Inishbofin Summer School 2026
Established in 1984, the Inishbofin Summer School is Ireland’s longest-running environmental school. The school works with the multi-disciplined team, some of which this year includes marine biologists Sibéal Regan and Noirin Burke, ecologist, and artist Gordon D’Arcy, ecologist and conservationist Conor Ryan, local historian Tommy Burke, Environmental Education Specialist Kay Synott, and award-winning poet, songwriter and children’s writer Catherine Ann Cullen.
The Summer School is designed to rejuvenate the educational soul, mind, and spirit through guided field study walks and talks, where participants will experience a range of habitats and explore new teaching and learning methodologies on one of Ireland’s most beautiful heritage-rich offshore islands. The week is wrapped in mighty traditional music, evening events, and plenty of sea swims and time to unwind.
This programme has been approved by the Department of Education as an in-service programme for teachers. Therefore, primary school teachers attending the school will be entitled to extra personal vacation (EPV) days. However the course is also open to members of the public over 18 years of age.
To reserve your space on this year’s Inishbofin Summer School Visit:
For information on accommodation and transportation to the Island see
Quiet At The Aquarium – Next Event coming soon in July and August 2026.
Dates: 15th and 16th July; 19th and 20th August
Booking Slots at 6.00 / 6.30 / 7.00 (Booking Link Coming Soon)
Would you or a family member or friend like to visit the aquarium during a quieter time?
The Aquarium Quiet Nights are designed to accommodate a much smaller number of visitors, with splashes turned off and loud noises tuned down to provide a calmer, quieter space to explore. Softer lights and a quiet space within our Audio Visual Room will also be provided, while staff are on hand to provide information or just let you explore at your own pace in peace if you’d prefer.
Booking is essential and numbers are limited during each time slot.
TIMES – Typically after the Aquarium closes. DATES- Wednesdays or Thursday Evenings.
Email info@nationalaquarium.ie if you would like to receive details about Quite Night Events.
Lets Talk Water – April 23rd 2026
Join us on Thursday April 23 for the first 2026 event of ‘Let’s Talk Water’ at Galway Atlantaquaria, a series aimed at promoting stories of connection with water from across Ireland!
Here are the three fantastic speakers of the night, all winners of our 2025 Small Conservation Grant Scheme:
🦈 Bríd O’Connor is the Director of Marine Dimensions, the home of Ireland’s national shark & skate eggcase database, Purse Search Ireland. She is a marine scientist whose research focuses on the ecology and conservation of data-poor and sensitive shark, ray, and skate species in Irish and European waters, and she will tell us how the development of modern and accessible educational resources is supporting her work.
🐣 Peter Butler is a longtime member of Conservation Volunteers Galway. His interest in nature conservation started from 20+ years of hiking the Burren. He will share with us the work he and other group members are carrying out to build and maintain in Lough Atalia floating rafts for Common Terns to safely nest upon, aimed at restoring the colony of these birds to its original size.
🐶 Bogna Griffin is a freshwater and marine biologist and Scientific & Technical Officer at the Marine Institute in Galway, where she leads Ireland’s National Crayfish Plague Surveillance Programme. She will share her very special approach to monitoring crayfish populations by training her Bernese Mountain Dog Doby as a conservation detection dog… And Doby is expected to make an appearance on the night!
The event will also include an information session on the Small Conservation Programme 2026, with participants having the opportunity to receive the 2026 application form and ask questions about the funding themes and criteria. Do you have an idea about a project focused on marine or freshwater involving education and engagement, native species and habitats, or a local community group? Join us in the aquarium from 6.30 pm on Thursday April 23rd 🌊
Would you like a really unique venue for events, icebreakers or VIPs?
The Aquarium can offer a really interesting space for your event or function.
We have more information and if interested please call or email the Aquarium.
