How do we map the Irish seabed? How do we predict flooding? Where does all our stuff come from? Is our soil healthy? What kind of rock is underneath your house? Can waste be art? When was the last earthquake in Ireland? So many questions and you'll find all the answers at the Down to Earth - Exploring Ireland's Geology Open Day in National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on Saturday, 7 May 2022.
Drop in and join scientists from Geological Survey Ireland, Teagasc, Met Éireann, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), and iCRAG to learn about Irish fossils, make your own earthquakes, see how we predict flooding, and map the seabed. Join a creative exploration workshop with ReCreate Ireland, making and creating using sustainable materials and immersing yourself and your family in the fascinating world of geology.
The Open Day will be a fun and science-filled day for all the family. Drop in and discover from 11 am - 4 pm on Saturday, 7 May at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks. A detailed timetable of Open Day activities will be made available here in advance of the event.
You can also download the Open Day Activity Map here.
--
Press Release
Down to Earth: Geological Survey Ireland hosts a Geology Open Day at the National Museum of Ireland- Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks.
Date: 07 May 2022- 11am – 4pm
Location: National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks.
Geological Survey Ireland and their partners, the National Museum of Ireland invite you to attend the Down to Earth Open Day. Join us for what is sure to be a fun and science-filled day for all the family. With activities starting at 11am-4pm on Saturday, 7 May at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks. Admission is free.
Geological Survey Ireland scientists will be at the National Museum of Ireland- Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks to bring land and seabed mapping to life, to show the importance of groundwater, and reveal the secrets of Irish fossils. They will be joined by DIAS (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies), iCRAG, Met Éireann, and Teagasc to answer all your questions on earthquakes, the metals we need for life, weather and flooding, and soil. You can also try and stump the geologist and bring your favourite rock or fossil to have them identified by a geology curator from the National Museum of Ireland. Sustainable arts experts ReCreate will be running workshops for those families who would like to design some geology inspired art.
This Open Day is organised jointly by Geological Survey Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland, the open day takes its inspiration from 'Down to Earth- Exploring Ireland's Geology' currently on exhibition.
Commenting on the upcoming Open Day event, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said:
"I am delighted to see the success of the Down to Earth exhibition by Geological Survey Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. When I opened this exhibition last September, we were still under Covid-19 restrictions and it was not possible for the public to fully experience and enjoy it. This Open Day will bring together various science organisations, at national level, to showcase how our planet and our natural environment works. The exhibition will also highlight how we must understand and learn from our surroundings, to live sustainably. This exhibition shows that we can all be Earth scientists, by observing the world around us."
"This exhibition also shows the importance of protecting our natural resources – by conserving and re-using materials already in our economy. By careful management of our natural resources, we can support the development of Ireland's Circular Economy."
Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum of Ireland commented on the upcoming open day as follows:
'We are excited to bring this day of science-filled events to families that will explore the geology of our planet. Our Down to Earth exhibition was developed in partnership with Geological Survey Ireland and this day of events and workshops will offer many ways to explore and discover topics connected to Ireland's geology in a fun, hands on and engaging way. We're looking forward to meeting young and aspiring geologists as well as those curious to find out more about what geology is all about"
Drop in and join scientists from Geological Survey Ireland, Teagasc, Met Éireann, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, and iCRAG to grow your own volcano, make your own earthquakes, see how we predict flooding, and map the seabed. Join a creative exploration workshop with ReCreate Ireland, making and creating using sustainable materials and immersing yourself and your family in the fascinating world of Irish Earth science. .
Booking is not required, drop in to Collins Barracks from 11am on Saturday, 7 May, 2022.
Notes for Editors:
Requests for further information
Siobhán Power, Email: Siobhan.Power@decc.gov.ie
Emma Murphy, Email: emurphhy@museum.ie