It was another roaring success.

More than 25,000 people attended the Cork Carnival of Science over the weekend in Fitzgerald Park, a boost of an estimated €250,000 to the local economy.

Oisin Deloughery admires a giant centipede. Picture: Clare Keogh

The theme for this year’s free family festival, which is supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland, focused on the science of the natural world and the public revelled in the chance to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science.

Here’s a look at the 2024 Cork Carnival of Science in numbers:

• Families got a unique chance to get up close with real science projects resulting in 10,000 maths puzzles solved, 1500 batteries made, 2000 DNA samples taken as researchers from leading institutes of education and industry hosted interactive stands and workshops.
• 200+ researchers and performers got involved in live science shows, walk-about performances and interactive science activities.
• 50 volunteers assisted with the running of the event
• There were 26 seated live shows over two days
• 45 pop-up science activities at stalls and stands along the main exploration routes
• 12 local food trucks to keep people fuelled
• 9 drinking water stations to provide fresh drinking water and reduce single-use plastics
• 200+ bed nights directly involved with the event
• An estimated economic boost of €250,000 to the city over the weekend

“Many visitors remarked that they attended both days and are already looking forward to next year’s festival so that is proof that the Cork Carnival of Science formula works!” said Ellen Murphy Executive Scientist at Cork City Council.