Testing the Waters

Testing the Waters is a community-led art and science project responding to local concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, and water quality. The project brings together artists, scientists, and residents of Westport to explore what clean water means through an art installation and talks. The art installation will be present in the Mall from the 16th-24th August.

A series of events will take place throughout National Heritage Week

Saturday 16th of August

Artist's Walk & Talk
Join artist William Bock along the banks of the mall to learn more about the art work, Floatilla, installed in the Mall in the Carrowbeg river. William will speak about the artwork and how it came to fruition. Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:00 - 13:00 at Westport Library, Westport, Ireland

Hear From Other Community Groups Taking Action on Water Issues in Your Area
Join us for a panel discussion to hear how Westport Tidy Towns, Climate Action Louisburg and representatives from the Local Authority waters programme are working in the /mayo region to preserve and restore water ways. Our panellists will speak about the importance of community activism and how research and local agencies can help support community interventions
Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:00 - 14:00 at Carrowbeg House

Testing the Waters Launch
Join us to celebrate the launch of Floatilla, and artwork created by Willliam Bock as part of the Research Ireland Discover Funded project Testing the Waters.
Sat, 16 Aug 2025 14:00 - 15:00
at Carrowbeg House

Citizen Science Water Testing
Join us on a field trip to examine water quality in the Carrowbeg River.
Sat, 16 Aug 2025 15:00 - 16:00
Carrowbeg House


Saturday 23rd of August

How We Can Support Our Heritage in the Face of Climate Change?
Hear from the Head of Climate Change in the Heritage Council, Catherine Casey, on how they are protecting our heritage in the face of climate change.
Sat 23 Aug 2025 10:30 - 11:30 Seán Staunton Room, Town Hall. Westport, Ireland

How History Shaped Testing the Waters
Join this panel discussion to hear from historian Prof. Finola O’Kane Crimmins on how Westport Town’s architecture has been shaped by its historic industries, including an historic link to the Caribbean. Finola will then be join by artist William bock to discuss how this history has informed the artwork created through Research Ireland Discover funded project Testing the Waters.
Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:00-13:00
Seán Staunton Room, Town Hall. Westport, Ireland

Artist’s Walk & Talk
Join artist William Bock to learn more about the art work, Floatilla, installed in the Mall in the Carrowbeg river. William will speak about the artwork and how it came to fruition through the Research Ireland Discover funded Testing the Waters.
Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:15- 14:00
Westport Library, Westport, Ireland

Testing the Waters Closing Event: How Will We Move Forward?
Join us for a drop-in session where we invite you to share your thoughts and ideas. This is an open opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and discuss how we can move forward together. Let’s shape the future of community action and environmental care — we’d love to hear your perspective!
Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:00-16:00
Seán Staunton Room, Town Hall. Westport, Ireland



This project was developed in response to a direct request from the local community to take meaningful, creative action on local environmental issues.

Testing the Waters is funded by the Research Ireland Discover Programme. For full details see website https://climatecocentre.org/engagement/testing-the-waters/

Please book for sessions on the booking link below.