Courses
Science Festival returns with a splash
Sligo Science Festival returns from 8 to 15 November 2026 with a packed programme of free events designed to bring science to life for children, families, schools and adults.
Organised by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) with support from sponsor AbbVie and a wide network of community and industry partners, this year’s festival is themed Water: From Molecule to Ocean.
The programme explores science through interactive demonstrations, performances, talks, workshops and outdoor activities taking place across Sligo and Donegal.
The festival begins with the annual Sligo Science Fair at ATU’s Sligo campus on Sunday, 8 November, from 12 noon to 5 pm. The free family event will feature live science shows, experiments, demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults.
Highlights include the science of movie special effects, a 3D journey through space, lightning demonstrations, a flea circus, marine discovery, climate games, preschool science and the chance to meet scientists, researchers and local emergency services.
Dr Thomas Smyth, Head of School of Life Sciences, said,
“The festival is about making those connections visible in ways that are accessible, surprising and enjoyable. Whether you are five or 85, there will be something to spark your curiosity. We encourage families, schools and members of the public to explore the programme and take part.”
On Saturday, 14 November, the National Surf Centre in Strandhill will host Beyond the Break: Science, Surf & Sustainability. The programme will combine ocean science, sport and sustainability through activities including a wetsuit-upcycling workshop, children’s ice-cream science sessions, a community surfboard swap and a public talk exploring the science behind waves.
Indian classical musician and creative coder Ashish Dha will also visit Sligo as part of his European tour. At The Model on Saturday evening, he will explore the relationship between mathematics, sound and musical traditions during Mathsing the Mysteries of Music.
This year, ATU will also be hosting its first Science Fair at its Donegal Letterkenny campus on Saturday, 14 November, from 2pm to 6pm. The free family event will feature interactive shows, workshops and demonstrations, including space exploration, air science, nature activities, peatland research and DNA experiments.
Other public highlights during the week include It’s All Relative – Space, Science & Everything, presented by science communicator David Fearon of the Northern Ireland Space Office on Sligo Campus on Tuesday, 10 November.
On Wednesday, 11 November, ATU archaeologist Sam Moore and Dr Rory Sherlock, an archaeologist at Trinity College Dublin, will explore prehistoric shell middens along the Sligo coast and consider how climate change threatens these sensitive archaeological sites. The public talk will take place at The Glasshouse Hotel.
Michelle McNulty, Site Head at AbbVie Ballytivnan, said:
“AbbVie is proud to support Sligo Science Festival and help bring science to life for young people in our community. Early STEM education sparks curiosity and builds confidence. By making science welcoming and accessible, we can inspire the next generation of innovators. Supporting that curiosity through Sligo Science Festival reflects AbbVie’s commitment to stronger communities and to discovering innovative solutions that improve people’s lives.”
Many events are free, although advance booking is required for selected talks and workshops because places are limited.
The complete Sligo Science Festival 2026 programme and booking information are available at https://www.atu.ie/connect/projects-and-programmes/science-week
Photo caption: Staff from AbbVie and ATU at the launch of the 2026 Science Festival which will take place in Sligo and Donegal 8-15 November.
