study, do research, or operate a business. I welcome the inclusion of environmental themes in this year's programme and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this free day out.”

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society in Science Foundation Ireland, commented: “SFI is delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science festival which is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with all types of science from physics to chemistry, biology and more. If you know a curious young person who loves animals, nature, outer-space, dinosaurs or magic, there will be something of interest at this event to bring science to life before their eyes and hopefully inspire some future scientists.”

Ellen Murphy, Executive Scientist at Cork City Council, said, “We’re very proud to have Ireland’s largest STEM engagement event right here in Cork, and to facilitate a greater understanding and love of science with people young and old.  This year’s event will also emphasise the wonders of the natural world and delve into lots of fascinating life science content in addition to chemistry, physics, engineering, and maths.”

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.

For more details see corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or stay tuned to social media updates from @corkcitycouncilofficial. #BelieveInScience