Irish Ocean Literacy Network CLG

The Irish Ocean Literacy Network Company Limited by Guarantee (IOLN) is a national, not‑for‑profit network that brings together educators, researchers, artists, community groups and policy‑makers who share a passion for Ireland’s seas and oceans. Since its informal launch in 2016, IOLN has become the hub for ocean‑literacy initiatives across the island, championing the cultural, historical and ecological ties that bind Irish communities to the marine environment.

IOLN’s core activities centre on delivering engaging public programmes – from Heritage Week webinars that explore maritime heritage, to hands‑on events such as the Shifting Tides day in Omeath, Co. Louth, and regional members’ meetings in places like Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford. The network also runs specialised projects, including the EU‑funded BlueLightS programme for schools, the “Waves of Change” artist‑in‑residence at Watershed Studio, and a Regional Action and Activism Working Group that gathers data on grassroots marine advocacy. All events are designed to build ocean awareness, inspire community‑driven advocacy and foster collaborative research.

Operating from a national base with regular gatherings in Dublin (e.g., the Discovery and Learning Building at Dublin Zoo) and across the coastal counties, IOLN serves anyone with an interest in marine stewardship – from