Photography by Ciaran Culligan/Louth County Council: L-R: Amanda Branigan, County Librarian, Louth County Council; Dr Niamh Shaw, Town Scientist; Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council pictured at the launch of Louth Science Festival 2026,
More than 60 free events will take place across County Louth this November as the Louth Science Festival returns with a programme exploring the theme ‘Water: From Molecule to Ocean’.
Running from 7th to 21st November, the festival is being delivered by Louth County Council Library Service, with events taking place in libraries and community spaces across the county.
The programme was launched at Ardee Library by Town Scientist Dr Niamh Shaw, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue, Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway and County Librarian Amanda Branigan.
The festival will feature talks, workshops, hands-on activities and family events looking at the role water plays in everyday life, health, the environment and the future.
Science across the county
Louth Science Festival brings together libraries, schools, third-level institutions, families, researchers, artists and community organisations.
This year’s programme includes events with science communicators and experts including Éanna Ní Lamhna, Ken O’Sullivan, and Dr Niamh Shaw.
There will also be collaborations with Dundalk Institute of Technology through the H2O Heroes Programme, along with outreach initiatives led by Dr Bridget Kearney exploring water science through the creative arts.
A Careers in STEM: Many Paths to an Exciting Future event, supported by Engineers Ireland Northeast Region, will also highlight opportunities across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Cllr Dolores Minogue said the festival continues to encourage curiosity and learning across the county.
“Louth Science Festival continues to inspire curiosity and learning across our county. This year’s theme highlights the importance of water to our communities, our environment and our future.
“I encourage people of all ages to take part in the fantastic range of free events on offer and to enjoy the opportunities the festival provides to explore science.”
Family Science Fair in Omeath
One of the highlights of this year’s programme will be the Family Science Fair Day at the Dolmen Centre in Omeath on Sunday, 15th November, from 11am to 4pm.
Families will be able to take part in free activities including live science shows, giant bubble displays, creative workshops and hands-on experiences based around the festival’s water theme.
Town Scientist Dr Niamh Shaw said the programme was designed to encourage people to look at the science behind everyday life.
“Science starts with curiosity, and water gives us countless reasons to ask questions about the world around us.
“From the tap in our homes to the oceans that surround us, this year’s festival invites people of all ages to explore, discover and see the science in everyday life.”
Encouraging people into local libraries
County Librarian Amanda Branigan said the festival also provides an opportunity to introduce more people to their local library.
“Louth Science Festival is all about bringing people together to discover, explore and enjoy science in a fun and engaging way.
“Our libraries are welcoming spaces where curiosity can flourish, and we’re proud to offer opportunities like this festival that inspire learning at every age.”
She also encouraged people who are not already members to join their local library, with membership available free of charge.
Louth Science Festival is supported by Research Ireland and the Creative Ireland Programme.
Further information and booking details are available through Louth County Council, Louth Library Service social media channels or by emailing libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie.
