Up to 50 free events for all the family at Kilkenny Science Festival

Kilkenny will be a hotbed of scientific experiment, technological ingenuity, engineering and mathematical endeavour in the coming days as up to 50 free events for adult audiences, all the family, schools and more get underway from November 11 to 19 as part of Kilkenny Science Festival.

Kilkenny Castle, Castlecomer Discovery Park, schools, theatres, libraries as well as pubs and a brewery even across the city and county will be transformed for the festival. Once again, free events run daily and at evening time and showcase how science is anything but boring. 

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This year’s free programme includes everything from an interactive, fun-filled event featuring experiments and demonstrations with scientist and TV star, Mark the Science Guy at Kilkenny Castle to an entertaining, circus-like experience for all the family at The Set Theatre with Dr Ken as he eats fire, cracks whips, juggles and explores the scientific principles behind skilful circus tricks and dangerous stunts.

Key events include a Science Comedy Night with Sean Marshall, the producer/ presenter of popular podcast and blog Science Chat;     a fascinating Dancing Physics at Barnstorm with Cindy Cummings, dance artist and a talk by Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin on The Liber Primus, a medieval treasure on display in the Medieval Mile Museum.

The free programme also includes an evening of lyrical rhythms and performance with Stephen James Smith  and Enda Reilly as well as the Science of Brewing at Sullivan’s Tap Room and a not-to-be-missed Science Scavenger Hunt online for all of the family with Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer of livingmaths.com, and a weekend of Family Science Fun on Saturday November 12 in Kilkenny Castle and Sunday November 13th in SET Theatre.

The extensive programme of free events is brought to the public by CALMAST at SETU, with support from Science Foundation Ireland, Kilkenny Council, and Glanbia local organiser, Nollaig Healy, said. “People think of Science Week and they automatically think that it’s just focused on schools and on children. Kilkenny Science Festival has something for everyone.

“Whether you’re curious about the brewing process, want to know more about rubbish and its impact on the environment or are into textiles or performance art, our events show just how relevant the scientific principles of physics, chemistry and biology are in our everyday lives.

“The South East has become a magnet for science, technology and pharmaceutical firms. The growing sector offers  great job prospects for graduates with science-related skills and a world of opportunities,   rewarding salaries and a chance to travel the world. We want to showcase how exciting and wonderful science is to all age cohorts, all groups.

“Our Festival has grown over the past 4  years and has evolved with the times. We are encouraging anyone with a spirit of adventure and who is curious about the world around us to have a look at the programme, book their free place now. Wherever you live in Kilkenny, there is something on your doorstep and we’d love to have you along,” she said.

The Kilkenny Science Festival also includes The Science of the Skywalk at Castlecomer Discovery Park; events with the National Reptile Zoo and Castlecomer Discovery park as well as creative workshops in Newpark Close Family Resource Centre and Ossory Youth and ultimate LEGO building at Ferrybank, Urlingford, Loughboy, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Castlecomer libraries. 

Calmast is expanding the ‘grow your own bulb kits’ again this year in partnership with all of Kilkenny’s libraries. Each kit available in libraries will contain spring bulbs, a step by step guide, details on how to plant the bulbs and look after the flowers as they bloom and announce the arrival of Spring.

Kilkenny Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland , SETU, Kilkenny Council, Kilkenny Leader Programme and Glanbia

For pre-booking and further information on all events, visit www.STEMKILKENNY.ie