Dinosaurs’ Skeletons to Debut in Cork Exhibition Starting Nov 18

UPDATE: Skeletons of the only dinosaurs ever found in Ireland will be on public display for the first time at the University College Cork’s Glucksman Gallery, launching on November 18, 2023. This groundbreaking exhibition, titled The Domain of the Dinosaurs, will run until April 12, 2024, and promises to be the largest dinosaur display in Ireland, featuring over 250 real fossils and more than five tonnes of material.

This urgent showcase is set to attract dinosaur enthusiasts and families alike, as it includes authentic fossil specimens from land, sea, and air. A dedicated team of 12 specialists from around the globe will assemble the dinosaur skeletons, with the centerpiece being casts of the notorious two-legged predator Megalosaurus and the armored herbivore Scelidosaurus. Both species were uncovered in the 1980s by the late fossil collector Roger Byrne on a beach in Co. Antrim.

Professor of Palaeontology at UCC, Maria McNamara, emphasized the significance of this exhibition. “This remarkable exhibition is a celebration of life in Ireland as it was during the time of the dinosaurs,” she stated. “Ancient Ireland was dominated by reptiles, with many unfamiliar plants and animals. Visitors can see real fossil evidence of those extinct creatures, including footprints, trees, insects, and even fossilized dinosaur eggs and dung.”

Director of the Glucksman Gallery, Professor Fiona Kearney, highlighted the creative aspect, stating, “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.”

The exhibition will also feature a series of engaging events, including guided tours led by UCC palaeontologists, panel discussions with international fossil experts, public lectures, and creative workshops suitable for all ages. The full schedule of events will be available on the Glucksman Gallery website.

With its captivating displays and interactive opportunities, The Domain of the Dinosaurs is poised to be a must-see event this winter in Cork. Don’t miss your chance to explore Ireland’s prehistoric past!