Chemistry and the Celts - A Family Show with Scientific Sue

As part of Science Week 2025 and the Limerick Festival of Science, join Scientific Sue, the wise druid, in a chemistry-focused, family-friendly Celtic adventure where volunteers become part of the show!

Together, you’ll smelt iron from ore, craft a shimmering Celtic coin, and explore the secrets of colourful warrior dyes. Get hands-on with ancient soap-making before the grand finale — a spectacular grain-store explosion that will shake the skies!

Step into the Iron Age

Join Scientific Sue on a historical and scientific journey of discovery! Step into the Iron Age and embark on an exhilarating adventure through science, history, and legend with Scientific Sue’s “The Chemistry & the Celts Show.”

This dynamic, hands-on show will transport audiences to a time when druids, warriors, and ancient chemists shaped the world around them using the power of nature and alchemy.

The Show

Dressed as a wise druid, Scientific Sue will lead the audience through a series of spectacular experiments, unveiling the secrets of Celtic ingenuity:

• Forging the Warrior’s Weapons

Witness the dramatic extraction of iron from ore and discover how the Celts used redox reactions to transform raw metal into essential tools, weapons, and treasured coins. One brave volunteer will even cast their very own Celtic coin!

• Preparing for Battle

Meet Aidan, our fierce Celtic warrior, as we paint his face using authentic designs inspired by ancient coins. Warriors didn’t just fight in drab tunics — sometimes they didn’t wear anything at all! Volunteers will help dye cloth using natural pigments, ensuring Aidan is a truly colourful warrior.

• Healing the Wounded

The battle is won, but Aidan returns with injuries. Using plants, honey, and the power of (slightly smelly!) ancient medicine, we’ll explore how the Celts treated wounds, administered pain relief, and kept their warriors fighting fit.

• The Celtic Spa Experience

War is dirty work! Female warriors were just as fierce as their male counterparts, but after battle, a little pampering is in order. Using chemistry and a touch of magic, we’ll create colour-changing bath bombs fit for a Celtic spa.

• Victory and Celebration!

The raiding party was a success! With grain, cattle, and jewellery now in their possession, the whole village prepares for a grand celebration. Faces are painted, and the bonfire is lit. But as flames dance in the night, disaster strikes — a stray ember drifts into the grain store… BOOM! What happens when chemistry and catastrophe collide?

• Appeasing the Gods

The gods are furious! Have the Celts’ greed angered them? Offerings must be made to restore balance.
All of Scientific Sue’s trainee druids will stand before the audience with everything they’ve created during the show, and together, the crowd will decide how to appease the ancient spirits.

Event Details

• Venue: Friars Gate Theatre, Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, V35 VY92
• Date: 22nd November 2026
• Show Times: 11:00 AM | 2:30 PM | 4:00 PM (Each show lasts one hour)

Perfect for children, parents, and families, this interactive show combines the excitement of science with the magic of Celtic history — sparking curiosity and imagination for all ages.

Join the Adventure!

Don’t miss this unforgettable Science Week 2026 event as part of the Limerick Festival of Science.

Book Your Place Here

For any further information, please contact Rhiannon Laubach – [email protected] | 087 1940608