Led by broadcaster Áine Kerr and STEM influencer Caoimhe Ní Mhuircheartaigh, each session explored how Irish weather systems directly influence renewable electricity generation and how students can connect classroom learning to real-world energy use.
Students across Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Tralee recently took part in the ESB Networks Weather Watch Roadshows, a nationwide initiative designed to bring Ireland’s electricity network to life through the lens of weather and renewable electricity.
Tailored for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students, the Roadshows offered a dynamic mix of live demonstrations, myth-busting challenges, and open discussion. Led by broadcaster Áine Kerr and STEM influencer Caoimhe Ní Mhuircheartaigh, each session explored how Irish weather systems directly influence renewable electricity generation and how students can connect classroom learning to real-world energy use.
One of the standout moments of the Weather Watch Roadshow was the high-energy School Swap challenge. Students were handed real-time weather station data collected from other participating schools and asked to play detective; analysing temperature, wind, and rainfall patterns to pinpoint which region and school the data came from. The challenge sparked friendly competition, sharp thinking, and plenty of animated debate, all while deepening students’ understanding of how local weather conditions shape renewable electricity generation across Ireland.
Participating schools included:
- Kingswood Community College, Dublin
- Clarin College, Galway
- Hazelwood College, Limerick
- Presentation Secondary School, Kerry
Aisling Walsh, Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks, reflected on the impact of the initiative:
“We are delighted to bring the ESB Networks Weather Watch School Roadshow to students in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Tralee and to see their enthusiasm in understanding how Ireland’s weather shapes our renewable electricity system. By combining expert insight with an engaging and interactive format, we are helping to build the everyday awareness needed to support Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable electric future.”
The Weather Watch School Roadshow builds on the success of the broader ESB Networks Weather Watch Schools Programme, which reached 180 schools this year. It forms part of the “Is This a Good Time?” campaign, encouraging more mindful electricity use and greater awareness of how daily choices impact the national electricity network.
By combining scientific expertise with focused engagement, the initiative aims to foster informed, energy-conscious behaviours among students and extend those conversations into homes and communities.
The 2026 Weather Watch Roadshow has now concluded, having delivered a memorable and impactful experience to schools across Ireland. Stay tuned to ESB Networks’ Instagram to catch behind-the-scenes moments from the roadshow and find out which schools triumphed in the School Swap challenge. There’s plenty more to come as we continue to build awareness of Ireland’s electricity network and the role weather plays in shaping our energy future.
