Heritage Week Touch Tanks Event at Lough Hyne

18 Aug 2026

The annual Heritage Week Touch Tanks event at Lough Hyne Marine Reserve attracted approximately 250 visitors on 15 August, highlighting the strong public interest in learning about Ireland's marine environment and the species that inhabit it.

Now celebrating its 20th year, the event provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages to engage directly with marine life from the local coastline. Through the Touch Tanks experience, visitors can explore a variety of species up close while learning more about marine biodiversity, conservation and the challenges facing marine ecosystems today.

Researchers and volunteers from the UCC Lough Hyne Research Group were on hand to share their expertise and answer questions, helping to connect cutting-edge marine research with the wider community. Attendees also heard encouraging updates on the early signs of recovery of species such as the purple urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), an important component of the local marine ecosystem.

Public engagement is a key part of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science's commitment to sharing research beyond academia and fostering greater understanding of the natural world.

The success of this year's event was made possible by the dedication of the UCC Lough Hyne Research Group at UCC's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, who gave their time to support the programme. The event was organised and managed by Professor Rob McAllen, Valerie Hickey, Isa Cordon-Krumme, Muriel Plaster, Meadhbh Stack, Aditya Dambalka and Luke Harman.