Science Week events across the country

National Reptile Zoo in visit to Gormanston College

The National Reptile Zoo is celebrating Science Week 2026 with a packed programme of educational activities, including 14 educational sessions taking place across 10 counties for over 2,000 people, from Meath and Wicklow to Waterford and Monaghan, alongside interactive talks at the zoo in Kilkenny. These hands-on sessions led by experienced zookeepers, will give participants the opportunity to meet, touch and interact with some incredible reptiles and amphibians while learning about the science behind their survival.

Taking inspiration from this year's Science Week theme, Water: From Molecule to Ocean, Ireland's first and only reptile zoo will explore the relationship between reptiles, amphibians and water, revealing how these creatures use water to survive, adapt and thrive in their natural habitats.

The programme will also highlight the importance of water conservation and how the zoo puts sustainable practices into action on its own premises, from harvesting rainwater to recycling and reusing water across its animal habitats.

Highlights from the zoo’s Science Week programme include:

10th November | Zoo-To-You, Co. Wicklow: Students at Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, Co. Wicklow will discover how cold-blooded animals have evolved and adapted to survive in different habitats through the ‘Here Be Dragons’ themed workshop.

12th-14th November | Interactive Talks, Co. Kilkenny: Members of the Irish Wheelchair Association and National Learning Network will visit the zoo in Kilkenny to meet crocodiles, alligators and snapping turtles, learning how these remarkable reptiles have adapted to life in and around water.

14th November | Monaghan Science Fair, Co. Monaghan: As Science Week draws to a close, the National Reptile Zoo will bring a selection of its animals to the Monaghan Science Fair, giving members of the public the opportunity to meet them up close.

Throughout Science Week, the National Reptile Zoo will explore how reptiles have adapted to some of the world's most diverse environments, from alligator snapping turtles that can hold their breath underwater for up to 50 minutes while hunting, to leopard tortoises that store water in their bodies to survive the dry conditions of Africa's savannas and grasslands.

James Hennessy, Founder and Director of the National Reptile Zoo, said: “Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and explore the incredible science behind the natural world. People don’t often associate reptiles with water, but it plays a vital role in their survival. Through our Zoo-To-You programme and activities here at the zoo, we’re excited to bring these fascinating stories to life, inspire a greater appreciation for these often misunderstood animals and highlight the importance of protecting their habitats.”

Water conservation initiatives at the zoo

As well as educating the public about the importance of water in the animal kingdom, the National Reptile Zoo is also highlighting its own efforts to conserve this precious natural resource. From maintaining suitable humidity levels and aquatic habitats to providing clean drinking water, water is essential to the daily care and welfare of animals.

To help reduce its environmental impact, the zoo has introduced a number of water conservation initiatives, including:

Rainwater harvesting: In 2025 alone, the zoo collected over 300,000 litres of rainwater, which is used to replenish habitat ponds throughout the zoo.

Reusing moisture from the air: Dehumidifiers capture excess moisture from the air in certain areas of the zoo, which is then reused in misting systems to maintain humidity levels in tropical habitats.

Recycling drinking water: Water from the animals' drinking bowls is repurposed to water plants within their habitats, helping to minimise waste.

Through its nationwide Zoo-To-You programme, the National Reptile Zoo brings experienced zookeepers and a selection of animals, from snakes to tortoises, directly to schools, colleges, workplaces and events across Ireland, including Northern Ireland. These interactive sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn about reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, while challenging common misconceptions and inspiring curiosity about the natural world.

From Farmyards to Science Labs: Teagasc Brings Science to Life for Science Week 2026

Teagasc is bringing science to communities across Ireland this November through farm walks, science quizzes, storytelling, photography and family fun.

From 7th to 14th November, Teagasc researchers are swapping laboratories for classrooms, farmyards and community spaces, as part of an exciting nationwide programme celebrating Science Week 2026.

Coordinated by Science Communications and Engagement Officer, Eimear Ferguson, Science Week at Teagasc promises something for everyone, with hands-on activities, interactive events and opportunities to discover how science is shaping the future of farming, food and our environment.

What's Happening?

From Raindrops to Rivers | Tuesday, 10th November

Where does rain go when it falls on a farm? Secondary school students nationwide can find out during a free online webinar (10 to 11am), featuring researchers from Teagasc, Met Éireann and VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre. Schools can register through the Teagasc website.

Science Down on the Farm

It's boots on and classrooms out, as students explore the science behind agriculture. Farm walks at Teagasc Moorepark, Grange and Athenry, and on a farm near Kilkenny City, will bring students face-to-face with research in action. Some visits are already fully booked, with enquiries for Athenry and Kilkenny still welcome.

Science Through a Different Lens | Wednesday, 11th November

Discover the beauty behind scientific discovery at Vision of Research, a public photography exhibition at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, from 6 to 8pm. Featuring 12 striking images captured by researchers, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the stories behind the science. Registration details are available on the Teagasc website.

The Future of Farming on RTÉ | Wednesday, 11th November

Tune in to RTÉ One at 8.30pm for Ten Things to Know About: The Future of Farming, exploring smart farming technologies, biodiversity-friendly practices and innovative solutions to food waste. Also available on RTÉ Player.

Let the Science Quiz Begin

Young minds will battle it out in a series of fun-filled primary school science quizzes at Teagasc Oak Park, Ashtown and Moorepark. Expect curiosity, teamwork and plenty of scientific discoveries! All quiz places are fully booked.

Science Takes Over the Marina! | Saturday, 14th November

Science Week wraps up with a free family-friendly celebration at Marina Market, Cork City, from 11am to 3pm. Meet scientists, explore exciting research and discover science in everyday life. A dedicated quiet hour runs from 10 to 11am, with advance booking requested through Eventbrite. No booking is needed for the main event.

Science Is for Everyone

Whether you're five or fifty-five, a budding scientist or simply curious about the world around you, Science Week at Teagasc 2026 is all about asking questions, making discoveries and having fun along the way.

With events taking place across Cork, Dublin, Galway, Meath, Carlow and Kilkenny, as well as online, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Exploring Water with Science Week on RTÉ

RTÉ is marking the 31st anniversary of Science Week with a range of programming and content across television, radio and online from Sunday 8th – Sunday 15th November in support of this year’s theme – Water: From Molecule to Ocean.

Among the highlights on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player are two documentaries: 'Ireland’s Population Crash' in which Miriam O'Callaghan takes a look at the impact of Ireland’s falling birth and fertility rates over two episodes ((RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 9.35pm on Wednesday 4th and 11th November) and; 'Neurodivergence - The Making of Me' which examines the extent of autism and ADHD across the broader Irish population (RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 10.15pm on Thursday 12th November).

RTÉ will also air a third series of 'Futureville Ireland', which explores how science, technology and human ingenuity could transform the town of Athlone into a brand-new city of the future by 2050 (RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 7.00pm on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November).

A dedicated slate of programmes and podcasts for younger audiences is also central to what RTÉ has for audiences during Science Week 2026.

RTÉ has lots on offer younger viewers during Science Week, including:

'Cáca Cáca Boom Boom' is a science-based competitive baking show with a difference. There won’t be all that much competition, we won’t show any baking, and we won’t really care what the cakes taste like, because these cakes are designed to be blown up! This exploding cake show sees kids design and quite literally explode cakes, all in the name of understanding the science behind the why and the how. Hosted by Tony Cantwell, with Meg Reilly and an incredible cast of kids from all over the country, Cáca Cáca Boom Boom combines the mania of Making Fun with the scientific silliness of Brainiac and Mythbusters.

'Let's Find Out' is a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education initiative for children aged 5 – 8 in Ireland with 20 15-minute episodes. The series airs on RTÉ KIDSjr, RTÉ Player and YouTube, ensuring free, accessible distribution to homes and schools across the country. Set aboard a spaceship called the Curiosity, the show features a curious alien named Zoom and two real-life scientist presenters: physicist Mark Langtry and neuroscientist Dr Amy Hassett.

Each episode in the latest series of Let's Find Out - To The Rescue! starts with an Irish family facing a playful everyday “mystery” – like why their cat disappears at night or how they got stranded on a tidal island – and follows the team as they use hands-on science to solve the problem. The show is supported by curriculum-linked classroom materials and on-line spin-off videos. It aims to spark curiosity, make science relatable, and build confidence in STEM among children and their families – especially those not traditionally reached by science education.

This fourth series builds on the success of previous seasons, which earned international recognition and reached audiences in living rooms and classrooms across Ireland. Let's Find Out is fun, inclusive, and educational, empowering Ireland’s youngest problem-solvers to explore the science in their everyday world.

'The Body Brothers' invites you to get rid of those winter blues and put on some dancing shoes for this hilarious home-produced children’s science entertainment show rom RTÉ KIDSjr. Body Brothers stars Cormac Mohally and Cian Kinsella, aka Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Lords of Strut, are back as the dance-mad brothers, alongside comedian and Red FM presenter Laura O’Mahony as their inventor friend Auntie B.

In each episode, Cormac and Cian want to literally make a song and dance about how something works. There’s just one catch: they need ideas! But fear not, Auntie B is on hand with a workshop packed with gadgets and machines and just about everything she needs to give them the inspiration they need!

In 'Aunty B's Fantastic Facts' Auntie B, the beloved inventor and curiosity queen from RTÉ KIDSjr's Body Brothers, brings kids her own show - Auntie B's Fantastic Facts! It's packed with fun, fantastic facts. She is joined by a crew of children who share their favourite facts and tell Auntie B the stories of some real-life kid scientists and young people who achieved fantastic things!

'What’s Next for the planet?' Could it be jammy socks, hovercraft shoes or edible pond weed? Children from across Ireland compete against each other to come up with the next big idea that could save the planet. Helping them develop the ideas are influencers Adam Beales, Demi Isaac and MC Fitzpatrick- and ideas are judged by Ireland’s own young genius inventor, Fionn Ferreira.

Each episode will focus on a different theme: fashion, food, waste, transport and homes. In a quest to get some inspiration, ‘Researchers’, Adam, Demi and MC set off across Ireland and the UK to meet a host of trail-blazing inventors and entrepreneurs who are leading the way to a greener future. Each team then brainstorms and develops their own idea and battles it out in a bid to impress Fionn to be crowned episode winners and make it into the grand finale.

ALSO .......

'Ten Things to Know About': The second episode in the 12th series will see presenters Kathriona Devereux, Fergus McAuliffe and Amy Hassett take to the road, seas and skies to meet the researchers, farmers, engineers and volunteers uncovering the secrets behind everyday life – from the creatures beneath the waves to the complex codes that keep our bank accounts safe.

WATCH: Ten Things to Know About on Wednesday 11th November at 8.20pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

The Today Show, RTÉ One weekdays, will feature a variety of science-themed content across the week while RTÉ Weather will formally kick-start Science Week on RTÉ on Sunday, 8 November.

A special Science Week episode of the RTÉ Brainstorm podcast, All you need to know about water but were afraid to ask, will take a deep dive into the world of water. Dr Jenny Lawler (DCU Water Institute), Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens (Dundalk Institute of Technology) and Dr Triona McGrath (Forum Uisce) look at how our water supply network copes with reduced supply and increased demand.

Visit www.RTÉ.ie/brainstorm for a full range of science-themed pieces.