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UCC to host new exhibition: Domain of the Dinosaurs
Huge eight-metre-long skeletons of the only dinosaurs known to have existed on the island of Ireland are set to go on display to the public for the very first time, in a spectacular new exhibition of Irish fossils.
The Domain of the Dinosaurs will run in University College Cork’s Glucksman Gallery from Sunday November 16 until April 12 2026, and will feature over 250 real fossil specimens from land, sea and air, bringing the world of the Irish dinosaurs to life. These will be complemented by a series of older, pre-dinosaur Irish fossils that offer a tantalising glimpse of Ireland in deep time. By pairing these fossils with new artworks by Irish artists, the exhibition gives these ancient specimens a very human connection with the modern world.
The exhibition is the largest dinosaur exhibition ever in Ireland, with over 250 real fossils and over 5 tonnes of material. It will take a team of twelve people a week to assemble, with specialists flying in from three countries to build the dinosaur skeletons.
First time for the public to see the dinosaurs that roamed Ireland
The centrepiece of the exhibition will be skeleton casts of Megalosaurus and Scelidosaurus, the only known dinosaurs from the island of Ireland.
Bones from both these dinosaurs were discovered in the 1980s by the late Roger Byrne, a schoolteacher and fossil collector, on a beach in Co. Antrim.
Both these finds will be on display at The Domain of the Dinosaurs, as will skeletal casts of these creatures. Scelidosaurus was an armored herbivore, while Megalosaurus was a two-legged predator. This exhibition marks the first time the public can view casts of these dinosaurs in Ireland.
Prof. Maria McNamara, Professor of Palaeontology at UCC, said, “This remarkable exhibition is a celebration of life in Ireland as it was during the time of the dinosaurs. That ancient Ireland would be unrecognisable to us today - ecosystems on land and in the ocean were dominated by reptiles, with many unfamiliar plants and animals. Visitors to the exhibition can see the real fossil evidence of those extinct creatures, including fossil footprints, trees, insects, giant flying reptiles called pterosaurs, and lots of marine animals including giant predators such as the ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. There’s even fossilized dinosaur eggs and poo!”
Newly commissioned artworks
The unique exhibition incorporates newly commissioned artworks from contemporary Irish artists, that provide a creative response to key Irish fossils and current research on dinosaurs by palaeontologists at UCC.
Prof. Fiona Kearney, Director of the Glucksman Gallery, said, "The artists bring a creative lens to the pioneering scientific research happening in our university and provide an imaginative response to the fascinating fossils that are on display.”
“This exhibition redefines how we communicate science and the creative arts to the public,” said Prof. McNamara.
“Fossils occupy a very special place in human society that defies definition. On one hand, fossils are hugely important scientific objects that record the evolution of life and climate on our planet, helping scientists predict how climate change will impact biodiversity. On the other hand, fossils invite us to reflect on the passage of time, and our place as individuals – and as a society – in time and space. We know that humans have been fascinated by fossils for thousands of years, and they still inspire children and adults around the world to learn about the natural world. The Domain of the Dinosaurs provides a special space to learn, to be inspired, and to reflect on what fossils mean to us.”
President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran said:
“We are incredibly excited to bring this first-of-its-kind exhibition to UCC. Embedded in our strategic plan is the commitment to position our campus as a cultural heritage destination for Cork. I cannot think of a better example of meeting that goal than an exhibition that brings together science and art as The Domain of the Dinosaurs will. We are looking forward to welcoming generations of curious minds to the Glucksman for this special exhibit.”
Programme of events
The exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting programme of events, including special tours led by UCC palaeontologists, panel discussions featuring international fossil experts and artists, public lectures and creative workshops for all ages and abilities. The full programme of events will be advertised on the Glucksman Gallery website at www.glucksman.org/events.
School groups can explore the exhibition and create responsive art through dedicated tours and workshops tailored for different age groups at primary and secondary levels. These sessions will be offered from December to April, and advance booking is essential.
Members of the public can visit the exhibition between 11am and 5pm from Tuesday– Saturday. General admission is free; guided tours will have priority access.
The exhibition opens on Sunday November 16 and will run until April 12 2026.