Puzzles in the park – Bringing maths to life in Dublin city’s parks

As part of the nationwide celebrations for Maths Week 2024, ‘Puzzles in the Park’ brings a unique and engaging event to communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

From October 12th to 20th, participants of all ages can enjoy hands-on puzzles and activities designed to inspire a love for maths and problem-solving, all while exploring the beauty of their local parks.

Dublin’s Merrion Square Park and Mountjoy Square Park will be among the key locations hosting ‘Puzzles in the Park’, inviting families, groups, and individuals to engage with fun, maths-based challenges.

These parks will join many others across the country and Northern Ireland in offering this exciting event as part of the larger Maths Week 2024 celebrations.

In addition to Dublin’s city centre parks, Puzzles in the Park will also be available at People’s Park, Bray Commons, Bray, Co. Wicklow; Waterford Nature Park, Kilbarry, Tramore Road, Waterford; Children’s Millennium Park, University Road, Galway; Tralee Town Park, Tralee, Co. Kerry; Fitzgerald Park, Mardyke, Cork; Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny; and Emo Court, Emo, Co. Laois.

In Northern Ireland, participants can explore the puzzles in Brooke Park and St. Columb’s Park, Londonderry, as well as in Botanic Gardens, the Waterworks, Victoria Park, and Falls Park in Belfast.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan, praised the initiative, saying, “Maths Week is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to engage with maths in a fun and interactive way.

“I’m delighted to see our parks being used as spaces for learning and play with ‘Puzzles in the Park’.

“Events like this highlight how maths is not just for the classroom but is part of our everyday lives.

“I encourage everyone to come along, challenge themselves, and enjoy the experience.”

Dr. Sheila Donegan, Co-Founder of Maths Week, added, “Puzzles in the Park is a wonderful way to connect people with maths in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Maths is all around us, and this initiative helps people discover its presence in nature and everyday life.

“We want to make maths engaging and accessible to all, and what better way to do that than through fun and interactive challenges in parks across the country?”