Sea Science Exhibition Officially Opens at West Kerry Museum

6th July 2024

Sisters Saerlaith and Deichtine Ní Riordain Ní Mhainín from West Kerry and Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute at the official opening of ‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ at Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne - West Kerry Museum Credit: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

The exhibition ‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ was officially opened at Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne - West Kerry Museum by the Marine Institute on Thursday (4 July).

‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ invites visitors to dive beneath the waves of Ireland’s wild Atlantic to explore our ocean through interactive displays and digital exhibits.

Visitors will uncover the shipwrecks around the Irish coast, and can explore Ireland’s unique marine life and some of the incredible scientific discoveries made in Irish waters. They will discover more about Ireland’s marine research vessels and the research activities undertaken by scientists at sea.

At the official opening, Marine Institute chief executive Dr Rick Officer said: “Our ocean is a vital resource and sustains the livelihoods of many in Ireland’s coastal communities.

“It’s important to cultivate an interest in our oceans from a young age, and ‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ helps to raise awareness about the value of Ireland’s diverse marine resource.”

‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ features interactive displays and digital exhibits exploring shipwrecks, marine life and more | Credit: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

Dr Officer added: “Kerry has a rich maritime heritage, and is also the birthplace of legendary Irish explorer Tom Crean. Ireland’s latest marine research vessel, RV Tom Crean, was named after the renowned seaman to acknowledge his efforts in increasing scientific knowledge and exploring unreached areas of the world.

“The Marine Institute is delighted to officially open this exhibition at Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne - West Kerry Museum, which aims to inspire the next generation of ocean explorers and marine scientists.”

Treasa Ní Mhainín of Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne - West Kerry Museum said: “With our location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the exhibition ‘Eolaíocht na Mara - Sea Science’ is a wonderful addition to the museum. Visitors are invited to explore our ocean depths to uncover our maritime past and learn more about the modern research vessels used by scientists today.”

Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne - West Kerry Museum is situated in an old schoolhouse in Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry. For more information, visit westkerrymuseum.com.

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