Drums, stilts, and puppets launch Science Week

Onlookers were treated to a spectacularly wild, weird, and wonderful show at the weekend for the launch of Science Week 2025.

Last Sunday, acclaimed spectacle theatre company Macnas made its Cork premiere with a specially curated indoor performance at Marina Market.

The acclaimed Galway-based troupe was there to launch Science Week 2025 which blasted off on Sunday and runs until this coming Sunday with a range of events taking place across the city.

The show brought vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, sculptures, and puppets to Cork city to tell a powerful story about biodiversity loss and the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland.

Known for its distinctive and recognisable call, the corncrake’s decline serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect habitats and biodiversity.

Johhny O’Reilly, Executive Director of Macnas, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Macnas to Cork as part of this year’s Science Week. This will provide the people of Cork with an opportunity to experience Macnas’ world-renowned performances up close and to engage with one of the highlights of Science Week in Cork this year.”

The theme for this year’s Science Week is ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’. As part of the festivities, Research Ireland is encouraging people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, said: “Macnas’s performance and message perfectly encapsulates this year’s Science Week theme, inviting us to think about protecting our habitats and species, to ensure that generations to come can enjoy the wonderful biodiversity on our island.” For more on how to get involved and to see the full list of events, workshops, and talks across the country, visit scienceweek.ie.