Marine Institute Brings Ocean Lessons Inland

The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme will return to schools for the 2025–2026 academic year with its largest expansion to date, extending into inland counties for the first time.

The programme, which has been running for almost 20 years, introduces primary school pupils to marine science and ocean literacy through classroom projects, seashore field trips and interactive workshops. Until now, its outreach has focused mainly on coastal communities.

Patricia Orme, director of corporate services at the Marine Institute, said the expansion was an important milestone and reflected the strong demand for marine education in schools.

“This marks a significant milestone for the programme,” she said. “We are delighted to support this expansion, reaching inland counties through interactive online workshops and enhanced digital resources. It underscores our commitment to ensuring all young people understand the ocean’s influence on our lives, and our impact on the ocean.”

Dr Noirin Burke, who will lead delivery in inland counties, said she was particularly pleased to see the programme broaden its reach. “Having grown up in Co Tipperary, I know how someone who lives away from the coast can still feel a strong connection to the sea. With nowhere in Ireland far from the ocean, these interactive modules are a fantastic way to bring the shoreline into classrooms.”

Eight new outreach officers have been appointed to support the expansion. Cat and David McCann will deliver projects in Donegal, Elis Martinelli and Dalia Alnajar will be based in Kerry and Limerick, while Claire Law and Lauren Cahill-Quinn will work in Cork. Other new team members will deliver the programme in Dublin, Wicklow and several coastal counties.

The programme’s modules include Learning About Squid, Fintastic Sharks and Turtle Talk with Sea Turtles, alongside seashore safaris and aquarium-based projects. New content will be rolled out in the coming months.

The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by Camden Education and Galway Atlantaquaria, with delivery partners including The Sea Collective, Leave No Trace Ireland, Sea Synergy, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Oceanics Surf School and Seashorekids.