Things get curiouser and curiouser at Dublin science festival

The Festival of Curiosity is back in Dublin at the end of this month, and it promises to stoke and satisfy curious minds of all ages. This is its second year, and the festival of science and culture will host events including talks, guided walks, performances, discussions and plenty else to explore.

Key events include Curious Science with theoretical physicist and comedian Dara O Briain and guests at Dublin's Mansion House; Under the Ocean with National Geographic explorer Tierney Thys; and Curious Futures, where broadcaster Jonathan McCrea and guests will explore what life could be like years from now. If you fancy meeting a Nobel laureate, Prof Bruce Beutler, who won a prize in 2011 for physiology or medicine, will talk about science and inspiration with Trinity College immunologist Prof Luke O'Neill.

There will also be a pop-up cinema at the National Botanic Gardens; science-inspired treasure hunts around Dublin; a "carnival of curiosity" for kids of all ages; and Dublin Maker in Trinity will celebrate the maker movement (technology-based DIY).

Scientist turned performer Niamh Shaw and Science Gallery astrophysicist Joe Roche will each talk about their interest in going to space (Roche is shortlisted for a one-way trip to Mars). If you plan on keeping your feet on the ground, Ingenious Ireland walking tours and the documentary You Are Here will give you new perspectives on Dublin.

Outside Dublin, Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork is running space-themed events, including a star-gazing bicycle tour.

The Festival of Curiosity runs July 24-27, festivalofcuriosity.ie