South East Science Festival set to light up Waterford with packed week of events

Excitement is building in Waterford ahead of the return of the South East Science Festival, which will bring a burst of curiosity and creativity to the region from November 8 to 16.

Now in its latest edition, the festival will feature more than 90 free and ticketed events taking place across Waterford city and county, the Suir Valley and Carlow. From wine tasting with a scientific twist to fossil-hunting, copper mining, and coastal walks, organisers say this year's line-up is the biggest and most engaging yet.

Led by South East Technological University's STEM engagement centre, CALMAST, the festival aims to show how science connects to everyday life through workshops, talks, theatre events and even pub sessions. Venues across Waterford, including local libraries, museums and schools, will open their doors to visitors of all ages.

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Dr Sheila Donegan, Co-Founder and Co-Director of CALMAST, said the 2025 programme captures the spirit of curiosity and community that defines Science Week.

"We're really looking forward to engaging with all sections of the community, from primary school children right up to adult-only audiences. It's fun, it's engaging, it's entertaining and educational," she said.

She added that events like the science of wine tasting, fossil and copper mining workshops, and a coastal change walk will bring people together to explore the world around them. "Many events booked out within hours last year and we expect the very same for 2025," Dr Donegan said.

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Returning favourites Mark Langtry, Ken Farhuhar and Cas Kramer will once again lead interactive sessions, while Waterford's own Spraoi festival will team up with organisers to blend art, engineering and technology in its trademark creative style.

Science Week 2025 also marks its 30th anniversary this year, under the theme "Then. Today. Tomorrow." celebrating three decades of inspiring people across Ireland to think about science in new ways.

The full festival schedule and booking details are available now at calmast.ie.