SPACEFest

Join us this June 4th–7th at TU Dublin for SPACEFest, a vibrant, free, community focused festival celebrating the wonders of space and the power of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Designed to inspire learners of all ages, SPACEFest invites families, students, educators, and science enthusiasts to take part in hands-on workshops, exciting talks, and immersive space experiences.

SPACEFest is proudly funded by TU Dublin and Workday. It is an extension of Try Five +, a successful initiative funded by Research Ireland, ESERO, the Department of Education and Workday — that inspires primary school students in DEIS schools to explore and engage with STEAM through the exciting theme of space.

Whether you're a young explorer, a parent, teacher, or simply curious about the universe, SPACEFest welcomes you. This festival aims to broaden access to STEAM, celebrate diversity, and break down barriers to science education.

Admission is free, and all are welcome

We’re excited to bring you our event programme below.

Wednesday 4th June 2025


Armagh Observatory Planetarium Dome Experience a live interactive tour of the night sky and the planets in the portable planetarium. Step into the mobile planetarium and be captivated by breathtaking visuals and sophisticated computer simulations. Experience an interactive learning environment that is both educational and entertaining. 15:00 - 19:00 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets
From Hubble to Webb Kevin Nolan From Hubble to Webb" showcases the very best discoveries and images from The Hubble Space Telescope and explains why the James Webb Space Telescope was therefore developed. Hubble pioneered the search for some of the faintest and youngest galaxies ever detected. Webb’s infrared view bolsters this deep look by going even farther into the early universe. Find out more about their work and how it has impacted what we know about space. 17:30 - 18:30 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets
Exploring the Extremes of Earth and Space: Inspiring Curiosity, Connection, and Action Through Science and Storytelling. Dr Niamh Shaw At SPACEFest Niamh will share her journey, from aspiring astronaut to community science advocate, offering a warm, witty, and inspiring perspective on the power of exploration and its ability to connect us all. 18:30 - 19:30 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets

Armagh Observatory Planetarium Dome

Experience a live interactive tour of the night sky and the planets in the portable planetarium. Step into the mobile planetarium and be captivated by breathtaking visuals and sophisticated computer simulations. Experience an interactive learning environment that is both educational and entertaining.

15:00 - 19:00

TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman

Book Tickets

From Hubble to Webb

Kevin Nolan

From Hubble to Webb" showcases the very best discoveries and images from The Hubble Space Telescope and explains why the James Webb Space Telescope was therefore developed. Hubble pioneered the search for some of the faintest and youngest galaxies ever detected. Webb’s infrared view bolsters this deep look by going even farther into the early universe. Find out more about their work and how it has impacted what we know about space.

17:30 - 18:30

TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman

Book Tickets

Exploring the Extremes of Earth and Space: Inspiring Curiosity, Connection, and Action Through Science and Storytelling.

Dr Niamh Shaw

At SPACEFest Niamh will share her journey, from aspiring astronaut to community science advocate, offering a warm, witty, and inspiring perspective on the power of exploration and its ability to connect us all.

18:30 - 19:30

TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman

Book Tickets

Thursday 5th June 2025


DIAS Dunsink Observatory Join us at Dunsink Observatory for a night-long celebration of space — from Ireland’s rich and colourful history of exploring the universe, to our role in making future discoveries beyond our atmosphere. Throughout the night we’ll have talks, conversation and demonstrations — all in the historic surroundings of Dunsink Observatory. 19:00 - 21:00 Dunsink Observatory [Bus leaving TU Dublin Grangegorman at 18:00] Book Tickets

DIAS Dunsink Observatory

Join us at Dunsink Observatory for a night-long celebration of space — from Ireland’s rich and colourful history of exploring the universe, to our role in making future discoveries beyond our atmosphere. Throughout the night we’ll have talks, conversation and demonstrations — all in the historic surroundings of Dunsink Observatory.

19:00 - 21:00

Dunsink Observatory [Bus leaving TU Dublin Grangegorman at 18:00]

Book Tickets

Friday 6th June 2025


The Bee Show! Dr Naoimi Lavelle Join Dr Naomi Lavelle for her Bee Science Show, where science meets fun and adventure! Dive into the incredible world of bees, pollination, and seed-spreading with hands-on experiments and exciting surprises. Things might get a little EXPLOSIVE (don’t say we didn’t warn you!), so bring your curiosity and wonder and get ready to be blown away. 18:30 - 19:30 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets
Armagh Observatory Planetarium Dome Experience a live interactive tour of the night sky and the planets in the portable planetarium. Step into the mobile planetarium and be captivated by breathtaking visuals and sophisticated computer simulations. Experience an interactive learning environment that is both educational and entertaining. 15:00 - 19:00 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets

The Bee Show!

Dr Naoimi Lavelle

Join Dr Naomi Lavelle for her Bee Science Show, where science meets fun and adventure! Dive into the incredible world of bees, pollination, and seed-spreading with hands-on experiments and exciting surprises. Things might get a little EXPLOSIVE (don’t say we didn’t warn you!), so bring your curiosity and wonder and get ready to be blown away.

18:30 - 19:30

TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman

Book Tickets

Armagh Observatory Planetarium Dome

Experience a live interactive tour of the night sky and the planets in the portable planetarium. Step into the mobile planetarium and be captivated by breathtaking visuals and sophisticated computer simulations. Experience an interactive learning environment that is both educational and entertaining.

15:00 - 19:00

TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman

Book Tickets

Saturday 7th June 2025


Armagh Observatory Planetarium Dome Experience a live interactive tour of the night sky and the planets in the portable planetarium. Step into the mobile planetarium and be captivated by breathtaking visuals and sophisticated computer simulations. Experience an interactive learning environment that is both educational and entertaining. 09:00 - 12:00 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets
Demystify Digital Technology! Dr Keith Nolan Join the EDTips team from TU Dublin, as we guide parents through some at-home Digital Technology activities for primary students. The EDTips project aims to introduce educators and parents to this brand new strand of the Primary STEM curriculum. Across 30 minutes, we'll provide a snapshot of plugged (device-based) and unplugged (without a device) approaches to exploring Digital Technology with your child. 10:00 - 12:00 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets
Paper Rocket Launching Ana Cañizares & Zhuoqun Zhang Explore the physics behind rocket flight and use real engineering principles to refine your designs. Compete for the highest altitude or longest flight time, and learn how to calculate your rocket's maximum height using simple Pythagorean math. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the exciting world of rocket science. 09:00 - 13:00 TU Dublin Central Quad, Grangegorman Book Tickets