The 21st edition of Maths Week Ireland returns from 10 – 18 October. Maths Week presents an opportunity to showcase how maths is woven into every aspect of our lives. Whether we're cooking, managing our finances, planning our day or making decisions, maths is a key part of how we understand and engage with the world. It is the key to careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine, sport and beyond, and the key to solving the challenges and creating the opportunities of the future.
A wide range of events will take place in schools, universities, libraries, visitor centres, in parks and even on city streets all with the aim of promoting positive attitudes towards maths. Over 500,000 are expected to participate across the Island of Ireland.
SAM, the humanoid robot from Fusion Technologies in Co. Meath, joined the launch of Maths Week 2026 to demonstrate how advanced technology is becoming more accessible and to encourage young people to develop an interest in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. SAM brings to life how Maths supports innovation across areas such as AI, drone technology, robotics and communication.
Maths Week will kick off with Maths in the City in the centre of Dublin on Saturday, October 10th. This free event will bring together Maths presenters from across the island along with leading international educators to offer a whole host of puzzles, games and magic performances for all ages and abilities.
Universities across Ireland will also host activities for visiting primary and secondary schools, and for schools unable to travel, daily MathsWeekTV shows will bring shows into the classroom. Online quizzes and games will connect tens of thousands of pupils with fun activities.
Each year, Maths Week design and develop a suite of fun and educational Maths posters that are sent to every school in the country. In addition to Maths events for schools, the public may encounter Maths Week in other unexpected places with Puzzles in the Park on display in over 20 parks across the island.
Hamilton Day is the focal point of Maths Week as it was on the 16 October 1843 that Ireland’s greatest mathematician William Rowan Hamilton discovered Quaternions while walking along the Royal Canal at Broombridge in Dublin. Quaternions in today’s world have found use in video games and space navigation. The day is becoming known as “Broomsday” and the annual commemorative Hamilton Walk from Dunsink to Broomsbridge attracts visitors from around the world.
On Wednesday, 14th October, the Mathemagician Andrew Jeffrey will perform two sold out shows at the Helix in Dublin. On Tuesday, 13th October 2026 at 7.00pm, the Society of Actuaries in Ireland will host an online webinar introducing Transition Year students to the actuarial profession and the real-world role Maths plays in areas including risk, finance and problem-solving.
The full programme will include school activities, public events, online resources and community initiatives designed to make maths more visible, practical and enjoyable for all.
Maths Week is supported by the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Irish American Partnership, AMD and Ireland State Savings. It is coordinated by Calmast, the STEM Engagement Centre at South East Technological University.
Maths Week has had a lasting impact over the past 21 years with a total engagement of over five million people north and south, helping them see maths as useful, accessible and part of everyday life.
Hildegarde Naughton TD, Minister for Education and Youth commented: "Maths Week plays an important role in challenging stereotypes and fostering positive attitudes towards mathematics. Research consistently shows that confidence and enjoyment in learning are key factors in educational success. The latest PISA results demonstrate the strong performance of Irish students in mathematics, science and reading, reflecting the importance of nurturing curiosity, resilience and problem-solving skills from an early age.
"Now firmly established in school calendars across Ireland, Maths Week provides young people with engaging opportunities to discover how mathematics shapes the world around them. It helps to bring learning beyond the classroom, showing the relevance of maths in everyday life and in the wide range of careers and opportunities it can open up.
"For more than two decades, Maths Week has highlighted the importance of creating positive learning experiences that build confidence and spark curiosity. I commend everyone involved in delivering this year's programme and encouraging young people to embrace mathematics as a skill for life."
James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said:
"As a mathematics graduate myself, I know that maths is about much more than numbers. It is about curiosity, recognising patterns, solving problems and making sense of the world around us.
"Whether it is in technology, science, engineering, business or everyday life, strong mathematical skills open doors and create opportunities. As Ireland continues to grow as a hub for innovation and research, the importance of maths has never been greater.
"Maths Week is a fantastic opportunity to help young people see maths in a different light and to discover how it connects to the world around them. I am particularly delighted to see higher and further education institutions across the country opening their campuses to primary and secondary school students.
"By bringing maths to life through real-world examples, inspiring role models and hands-on activities, they are helping students to see the exciting possibilities that maths can offer, both in education and in future careers.
"I want to thank everyone involved in organising Maths Week and wish it every success as it celebrates its 21st year."
Eoin Gill, Coordinator of Maths Week Ireland said: “What began as an idea over two decades ago has grown into an all-island celebration of maths that reaches schools, families and communities every October.
“Maths Week is now much more than a single week of activity. It is an important platform for encouraging people to build confidence in maths, develop problem-solving skills and see the subject in a new way. Maths is present in countless simple, practical ways in our everyday lives, from budgeting and planning to technology, finance, design, transport and decision-making.
“Maths Week Ireland has also become recognised internationally as a leader in maths promotion. It has inspired the creation of similar initiatives abroad, including Maths Week Scotland, Maths Week England, and last year Mathwyl - Maths Week Wales was established. Next year will see the first Maths Week Australia which reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in maths engagement.”
