NI Science Festival 2026

Inspired by traditional knitting patterns come along and use your creativity to design a square that will be included in a large scale knitted/crocheted blanket. Think about the uniqueness of Rathlin, its history, surrounding landscape, people, and stories. Invitation to all ages.

A talk about traditional knitting history and how it has sustained us (kept us safe and warm – and materials, processes used).

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This showcase and engagement event will be used to identify initial connections of interest between Rathlin, FII and the Scottish Isles through on island dialogue and engagement, which can support planning and programming of effective knowledge exchange activities throughout Phase Two. This can include cultivating visibility of the people, practitioners, projects and innovations being developed across both contexts, to enable new connections to develop organically and independently, alongside the planned KE activities. We will also scope out the interest and potential for Screen Argyll to deliver an animation workshop on Rathlin at a future date, which can feed into the practices for sustainable education and skills development on the island.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure! Join us for a captivating, guided tour of the West Light Seabird Centre, where maritime history meets breathtaking coastal wildlife.

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Join an expert RSPB guide and island local for an unforgettable walking tour, perfect for first-time visitors. Discover Rathlin’s stunning wildlife and rich cultural heritage as you explore its unique landscapes.

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Join us for a celebration of creativity at the Science Festival Craft Market on Rathlin Island!

Discover unique handmade crafts, meet local artisans, and enjoy the island’s vibrant community spirit.

By understanding the complex and systemic issues of sustainability, this session will introduce a PhD research project investigating the co-design of a framework for sustainable design in education and industry with a focus on key strategies in circular economy, ecological responsibility, and social responsibility. 

In this interactive workshop, participants will be invited to contribute to the development of a new sustainability scoring framework.

NAARCA is a network of five organisations across the Nordic region working together on climate-focused research, artist residencies, commissions, and public education. Alex Marrs and Emma Henderson will introduce NAARCA’s work, from its launch at Cove Park in 2021 to its future plans. They will explore how artist residencies can lead on environmental action by testing sustainable ways of working and sharing knowledge across communities. The session includes a hands-on workshop being developed as a potential addition to NAARCA’s creative climate champions toolkit for schools and community groups. Painting with Plants introduces simple methods for extracting colour from plants and making watercolour paints. Participants will also experiment with changing pH to shift natural pigments, revealing a wide range of colours from a single plant. The workshop offers an accessible, playful introduction to natural colour, basic chemistry, and non-toxic art materials.

Come along to the launch of Resilient by Nature:  Stories of Self-reliance and Sustainability on Rathlin Island. Drawing on a number of folklore and oral history collections, the book presents stories, memories and images of the past to show the community resilience and resourcefulness in the context of Rathlin Island. Learning from the past can shape discussions around future sustainability, for Rathlin, for other islands, and for the world in which we live.   A number of those involved in compiling and creating the book will speak briefly about their work and role in it as well as reading some excerpts. All welcome.

Ever wanted to borrow a person instead of a book? Join us for a unique Human Library experience where researchers from Ulster University and Rathlin Island residents become living ‘books’, ready to share their stories, insights, and expertise. This event invites you to sit down, ask questions, and engage in open, meaningful conversations that challenge assumptions and build understanding.

Don’t judge a book by its cover – explore the living stories shaped by Rathlin’s shores and Ulster’s research.

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This intergenerational workshop invites participants of all ages to step into a shared space of curiosity, reflection and connection. Rooted in nature-based practice, ecological psychology and creative facilitation, the session explores how our bodies, senses and stories shape our relationship with the world and one another.

The workshop blends gentle outdoor sensory exercises with facilitated indoor reflection, allowing participants to explore moments of connection and disconnection in their everyday lives. It is designed to support mental wellbeing, deepen ecological awareness and encourage cross-generational learning.

Join an expert RSPB guide and island local for an unforgettable walking tour, perfect for first-time visitors. Discover Rathlin’s stunning wildlife and rich cultural heritage as you explore its unique landscapes.

For more information and booking click on the link:

Booking Link

Join RSPB NI on Rathlin Island for an unforgettable talk and guided walk uncovering the secret world of the elusive corncrake. Learn about its unique ecology and the vital conservation efforts bringing this rare bird back to Northern Ireland.

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