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The 2024 National Fossil Art Contest

The third annual National Fossil Art Contest took place in Spring 2024. There were over 100 entries from children all across the country. The theme of the competition was “Irish fossils ALIVE”. Winners were chosen in four age categories (under 8 years, 9 –12 years, 13 – 15 years, 16 – 18 years). The overall winner of the contest was chosen from the top prize-winners in each category and won a €500 prize. The winner of each age category received a guided tour of the fossil labs at University College Cork (UCC) and a behind-the-scenes look at our fossil collections. Second prize in each age category won a print of an iconic Irish Fossil and third prize won a T-shirt with Ireland’s Fossil Heritage logo. A number of highly commended awards were made in each age category. All prize-winners received a small collection of real fossils as part of their prize.

The top selected entries were invited to display their art pieces at a public exhibition at the Glucksman art gallery in Cork in May 2024. You can check out all the winning entries below. Congratulations to everyone who took part!