Marine Dimensions Workshops

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Workshop booking information

NEW: Marine Biology Summer School for Adults

Whether you are a young person considering a career in marine biology, or a mature student who'd just like to know more about Ireland's fascinating marine wildlife, we have a workshop for you!

Day 1, Wed. 11th August. Bray Head Seashore Safari.

The Bray Head Seashore Safari is a walk and talk style evening excursion along one of Wicklow's most popular landmarks, Bray Head. Focusing on coastal cliff habitats and ecology, we will be looking at the fauna and flora of this stunning coastline. Highlights include nesting seabirds, over 30 species of wild flowers and the possibility of sighting seals and dolphins. For more information and bookings click here.

A fulmar nesting on the cliffs at Bray Head.

Day 2, Fri. 13th August. An Introduction to Marine Biology

This workshop is designed to give any nature enthusiast the perfect introduction to marine biology. Did you know that a jellyfish doesn’t have a brain? Or that an octopus has three hearts? Based in the National Sea Life Centre in Bray, we will be looking at the diverse array of marine animals that inhabit our planet. An in depth tour of the aquarium will be provided, accompanied by lectures and practical work in the classroom (including fish dissection demonstrations). For more information and bookings click here.

A threadtail butterfly fish commonly found on tropical coral reefs.

Day 3, Sat. 14th August. A Guide to Ireland's Seashore

Dublin’s shoreline is a familiar site for many of us as we travel about our daily business, but how many of us are aware of the communities of animals and plants that live along aside us on the seashore? This workshop is designed to give anyone with an interest in nature and environmental issues a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures. In this workshop, we visit Sandycove, a sheltered rocky shoreline that is home to a diverse array of marine animals and seaweeds. We then return to the National Sea Life Centre in Bray where we will learn how to identify the animals and plants encountered on the shoreline. For more information and bookings click here.

Beadlet anemones, commonly found at low tide on Ireland's rocky shores

Day 4, Sun. 15th August. Marine Wildlife Sea Kayaking Day

Sea kayaking is a wonderful way to observe marine wildlife. Many marine animals, particularly seals and dolphins, do not feel threatened by the quiet approach of a kayak, increasing the chances of a wildlife encounter. This workshop is unique in that it combines a sea kayaking lesson with a class in marine biology. It's also a must for anyone with a sense of adventure and an interest in marine wildlife! For more information and bookings click here.

A grey seal in Dunlaoghaire Harbour.

Tutor: Sarah Varian

Sarah Varian is a zoologist and underwater photographer with a PhD in fish biology and behaviour. She has worked on a wide variety of aquatic conservation projects in Ireland and around the world, including work as a marine protected areas scientist in Africa and New Zealand. She returned home to Ireland to set up Marine Dimensions in 2004 and is now rapidly becoming recognised as a marine environmental education specialist.