Storms, Sunshine and Surprises in Laois with Joanna Donnelly

Former RTÉ weather presenter and Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly engaged Laois people with the fascinating story of Irish weather and meteorology when she visited Portarlington Library as part of Science Week 2026.

The organisers said the popular weather expert entertained with interesting information and stories about the climate and weather events in Ireland.

“Combining science, storytelling and her own engaging humour, Joanna took the audience on a journey through Ireland's unique weather patterns and revisited some of the country's most memorable weather events.

“Drawing on her experience as one of Ireland's best-known meteorologists, Joanna explained how forecasts are made, shared stories from her career, and also tackled some common weather myths along the way,” said the organisers.

Supported by Research Ireland Science Week, Midlands Science Week takes place from November 8th to 15th with the aim of celebrating science and providing a chance for people of all ages to engage with science in everyday life.

Water is the theme of Science Week 2026. The week will explore water as an essential building block of life on Earth and how it has shaped the planet, people’s lives and their future.

Jackie Gorman is the CEO of Midlands Science. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“Science Week is an amazing opportunity to engage with science and appreciate the seminal role it plays in all of our lives and indeed in our culture. We are living through a time where so much disinformation is circulating on issues from the environment to health online, so we consider it really important we can provide opportunities for people to engage with scientists directly and in person. Whether you are interested in polar exploration, skin care, biodiversity or music, we have an event for you.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with Science Week this year and bring your curiosity; you won’t be disappointed,” she said.

More information about the work of Midlands Science can be found on www.midlandsscience.ie

Science Week 2026, delivered by Research Ireland, is celebrating its 31st anniversary. The organisers say the events, performances and activities across Ireland during Science Week 2026, will celebrate curiosity, collaboration and discovery, and consider how science can help people care for water today, for the communities, ecosystems and generations of tomorrow.

For other Science Week events taking place in November, check out the Laois Libraries website and social media channels.