Macnas presents Alf, the Giant Newt in Dublin as part of Science Week 2024

TURAS ALF / ALF’S JOURNEY: Alf, a 20m x 5m giant puppet of a Smooth Newt, inspired by the current conversations around climate change and habitat loss, will meander through Dublin, visiting multiple city centre locations this Science Week.

Supported by Research Ireland, Science Week is the annual week-long celebration of science in our daily lives and takes place across Ireland from 10 – 17 November 2024. This year, Science Week will explore the theme of Regeneration.

World-renowned masters of visual storytelling, Macnas, has created Alf the Giant Newt with incorporated lighting, soundtrack and special effects, that will animate the streets of Dublin and delight audiences. Expect Macnas’ signature collaborative creativity, electric energy and joyous abandon as Alf the Giant Newt arrives in the capital city.

Join us in welcoming Alf on his journey through Dublin city centre on Thursday 14 November, accompanied by drummers, stilted beacons and a cohort of fire performers.

This spectacular flaming cavalcade will wend through the city, starting at 19:30 from Capel Street, across the River Liffey via Grattan Bridge, through Parliament Street and onwards to Dublin Castle for 20:30 or, stop by and say hello to Alf at Collins Barracks (12th-13th November, 10am-5pm) as he prepares for his journey.

Alf will be taking a well-earned rest at Dublin Castle after his journey across the city, and welcomes visitors at this historic location from 15th–16th November (10am to 9pm)*.

Alf is a Smooth Newt, the only member of the tailed amphibians found in Ireland. Uniquely, newts have the amazing ability to regenerate their body parts. They can regenerate parts of their tails, jaws, ears, hearts, spines, eyes and brains. A newt can even completely repair damage to its heart! Newts are small but mighty and are masters of regeneration.

Newts are part of a group of ‘indicator species’ – the health of their population serving as quite a good measure of the health of an environment. They can typically be found in habitats that offer protection from desiccation, such as woodlands. The Smooth Newt also depends on healthy, wetland habitats for its life cycle – protecting these habitats are vital.

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alf to Dublin this Science Week. Being a master of Regeneration himself, Alf perfectly encapsulates this year’s theme for Science Week. Regeneration is happening all around us, and Science Week is a chance to explore infinite opportunities for our future, and how the decisions we make today will greatly impact future generations. With hundreds of events taking place nationwide, there is something for everyone – whether you’re passionate about protecting our environment, biodiversity, our future health, or using technology like generative AI in our everyday lives.”

Richard Babington, Creative Director, Turas Alf, said: “Turas Alf / Alf’s journey will see the community of Dublin come together to welcome a weary traveller who is feeling the effects of human development and climate change and needs somewhere safe to call home.”

Science Week 2024 is harnessing the power of regeneration and calling on the public to celebrate our ability to reinvent, rejuvenate and regenerate.

For more information on how to get involved and to see the full list of events, workshops and talks across the country, please visit ScienceWeek.ie. You can also follow developments using the hashtag #scienceweek or #regeneration. Most Science Week events are free to join, but registration may be required.

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