Pharos MarCoLab Ireland Mega Event
Living Lab in Kerry & Cork, 26–28 May 2026
MarCoLab Ireland invites you to the second PHAROS Mega Event, an exciting three-day event from 26 to 28 May 2026 in South-West Ireland (Kerry and West Cork).
Join the Atlantic and Arctic Lighthouse community to promote marine restoration, ocean literacy, and the blue economy in Ireland.
Participants will gather from 26–28 May in Kerry and Cork for the Mega Event Ireland, uniting government, researchers, innovators, educators, businesses, investors, and local communities to launch two Living Labs. Together, we’ll tackle marine restoration challenges through citizen engagement, school programmes, and innovative demonstrations. Highlights include the MINKA Living Lab launch, “Waste to Worth” 3D printing, fisher-led initiatives, a Blue Schools webinar, a STEM building tour, an art exhibition, and a visit to Bantry Marine Research Station’s kelp farm.
MarCoLab Ireland is a blue economy innovation space whose name sums up its mission: Mar as the ocean, Co as collaboration, cooperation, and co-creation, and Lab as a living lab. The word MarCo within its name explicitly refers to a framework—a shared structure where, through the quadruple helix, innovation and awareness around nature-based solutions are fostered to balance the economy and environmental protection.
Agenda
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
The first day kicks off at MTU Kerry’s new STEM Building with registration, the Opening Ceremony, and a PHAROS project overview. Key sessions include “Waste to Worth” showcasing 3D printing from marine waste, and “Fisher Guardians” on transforming fishing gear.
After a tour of the €20 million facility, we transfer to Maharees to launch the MINKA Living Lab with local conservation volunteers. The day concludes with “Pint of Science” and a Local Seafood Demo, where marine science meets culinary delight.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Day 2 opens with a marine art exhibition and Living Lab video launch, followed by a panel discussion on enhancing the Living Lab. Local schools share their conservation work and seek expert advice. After lunch, the PHAROS Futures networking event connects partners to maximise project impact.
In the afternoon, join an optional visit to Fenit’s native oyster beds—Europe’s last—by Greenway cycle or bus. The day ends with a social dinner and traditional Irish music session. A perfect blend of culture, community, and collaboration.
Thursday, 28 May 2026
The final day takes us to scenic Bantry Bay, County Cork, hosted at the Bantry Marine Research Station. Led by Dr Julie Maguire, we’ll tour the PHAROS demo site featuring an innovative kelp farm cultivating winged and sugar kelp. Learn how this nature-based solution monitors ecosystem restoration alongside a nearby salmon farm.
It’s a hands-on look at cutting-edge aquaculture research in one of Ireland’s most stunning coastal settings—a fitting close to three days of collaboration and discovery.
Link: https://pharosproject.eu/pharos-news/pharos-marcolab-ireland-mega-event-living-lab-in-kerry-cork-26-28-may-2026/