From Micro to Mega fauna: Marine Institute Explorers Dive into Science Week 2026

The Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme is thrilled to announce its action-packed tour for nationwide Science Week 2026 celebrations, joining forces with the 29th Galway Science and Technology Festival and regional festivals across the country to celebrate all things water!

For two decades, the Explorers Education Programme has brought marine science to life and sparked a passion for ocean literacy across Ireland. “With this year’s Science Week theme celebrating water, it is the perfect time to showcase the ocean’s wonder,” Dr Noírín Burke of the Explorers Education Programme said, “We are proud to celebrate 20 years of marine education by bringing the ocean into classrooms and communities nationwide through our event series, ‘What Water Means to Us: Micro plankton to Mega marine fauna!’ 

Ireland’s vast marine territory is one of the largest in the EU, with our seabed accounting for ten times our land mass. "This makes Ireland a true blue country, where our incredible ocean and seas are home to fascinating species, from microscopic phytoplankton, visiting leatherback sea turtles to glowing deep-sea fish, gigantic basking sharks, and mega blue whales," said Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute.

"Each year, marine scientists at the Marine Institute collect vital information about marine species from the deepest ocean trenches right to our shores, tracking changes and revealing how the ocean shapes our daily lives. Scientists also monitor our climate using cutting-edge marine tech and research our deep connection with the marine environment," said Ms Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers Education Programme.

"The Marine Institute has spearheaded and supported groundbreaking discoveries across Ireland—from mapping the ocean floor to discovering deep-sea cold-water corals, protecting vulnerable species, and discovering hydrothermal vents in the mid-Atlantic," explained Ms Dromgool-Regan. "Inspired by these discoveries, research and development, our Explorers team loves getting everyone excited to become active participants in caring for and sharing the ocean around us."

"We are going to be in seven counties with the Explorers team at Science Events throughout November from Dublin, Cavan, Galway, Leitrim & Roscommon, to Louth, Donegal, and Wexford with marine exhibits and workshops that will focus on the Real Map of Ireland – showcasing our marine territory, the biodiversity around our shores, the creatures of the Deep Sea, and what's in a drop of water. We will also be celebrating 20 years of the Explorers Education Programme where visitors and schools can take part in an Explorers Water Workshop and also share with us 'What Water means to You!'"

Galway Flagship Event
•    Explorers – Celebrating 20 Years – What Water Means to Us: Micro plankton to Mega marine fauna! Sunday, 8th November 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Galway Science & Technology Festival, University of Galway Campus

National Schedule: Explorers – Celebrating 20 Years – What Water Means to Us: Micro plankton to Mega marine fauna!

Catch the Explorers team making waves at these seven interactive events across Ireland this November:
•    7th Nov: Let’s Talk Science — Ballymun Rediscovery Centre, Dublin
•    7th Nov: Cavan / Monaghan Science Festival — Mullagh, Co. Cavan
•    8th Nov: Galway Science & Technology Festival — University of Galway Campus, Galway
•    12th Nov: Finn Valley Science Festival — Ballybofey / Stranorlar, Co. Donegal
•    14th Nov: Louth Science Festival — Family Workshops with Dunleer Library, and School Workshops with Drogheda & Dundalk Libraries, Co. Louth.
•    14th Nov: Leitrim & Roscommon Science Festival — Carrick-on-Shannon
•    15th Nov: Southeast Science Festival — Wexford

The Marine Institute has also partnered with Research Ireland to showcase marine science through real-world stories from our researchers, which you can follow on our social media channels throughout Science Week 2026. Explore the stories on your preferred platform: LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook, and read the full overview on the Research Ireland website.

Whether you're curious about microscopic ocean plankton or deep-sea giants, teachers, families, and budding young scientists are invited to join the fun, explore hands-on exhibits, and celebrate 20 years of ocean discovery this November!

ENDS

For any media enquiries please contact:

Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers Education Programme, e: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org | m: +353 (0) 879185519
Communications Office, Marine Institute e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 20

Photo Caption: Celebrating 20 years of marine education, the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme team is gearing up for Science Week 2026! They will be bringing the ocean to the classroom with their national event series: ‘What Water Means to Us: Micro plankton to Mega marine fauna!’ Photo: Cushla Dromgool-Regan.