The Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme is thrilled to announce its summer schedule for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) teacher training. Approved by the Department of Education, these engaging, action-packed courses offer primary school educators an exciting opportunity to discover the seashore in entirely new ways while building crucial ocean literacy and outdoor education skills. 

Our flagship program, Exploring the Seashore using Creative Cross-Curricular Learning and Skills Development, is now one of the longest-running marine education programmes for teachers in Ireland. To help educators bring the magic of the marine environment into their classrooms, we offer this program as two distinct courses: an immersive, in-person coastal experience and a flexible, fully online alternative. 

"As we celebrate 20 years of the Explorers Education Programme, it’s wonderful to reflect on where we began," said Patricia Orme, Corporate Services Director at the Marine Institute. "Since its first delivery in Maree National School in 2005, the programme has been rooted in a clear conviction: empowering educators is the most effective way to foster a lifelong connection to the ocean among young people”. 

“We are incredibly proud to see this vital training course continue to grow and inspire teachers. We are now working with eight Explorers outreach team members and five education support centres nationwide—including Galway, Tralee (Kerry), West Cork, and Blackrock (covering Dublin and Wicklow)—as well as offering an online course supported by Mayo Education Centre. Expanding our reach even further this year, the programme is excited to launch new training opportunities in Donegal. 

"Delivering these seashore courses locally ensures we continue to provide teachers with the practical tools they need," Ms Orme added. "This empowers teachers to lead engaging outdoor lessons and highlight our essential connections to the ocean through our marine economy, environment, and heritage.” 

The Explorers Education Programme training courses offer practical ways to bridge the gap between the classroom and the coast. 

"We love showing teachers how the ocean is the perfect topic for inclusive, hands-on learning," said Dr Nóirín Burke, Explorers Education Programme Services Manager. "Teachers consistently tell us these courses are their favourite because we provide fun, practical ways to take learning outside." 

Whether taken in person or online, the training builds teachers' confidence to teach all subjects—from science, geography, maths to literacy—outdoors. Because the Explorers team works year-round with teachers and classes, the training is strongly connected to the curriculum. It provides engaging pre- and post-trip lessons while using nature to foster student well-being, empathy, and environmental citizenship. 

Important Dates 

Locations and Booking Details: 

Booking is managed through the respective regional Education Support Centres. See below to find your nearest location. For more information about the Explorers Education Programme CPD teachers training, please visit the centres or www.explorers.ie (Teachers Training).