Located on Blackglen Road in Sandyford, Explorium is Ireland’s National Science Centre and one of Dublin’s largest interactive family attractions. Combining science, technology, sport and adventure, the centre is designed to encourage visitors to experiment, explore and learn through hands-on experiences rather than traditional museum-style displays.

Explorium is divided into several separately ticketed areas, allowing visitors to choose experiences according to the ages and interests of their group. Younger children have their own dedicated Junior Explorium, while older children, teenagers and adults can explore the main Science Experience or book individual climbing, virtual reality and augmented-reality activities.

Junior Explorium – Ages 2–7

Junior Explorium is a colourful discovery and play area created especially for younger children. The experience combines learning with active play, giving children opportunities to climb, build, experiment, create and explore in an environment designed specifically for their age group.

The attraction includes interactive indoor and outdoor play areas, creative activities and simple science experiments. Junior Town adds another imaginative element, encouraging children to learn through role play and exploration. Young visitors can become little scientists, builders, artists, performers and adventurers as they move through the different areas.

Junior Explorium operates in timed sessions, giving families plenty of opportunity to explore the different activities while helping to manage visitor numbers. Advance booking is recommended, particularly at weekends and during school holidays.

Science Experience – Recommended Ages 8+

The main Science Experience is the largest part of Explorium and features more than 250 interactive STEAM-based exhibits covering science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Rather than simply viewing displays, visitors are encouraged to take part. Exhibits allow you to test your reactions, investigate how the human body works, experiment with light, sound and energy, explore robotics and discover the science behind sport and movement.

The Maker’s Lab provides opportunities to build, test and experiment, while sports-science challenges allow visitors to put their own abilities to the test. Among the centre’s best-known attractions is the Tesla Lightning Show, where dramatic electrical demonstrations help explain the science of electricity and energy.

Adults can get involved too, with a wide variety of exhibits and challenges designed to appeal to older visitors as well as children. The Science Experience can easily form the main part of a visit to Explorium.

Primal Ranch AR Experience – Ages 8+

Primal Ranch combines physical surroundings with augmented-reality technology to create an interactive dinosaur adventure.

Rather than simply watching dinosaurs on a screen, participants enter an AR environment in which digital creatures appear within the space around them. Visitors can interact with life-sized dinosaurs, learning to tame and train their prehistoric companions before putting their skills to the test.

The technology combines gaming with immersive visual effects, making Primal Ranch particularly appealing to children and teenagers who enjoy dinosaurs, technology and interactive games.

Sessions are booked separately and places may be limited, making advance booking advisable.

Virtual Reality Experience – Ages 8+

Explorium’s Virtual Reality Experience transports visitors into a selection of computer-generated worlds using specialist VR headsets and equipment.

Experiences can include high-speed racing, virtual rollercoasters, 360-degree adventures and interactive games. As the equipment responds to the participant’s movements, it creates the sensation of actually being inside the virtual environment.

The attraction is particularly suited to older children, teenagers and adults and offers a very different experience from the hands-on science exhibits elsewhere in the centre.

VR experiences operate as timed sessions and participants should arrive in sufficient time for check-in, equipment preparation and any necessary safety instructions.

Urban Climb

Urban Climb offers an introduction to indoor climbing through a collection of colourful climbing walls and challenges.

Participants are secured using specialist climbing equipment and can attempt different routes according to their confidence and ability. The emphasis is as much on problem-solving and determination as physical strength, with climbers working out the best route to reach the top of each wall.

It is a good option for visitors looking to add a more active element to their day at Explorium and can provide an introduction to climbing before attempting some of the centre’s more challenging activities.

Height and weight restrictions apply, and each session includes equipment preparation and safety instructions.

Conquer Your Fears – Ages 10+

Conquer Your Fears takes Explorium’s climbing experience to another level and is aimed at older children, teenagers and adults who are ready for a bigger challenge.

The experience combines several high-energy activities designed to test courage, coordination and confidence. Challenges may include climbing walls, trapeze-style jumps and elevated obstacles where participants can put both their nerve and physical ability to the test.

Visitors are safely attached to specialist equipment while Explorium staff provide instructions and supervision throughout the experience. A safety briefing and preparation period form part of each session.

Age, height and weight restrictions apply, and advance booking is advisable as the number of participants in each session is limited.

Sensory Room – All Ages

Explorium also provides a dedicated Sensory Room for visitors who may benefit from taking some time away from the busier areas of the centre.

The room offers a quieter, calming environment with adjustable lighting and specialist sensory equipment. It can be particularly useful for visitors with additional sensory needs or anyone who simply needs a peaceful break during their visit.

Explorium is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, with accessible facilities and parking available on site.

Prices:

Junior Explorium, the Science Experience and Explorium’s additional activities are generally booked separately, allowing visitors to build a day around the experiences that best suit their group.

Ticket prices vary according to the attraction, age of the visitor and type of booking, with family or group rates available for selected experiences. Some facilities, including the Sensory Room, may be available without an additional admission charge but can require advance reservation.

As prices, session times and ticket packages can change throughout the year, visitors should check the official Explorium website for current admission prices and availability before travelling.

Opening Hours:

Monday through Sunday, with specific hours varying slightly by attraction area.

Address:

Blackglen Rd,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18,
D18 N1F2

Explorium is located a 25 minute drive from the Castle Hotel.
Public transport can also be taken, our front desk staff will be able to guide you on these.